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2019 SOBEWFF® Recap

February 28, 2019
16 min. read

This past weekend, Martin’s had the pleasure of sponsoring the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®) in Miami, FL. The five-day festival, which occurs annually, includes various tasting events and parties hosted by celebrity chefs and popular TV personalities. You can learn more about the festival at: https://sobewff.org or on Facebook and Twitter @SOBEWFF, or on Instagram @SOBEWFFEST.

As a sponsor of several of the tasting events, we were able to donate product to be used by various chefs and restaurants. We sent along a few representatives from Martin’s to scope out the events and try out some of the delicious creations on Martin’s Potato Rolls.

One of the most popular events each year is the Heineken Light Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons, where chefs and restaurants compete for best burger in three categories: Heineken Light People’s Choice, The Schweid & Sons Very Best Burger Award as chosen by a panel of judges, and Red Robin’s “Best of the Bash” Award. (For a full recap, see https://www.miaminewtimes.com/restaurants/sobewff-2019-burger-bash-and-art-of-tiki-recap-and-photos-11095186).

 

SOBEWFF® Burger Bash®

Here’s a recap of this year’s Heineken Light Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons® hosted by David Burtka & Neil Patrick Harris, which took place Friday, February 22; 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM.

Burger Bash Header

Burger Bash® Winners:

Congratulations to all three winners! We’re especially excited that two of the winners (LT Steak and Seafood, and Avec) are fans of ours and the chefs tell us that they use us when they can.

Heineken Light People’s Choice Award: Pincho
Heineken Light People's Choice Award

Schweid & Sons “Very Best Burger” (Judges’ Choice) Award: LT Steak & Seafood
Schweid and Sons "The Very Best Burger" Award

Red Robin’s “Best of the Bash” Burger: Avec
Red Robin’s “Best of the Bash” Burger

//Bonus: There was also an award given for “Best Supporting Side,” as selected by the hosts David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris, which was awarded to Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox for their Cauliflower Tots!

Out of the 36 competing restaurants, nearly two-thirds made their burgers on some type of Martin’s Potato Roll! Take a virtual tour through those 20 mouthwatering creations, below!

 

1. Avec – Chicago, IL {Winner of Red Robin’s “Best of the Bash” Burger!}

Avec is a James Beard award-winning restaurant “featuring Midwestern takes on Mediterranean classics, taking its cue from the sun-drenched wine regions of Southern Europe.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - avec

Featured Burger: Raclette Burger – Raclette Cheese, Grilled Steak, Bread & Butter Pickles and Special Sauce on a Martin’s Potato Roll.

Featured Side: Fried Cauliflower with Spiced Lemon Honey

Participating Chefs: Paul Kahan, Executive Chef/Partner: One Off Hospitality Group (@paulkahan, bio); and Perry Hendrix, Chef de Cuisine: avec, One Off Hospitality Group (@perryhendrix, bio)

Website: http://avecrestaurant.com

Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Check out the other restaurant concepts from One Off Hospitality Group here: https://www.oneoffhospitality.com!

 

2. Babe’s Meat & Counter – Miami, FL

Traditional butcher shop mixed with sandwich counter selling meats and other gourmet items; opened in April 2018. “Beginning at local farmer’s markets, Melanie and Jason Schoendorfer built a steady following for years leading to the opening of their brick and mortar location, Babe’s Meat & Counter in the Spring of 2018.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Babe's Meat & Counter

Featured Burger: Babe’s Burger – Burger, Boom Boom Sauce, Bread & Butter Curry Pickles, American Cheese on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Farm Slaw – Seasonal Veggie Slaw

Participating Chefs: Melanie & Jason Schoendorfer; Owners, Babe’s Meat & Counter (bio)

Website: http://babefroman.com

Social Media: Twitter | Instagram

 

3. Barley – Miami, FL

A unique blend of classic Spanish with contemporary American flare, “Barley is a neighborhood chef and ingredient-driven contemporary American kitchen and whiskey bar located in Miami’s up and coming Downtown Dadeland offering their signature style of comfort food with Latin American influences.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Barley

Featured Burger: Agrodolce Burger – Bacon and Red Cabbage Agrodolce, Cheese, Pastrami Spiced Burger, Pickles and Mustard Aioli on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Warm Loaded Potato Salad: Crispy Pastrami, Cheese, Pickled Onions and Special Sauce

Participating Chefs: Jorgie Ramos; Chef-Owner of Barley and Abí María  (@Jorgieramosofficial, bio)

Website: https://barleymia.com

Facebook: /BarleyMia

//BONUS: Barley was the winner of Red Robin’s “Best of the Bash” Burger at SOBEWFF in 2018! (You can see a picture of their 2018 trophy to the top right).

