2012 Blue Moon Burger Bash: Rachael Ray and Some Big-Name Winners
The New York City Wine & Food Festival’s annual Blue Moon Burger Bash went down Friday night near South Street Seaport, hosted this year by Rachael Ray. Chilly weather didn’t deter the meat-hungry hordes, who dug into some familiar and new creations, and lots of enticing sides. Bobby Flay’s Bobby’s Burger Palace served a “Napa Valley” version with goat cheese and watercress, and when we chatted with partner Laurence Kretchmer, he hinted that he’s looking at NYC locations but hasn’t found the perfect one yet. Among the more unusual offerings were Sons of Essex’s bacon-crusted patty, served with truffled macaroni and cheese; and Seamus Mullen of Tertulia’s Hamburguesa Ligeramente Ahumada (lightly smoked burger), a repeat from his win at this summer’s Superburger, which the chef really nailed Friday night.
However, the ultimate victor, as chosen by the crowd, was the Bash Burger with caramelized onion and bacon jam, shaved pickles, secret sauce, and American cheese made by Josh Capon of cleansing fame Burger & Barrel, who rung in his third People’s Choice win. And judges Anne Burrell, David Burke, Andrew Zimmern, and Adam Richman selected Michael White’s White Label Burger for the Burgermeister Award from event sponser Pat La Frieda. See these burgers and more straight ahead in our slideshow.