Beard Burger Bash a Success

The snow and cold did not keep 100 hungry burger lovers away from the first ever "Beard Burger Bash", a burger party hosted by the James Beard Foundation that included guest speeches from myself and the 'other' burger mind Josh Ozersky. Harry Hawk cranked out almost 500 burgers in various sizes representing regional favorites from around the country. The burgers featured at the party included the Southern Pimento Cheeseburger, the Oklahoma Onion-Fried Burger, the New Mexican Green Chile Cheeseburger, and the local favorite Motz Burger (with Schnack sauce). 

Harry and a huge team of volunteers ground the beef in full view of party guests and cooked all of the burgers on a flattop griddle. Plates of burgers were dispatched by servers who were immediately attacked at the kitchen door and sent back for more (I actually heard one of the servers exclaim 'Mama Mia!' as she made her way back to the kitchen for more.) Eventually the crowd was sated but just about every burger made was consumed. Josh and I signed a few books (photo by Laurie Pila Horowitz), answered questions, and had a great time.

Thanks to JBF for hosting an event that celebrated the hamburger. Thanks also to all that attended and sorry to those who could not get into this sold-out event. Josh and I are already planning the next big burger party...