7 Mouthwatering Moments from Burger Bash 2014

What’s better than a giant beach party all about burgers?

Nothing.

Recently, Rachael returned to the South Beach Food and Wine Festival to host her eighth annual Amstel Light Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats. In case you didn’t know, Rach is a bit of a burger fan (she wrote “The Book of Burger,” after all!) and this is one of her favorite events to visit.

At The Bash, thousands of people gather on the beach behind the Ritz-Carlton South Beach hotel to dine on the best burgers from around the country (and some tasty side dishes). This year, 31 of the top minds in burger wizardry came together to throw down for bragging rights.

Here’s a rundown of what happened – and who won!

Get Your Grill On!

Photo courtesy of Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Food Network SoBe Wine & Food Festival

Cooks prep burgers to be featured in this year’s Amstel Light Burger Bash. Make one for us!

The People’s Choice

Photo Courtesy of Gustavo Caballero / Getty Images for Food Network SoBe Wine & Food Festival

This award was by the people and for the people. Attendees used voting tokens to weigh-in on their favorites. Michael Symon of B Spot Burgers in Cleveland took home his fourth win in this category. His Fat Doug Burger was topped with coleslaw, pastrami, Castello aged Havarti cheese, and Stadium Mustard. Wow.

Beach Party

Photo courtesy of Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Food Network SoBe Wine & Food Festival

Attendees gathered for hours of burger tasting and fun on the beach behind the Ritz-Carlton South Beach Hotel.

“Best of the Bash” Winner

Photo courtesy of Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Food Network SoBe Wine & Food Festival

Judges handed out this prize, which not only came with a big check, but the chance for the winning burger to be featured on Red Robin’s menu. Chef Brad Halsten of The Burger Dive in Billings, Mont., showcased his “Blackened Sabbath Burger.” Blackened spice with bacon, a beer-battered onion ring, garlic basil mayo, goat cheese, and arugula with Sriracha put this one on top.

Who Needs Buns?

Photo courtesy of Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Food Network SoBe Wine & Food Festival

Rach and Chef Keizo Shimamoto of Ramen Burger hang out at Burger Bash. He’s famous for ditching buns and wrapping his amazing burgers in ramen noodles instead!

 Burger Bash Champion: Shake Shack

Courtesy of Shake Shack via Facebook

This special edition of Shake Shack‘s “Burgermeister” featured an all-natural Angus beef cheeseburger topped with crispy beer-marinated shallots and their special “ShackSauce.”

Did You Say Dessert?

Photo courtesy of Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Food Network SoBe Wine & Food Festival

Amazing sides and desserts were also featured at Burger Bash 2014. There were a few sweets to be found as well!

Hungry? Make some of Rach’s latest burgers:

Bacon Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola

Turkey Paprikash Burgers on Pretzel Rolls

Brunch Burgers

Jose’s Chimichurri Burgers

[Top image courtesy of Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Food Network SoBe Wine & Food Festival]