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.

A Good Walk Spoiled...

When you hear the words “Daytona Beach” what immediately comes to mind? NASCAR and the Daytona 500? Motorcycles and bike weeks? World class beaches? (In)famous spring breaks? How about this: world class golf courses.

Along with our sister resort Daytona Seabreeze, we here at Casa Del Mar will begin to offer our owners and guests fantastic savings to take advantage of two of the finest golf courses around, the Legends (an Arthur Hills designed 6,984 yard challenge) and Champions (A Rees Jones 7,088 yard links-style course) at LPGA International. With discounts up to 60% off the published greens fees at LPGA International, our resort guests can experience a first-class package that includes greens fees and golf cart, a valet bag attendant and receive discounts for the onsite Pro Shop and restaurant.

So if you would rather be on the green than in the sand, if you’re more comfortable in spikes than in sandals, or you would rather wear plaid knickers over tropical trunks, make your next vacation a Casa Del Mar or Daytona Seabreeze experience and go out and hit the links.

And the Thunder Rolls....

Choppers, cycles, steel-horses, hogs, bikes, motorcycles. Whatever you call them, if you're an enthusiast, you're here at Bike Week. The legendary meeting spot for all things motorcycles is taking place right now in Casa Del Mar's backyard.

A tour of our underground garage, which during this time doubles as a museum-quality exhibition, would even make the most hardened of all riders as giddy as a school girl.

Perhaps just as colorful as these bikes are their riders. Gentlemen (and ladies) garbed in the black leather that has become synonymous with the terms rebel, outlaw, biker. However look underneath these layers of rawhide and you might find a lawyer, doctor, accountant; perhaps that fellow owner you shared a laugh with last year in Myrtle Beach.

But that true motorcycle purist, that character from Easy Rider or The Wild One, the person who has devoted his life to the pursuit of the perfect ride, he is the one you should meet. He is the stuff of legends and stories; some of which he will be more than happy to share. Tales that roll off his tongue as smoothly as a sip of bourbon. Tales that get just a bit taller with each telling.

Enjoy the sounds of rolling thunder, the sounds of raucous laughter, the sounds of friendly banter. After this week, for better or for worse, the area becomes a lot more quiet.