 

4. Butter – New York, NY

“The American restaurant is helmed by Food Network star and Executive Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, who uses greenmarket offerings to create a seasonal menu.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Butter

Featured Burger: The 2 Mikes Burger – All-Beef Patty, American Cheese, Applewood Bacon & Onion Jam, Sunchoke Relish on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Salt & Vinegar Chips

Participating Chef: Alex Guarnaschelli; Executive Chef, Butter Restaurant; Iron Chef; Food Network celebrity chef and judge; cookbook author (bio)

Website: http://butterrestaurant.com

Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

//Bonus: Did you know that Butter was the winner of last year’s SOBEWFF® Schweid & Sons “Very Best Burger” Award? They also use Martin’s Potato Rolls at their restaurant in Midtown Manhattan!

 

5. Champion Burger – Miami, FL

The chef behind Champion Burger, Scott Linquist, has been involved with many successful restaurants throughout his career. Read his full bio below to learn more.

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Champion Burger

Featured Burger: Classic Double Cheeseburger – Two Griddled Angus Beef Patties, Two Slices of American Cheese, Iceberg Lettuce, Vine-Ripe Tomato, Charred Sweet Onions, Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles, Toasted Bun and Secret Sauce on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Queso Tots – Crispy Tater Tots, Homemade Cheese Sauce, Charred Onions, Pickled Jalapeño, Chicharron

Participating Chef: Scott Linquist (@scott_linquist, bio)

Instagram: @scott_linquist

 

6. Diez y Seis – Miami Beach, FL

“Paying homage to Mexico’s culinary contributions, Diez y Seis delivers a twist on the classics, at the iconic Shore Club at South Beach.” Diez y Seis is part of sbe Entertainment Group.

Diez y Seis

Featured Burger: El Luchador Burger – Cilantro Aioli, Pickled Jalapeños

Featured Side: Esquites

Participating Chef: Jose Icardi; executive chef, Diez y Sies at Shore Club (bio)

Website: https://sbe.com/restaurants/brands/diez-y-seis

Social Media: Facebook |Twitter | Instagram

 

7. Fooq’s – Miami, FL

“Located in Downtown Miami’s Arts + Entertainment district, Fooq’s is an eclectic international eatery serving ‘Feel Good Food’ in a cozy setting.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Fooq's

Featured Burger: “Fooq-It Burger” – Fooq’s Burger Blend, Havarti, Pomegranate and Bacon Jam, Pickles, Onion on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Jeweled Potato Salad – Sour Cherries, Dill, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Mayonnaise, Pickled Mustard Seeds, Pomegranate Seeds

Participating Chef: Victoriano Hernandez; Chef, Fooq’s (bio)

Website: https://fooqsmiami.com

Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

8. Hugh Baby’s – Nashville, TN

“Hugh-Baby’s BBQ & Burger Shop throws back to a time when things were as simple as they could be. A time when even the smallest things were well-made with deliberate attention and care.” The Nashville-based fast food concept serves a classic menu of burgers, fries, shakes.

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Hugh Baby's

Featured Burger: The Whole Hog Burger – Our Custom Beef Blend, Melted American Cheese, Whole Hog, Bibb Lettuce, Fried Onions, Pickles and Mayo, topped with Hugh Baby’s Shroom Sauce on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Fried Onions

Participating Chef: Pat Martin; pitmaster, Hugh-Baby’s and Martin’s Bar B Que; part of Fatback Collective (bio)

Website: https://hughbabys.com

Social Media: Facebook |Twitter | Instagram

 

9. LeRoy & Lewis Barbecue – Austin, TX

LeRoy & Lewis “Expand[s] the boundaries of traditional barbecue…[serving] meats sliced to order and served by the pound, renewed versions of classic barbecue sides, and playful desserts, all varying daily.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - LeRoy & Lewis

Featured Burger: Smoked L&L Burger – Smoked Patty, American Cheese, Grilled Onions, Pickles on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Crispy Ranch Pork Skins – Dehydrated and Fried Pork Skin, Ranch Powder, Hot Sauce

Participating Chef: Evan LeRoy; Chef & Pitmaster, LeRoy and Lewis (bio)

Website: https://leroyandlewis.com

Social Media: Facebook |Twitter |Instagram

//BONUS: Stop by LeRoy and Lewis’ mobile food truck in Austin, TX anytime for delicious dishes like smoked meats by the half pound served with beet bbq sauce, Martin’s Potato Bread, pickles, and kimchi, or the famous L&L Burger (shown here) served on a Martin’s potato roll!

Find them at: https://leroyandlewis.com/find-us.

