Casa Del Mar's Burger Champ

Labor Day.

Originally created to celebrate America's working class, it has evolved into the culmination of all things Summer. Not the least of which is the Summer barbecue.  That time honored tradition of grilling meat, fish and vegetables over an open fire (a huge "thank you" to Prometheus).  And what better symbolizes, nay epitomizes, that tradition than the All-American Hamburger; the perfect combination of grilled meat, bread and cheese.

In honor of Labor Day and the Hamburger, Casa Del Mar hosted its 1st annual Casa Del Mar Burger Cook-Off this past Sunday, September 5th.  The challengers were a valiant group of cooks undeterred by the inaugural challenge and represented the vast demographics that are Casa Del Mar owners and guests.

Competitor Erin grilling her "Deca-burger"

Each grill-master possessed the grit and fortitude saved only for professional linebackers on football afternoons as they perfectly grilled their creations.  Running the gamut from traditional to unique toppings and ingredients included bacon, cole slaw, blue cheese, bacon, tortilla strips, bacon and (this author's favorite) a fried egg.

Egg on a Burger!  Now we're really gilding the lily!

With a keen eye on creativity, presentation, "burger-ness" and taste, our panel of esteemed judges valiantly scored each burger presented.

Judges Jorge, Matt and Amy

But in the end, there can be only one.  With her "KC Masterpiece" (a thoroughly satisfying strata of angus beef, grilled onions and crispy tortilla strips to which one judge gave the only perfect score of the day) Casie Hill was crowned the 1st annual Casa Del Mar Burger Cook-Off champ.  In second place, Skyler Anderson's "Rock Steady" with Jim Haven's "J&J Burger" deemed worthy of third.

L to R:  Jim Haven, Champion Casie Hill, Skyler Anderson

The Summer may be coming to an end, the children may be going back to school, the white shoes may be returning to the closet.  But the pursuit of the perfect burger shall continue... at least until next year.  See you all for the 2nd Annual Cook-Off, Labor Day Sunday 2011.