Sara Stadem | Editor
The 4th Annual Hartford Area Burger Battle Challenge is underway and we have the inside dish on some of the burgers and how the challenge came to be in the community.
Hartford Chamber of Commerce member Stacy Wengler explained the Burger Battle started because the Chamber wanted to help promote and draw attention to the local restaurants during a traditionally slow time of the year with a friendly competition.
The six contestants include:
BIG J’s ROADHOUSE
@bigjsroadhouse
Fireman Burger
Buffalo Ridge Brewing
@buffaloridgebrewingproject
BRB Southwest Queso Burger
The Dugout Sports Bar and Grill
@dugoutssportsbargrill
Dugout
The GOAT
@thegoatbarandgrill
Nacho Burger
Hartford Steak Co. Tavern
@hartfordsteakcotavern
Bucking Bronco Burger
Main Street Humboldt Bar
@MainStreetHumboldtBar
Sweet Chili Burger
This week, we take a look at the burgers at Buffalo Ridge Brewing and The GOAT.
Buffalo Ridge Brewing (BRB) is partnering with Creekside Meats for their burger patties and fresh-made buns to create the BRB Southwest Queso Burger, according to BRB owner Rick Warkenthien.
Warkenthien explained the BRB Southwest Queso Burger includes a toasted bun made fresh daily by Creekside Meats, layered with fresh avocado, a double-grind 1/3 pound all beef patty which is also from Creekside Meats, a crispy tostada, smoked queso and topped with Pico de Gallo. “The burger is served with fresh smoked salsa and chips and the option to add a second burger patty!” Warkenthien said.
When asked how the burger came to be, Warkenthien said the idea was concocted while Ryan, of The Smoked Culture, was at work one day. “Later that evening he made the burger come to life,” Warkenthien said. He continued, “It’s a riff on the “normal” toppings. Cheese, tomato and onion but with a unique twist. Then throw in a tostada for crunch and avocado for some creaminess.”
The partnership with Creekside Meats is working great, according to Warkenthien. BRB is able to pick up the fresh homemade buns and custom double-grind patties each day with all of the burgers being cooked fresh and constructed at BRB.
What makes this burger unique? “The flavor of the beef, the quality of the bun and all of the fresh toppings,” Warkenthien said. He continued, “To take our burgers to the next level, we added a hefty amount of mouthwatering queso, a tostada for crunch and fresh Pico.”
The burger will be offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday while supplies last, Warkenthien explained. He concluded, “We have 18 of our delicious craft beers on tap to pair with your burger!”
The GOAT will be featuring the Nacho Burger, according to owner Dawn Schoenfelder, which was created by one of the cooks, Justin. Schoenfelder explained, “This burger is taco seasoned hamburger, layered with all of your favorites you would find on nachos! It’s a little messy, but OH SO GOOD!”
What makes this burger unique? “Nachos are one of our big sellers so to put it on a burger seemed like a great idea!” Schoenfelder said.
The Burger Battle continues throughout the month of January and according to Wengler, one can vote each time they actually order the burger. “So, if you go three times to the same place, yes, you are entitled to a vote each time,” Wengler said.
Remember when trying out the competition, take a photo of the burger, post it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and include #HartfordBurgerBattle to be eligible for a weekly drawing of $25 Hartford Bucks.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we continue to feature the burgers in the battle.