 

10. Little Donkey – Cambridge, MA

“Heavily influenced by global cuisine and local market fare, Little Donkey’s ever changing menu provides guests the opportunity to sample food from all over the world.” Chef Jamie has received culinary honors and glowing reviews for many of his restaurants, including Little Donkey.

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Little Donkey

Featured Burger: Onion Soup Cheeseburger – Cheeseburger, Onion Soup Mayo, American Cheese and Caramelized Onions on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Buffalo Pickles – Bread and Butter Pickles, Ranch Buffalo Sauce

Participating Chef: Jamie Bissonnette, Chef/Owner of Coppa, Toro, Toro NYC, Little Donkey (@jamiebiss, bio)

Website: http://www.littledonkeybos.com

Social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

//BONUS: You can try numerous creations on Martin’s Potato Rolls year-round at their restaurant in Boston, from their Caviar Sandwich to their famous dry aged Burger topped with buffalo pickles, onion soup mayo, foie gras, and jalapeno chips.

Check them out on their website or social media at the links above!

 

11. LT Steak & Seafood [at the Betsy Hotel] – Miami Beach, FL {Winner of Schweid & Sons “Very Best Burger” (Judges’ Choice) Award}

“LT Steak & Seafood’s seasonally-inspired menu showcases a deep appreciation for the local landscape, combining beloved aspects of steak and seafood houses together under one roof.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - LT Steak and Seafood

Featured Burger: Boucher Burger – Cheddar, Tobacco-Spiced Onion Rings, Black Pepper Bacon, Pickled Jalapeños, BBQ Sauce on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Salt & Vinegar Chips

Participating Chef: Danny Ganem; Executive Chef, The Betsy Hotel LT S&S, the Alley (bio)

Website: https://thebetsyhotel.com/lt-restaurant

Instagram: @ltsteakandseafood

//Bonus: Executive Chef Laurent Tourondel is a restaurant consultant with many great culinary achievements including Bon Appétit magazine’s 2007 Restaurateur of the Year, cookbook author, and 2008 James Beard Foundation Award nominee. He also helped to open numerous restaurants including LT Burger, LT Steak & Seafood, BLT Burger, and BLT Steak (with the ‘LT’ in each standing for his initials), among many others. Read more at: http://laurent-tourondel.com.

We had a chance to talk to Chef Tourondel at the Burger Bash® and he told us that he has been a longtime advocate for Martin’s Potato Rolls, and was even one of the first restaurants to use them in New York City as many as 17 years ago!

 

12. The Meatball Shop – New York, NY

The Meatball Shop is a place to “enjoy the menu on your own terms, eat simple, eat sustainable, eat good food with no strings attached.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - The Meatball Shop

Featured Burger: Pimento Cheese Burger – with Pickles on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Hot Pickle Chips – Hot Pickle flavored Potato Chips

Participating Chef: Daniel Holzman; Chef, Co-owner, The Meatball Shop (bio)

Website: https://themeatballshop.com

Social Media: Facebook |Twitter |Instagram

 

13. Morimoto – New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA

“The gold standard for contemporary Japanese cuisine…Masaharu Morimoto’s flagship restaurant serves as a sublime showcase for the world-renowned chef’s exhilarating native cuisine.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Morimoto

Featured Burger: Yakisoba Burger – Grilled Burger topped with Sauteed Yakisoba Noodles and Vegetables, Finished with Japanese Mayo and Nori Powder on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Asian Slaw – Asian Style Slaw with Green Papaya, Cabbage, Pepper tossed in Sweet Chili Lime Dressing

Participating Chef: Masaharu Morimoto; Iron Chef, TV personality, James Beard Award-winner (@Chef_morimoto, bio)

Website: https://morimotonyc.com / https://morimotorestaurant.com

Social Media: Facebook (NYC / PHL) | Instagram (NYC / PHL) | Twitter

 

14. The National Pork Board Presents: Pubbelly Group – Miami, FL

“The National Pork Board works towards uniting Pork Producers to build a bright future for the Pork Industry.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Pubbelly

Featured Burger: Lechón Burger – Lechón Burger, Mojo Aioli, Escabeche Onions on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Sorullitos

Participating Chef: Jose Mendin; Executive Chef, Co-founder of Pubbelly Restaurant Group, James Beard Award Semifinalist and winner of 2018 StarChefs Rising Star Restaurant Award.  (@chefmendin, bio)

Websitehttps://pork.org

Social Media: Facebook |Twitter | Instagram

 

15. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews – Miami, FL; Multiple Locations

With over 500 locations, Red Robin continues to expand, while adding creative new burgers to their menu. “Our burgers are where it all began. Serving them fresh, fire-grilled and just how you like them.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Red Robin

