An ultimate burger competition is back for its third year of challenging Birmingham restaurants to create an exclusive burger.
The BirminghamBURGER competition runs Oct. 1-31 with more than a dozen Birmingham restaurants participating.
Restaurants and chefs are each creating and delivering a one-of-a-kind burger for the showdown, in which diners determine which will be crowned "Birmingham’s Best Burger." Each participating restaurant has an exclusive, limited-time burger offering available through Oct. 31. Burger options include beefy favorites, vegetarian and seafood options.
When diners order the exclusive competition burger, they can rate the burger based on presentation,
creativity and taste. Diners can order and rate a burger as often as they like. Burger prices start at $14 and vary by restaurant.
“BirminghamBURGER gives people a reason to get out, visit their favorite restaurants, try something new and have a little fun with food,” said Fernando Mercado, executive chef at Terra Kitchen and Cocktails, in a news release. “We hope visitors will support Birmingham’s restaurants and enjoy everything that makes this community such a great place to dine.”
More than a dozen restaurants are participating, including Adachi, Besos, Birmingham Pub, Casa Pernoi, e Fiori Ristorante, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Hazel’s and Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro. This event is from the Birmingham Shopping District.
“We’re excited to see BirminghamBURGER return for its third year, with the excitement continuing to build each year. With new participating restaurants and creative burger combinations, it’s an event our community looks forward to every October,” said Erika Bassett, Birmingham Shopping District executive director.
Once the ratings are in, a people’s choice and judges’ choice trophy will be awarded, along with the title of "Birmingham’s Best Burger."
For participating restaurants and their burgers, go to downtownbirmingham.com/burger.
Celebrated chefs gather for a cause
Several of Michigan’s recognized chefs are collaborating on a special dinner to benefit others in the industry.
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, a handful of chefs, including James Beard Award nominees, will come together at Miss Kim in Ann Arbor for the dinner that benefits the Southern Smoke Foundation. A national nonprofit, the foundation supports food and beverage industry workers through “emergency relief funding, mental health resources and crisis assistance.”
Hosted by chef Ji Hye Kim, owner of Miss Kim and a Food & Wine Best New Chef and five-time James Beard Award semifinalist, the evening brings together chefs from Ann Arbor and across metro Detroit.
Here are the chefs participating:
- Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, co-owners of Detroit’s Baobab Fare and James Beard Award finalists
- Rohani Foulkes, co-founder of Folk, Detroit
- Ederique Goudia, founder of In the Business of Food
- Joe VanWagner, executive chef and partner of Ann Arbor’s Echelon Kitchen + Bar and Huna
- Bob Bennett, executive chef of Zingerman’s Roadhouse and a board member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and The Good Meat Project
- Michigan-based butcher Marrow Detroit Provisions is supporting the dinner by providing sustainably sourced meat for the evening.
The dinner starts at 7 p.m. at Miss Kim, 415 N. Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor. Tickets are $145 per person, prepaid with a $30 optional drink pairing. Reservations are through OpenTable.
Mabel Gray earns Champagne distinction
If you’ve enjoyed Champagne at Hazel Park’s Mabel Gray, you know that it's tops.
On Sept. 23, the Bureau du Champagne, USA, announced its fifth annual list of the Top 10 Bars and Restaurants across the United States noted as places with a passion for enjoying Champagne. While five of the 10 places are in California, Hazel Park’s acclaimed Mabel Gray restaurant, owned by chef James Rigato, made the list.
“Selected restaurants and bars exceed expectations by offering diverse Champagne selections from a wide range of producers, showcasing them on their menus, and serving them with style and expertise,” the organization said in a news release.
The organization notes Mabel Gray has extensive bottle and by the glass Champagne offerings, since its 2015 opening.
“Its Champagne Society, tastings and educational events make the intimate Michigan restaurant a destination for Champagne lovers,” the organization said.
A few quick bites …
Ronin Sushi in Royal Oak, in a Facebook post, announced Saturday and Sunday brunch is starting. Brunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sundays beginning Oct. 3. Ronin Sushi is at 326 W. 4th St, Royal Oak.
Edo Ramen, an Asian-fusion noodle spot in Royal Oak, has shuttered. The restaurant was nearing its 10th anniversary but cited factors including the end of its lease and costly building repairs. Owners also spoke of tough times in the restaurant business and the economy.
Cider in the City is coming up, bringing the cider mill experience to downtown Detroit. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at Beacon Park you can enjoy cider and doughnuts from Blake’s Farm, free horse-drawn hayrides, live music and football games on a large LED screen. There’s also family fall activities. For a dining experience, Lumen restaurant overlooking Beacon Park has a seasonal craft cocktail and dinner menu curated for Cider in the City. Food trucks will also be on site.
Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @SusanMariecooks. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for insider scoops on food and dining in metro Detroit.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Who makes Birmingham's best burger? October is the month to find out