Featured Burger: Merisnard (This Burger’s Inspiration Hails from Spain.) – Grilled Beef, Spicy Chorizo and Authentic Manchego Cheese topped with Crisp Onion Straws, Fresh Peppery Arugula and Roasted Garlic Aioli on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Yukon Chips with a Housemade Jalapeño-Ranch Dipping Sauce

Participating Chef: Mariet Cardenes

Website: https://redrobin.com

Social Media: Facebook | Twitter |Instagram

//BONUS: Red Robin’s featured burger was selected out of more than 400 submissions as a result of their “Golden Robin Contest” between students of FIU (Florida International University), which SOBEWFF supports through event proceeds. The winner of the Golden Robin Contest, Mariet Cardenes (shown above), was awarded a $10,000 scholarship and the opportunity to present her outstanding burger creation at the festival.

 

16. Sakaya Kitchen – Miami, FL

Chef Richard Hales spent years in Southeast Asia and NYC honing his skills to create Sakaya Kitchen, an Asian Funk Fusion eatery. Sakaya Kitchen has also been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives by Guy Fieri.

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Sakaya Kitchen

Featured Burger: Kalbi Onion Burger – Kalbi Short Rib Smash Patty, Caramelized Onion, Cheese, Pickles, Housemade Mustard on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Chef Hales’ White Sauce Fries – Crispy Sidewinder Fries topped with Chef Hales’ White Sauce & Green Onions

Participating Chef: Richard Hales; Chef Owner and concept creator, Blackbrick Chinese, Sakaya Kitchen, Bird & Bone, The Backyard at The Confidante Hotel, Dim Ssam a gogo and Chef Richard Hales Events (@chefrichardhales, bio)

Website: http://sakayakitchen.com

Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

//BONUS: Visit Sakaya Kitchen in Midtown Miami for creative Asian-fusion sandwiches like “The Beast,” a double Angus beef “Bulgogi” burger on Martin’s Potato Rolls, named after Florida’s own “Burger Beast,” Sef Gonzalez.

Burger Beast at Sakaya Kitchen
Burger Beast Sef Gonzalez, with “The Beast” Burger

 

17. Sergio’s Cuban Café and Grill – Miami, FL

“An opportunity to bring people together in a quick, convenient fashion over flavorful dishes and good conversation.” Sergio’s Cuban Café and Grill is part of Sergio’s Family Restaurants along with several Sergio’s restaurant locations.

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Sergio's Cuban

Featured Burger: Cuban Cheeseburger – Beef and Chorizo Burger, American Cheese, Grilled Onion, Lettuce, Tomato, String Potato and Sergio’s Sauce on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Cuba-Nacho Plantain Chips and Black Bean Hummus – Homemade Plantain Chips Lightly Fried and served with Black Bean Purée Hummus and Pico de Gallo

Participating Chef: Carlos Gazitua; CEO, Sergio’s Family Restaurant (bio)

Website: http://sergioscuban.com

Social Media: Facebook |Twitter |Instagram

//BONUS: Head over to any of the Sergio’s Cuban Café and Grill or Sergio’s Restaurant locations for delicious menu items like their Good Morning Sandwich or their famous “Frita,” Sergio’s Cuban Cheeseburger, both served on a Martin’s Potato Roll!

 

18. Shake Shack – Miami Beach, FL; Multiple Locations

“This modern day ‘roadside’ burger stand serves up the most delicious burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, shakes, beer, wine and more.” With nearly 200 locations, you can find a Shack in any number of major metropolitan areas across the country, and even around the globe.

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Shake Shack

Featured Burger: Madison Square Burger – Dry-Aged Cheeseburger topped with Raclette Cheese, Pickled Red Onion and Brown Butter-Shallot Mayo on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Beach Blend Custard – Vanilla Frozen Custard topped with Rhum Caramel and Crumbled Graham Crackers

Participating Chef: Mark Rosati; Culinary Director,Shake Shack (bio)

Website: https://shakeshack.com

Social Media: Facebook |Twitter | Instagram

//BONUS: Visit any of the 10 Florida locations (or others across the US and abroad) to try the signature burgers and sandwiches on Martin’s Potato Rolls that fans rave about!

 

19. Twisted Fork Kitchen – Miami, FL

“A gastropub and tapas concept inspired by locally brewed beer and fresh, innovative ingredients. Plasencia’s menu offers American progressive cuisine that builds off classic foundations of cooking while pushing taste buds passed their comfort zone.

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Twisted Fork

Featured Burger: “That’s What She Said” – Dry-Aged Churrasco and Short Rib, Caramelized Onion and Foie Gras Jam on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Pepper-Cured Bacon Mac n’ Cheese

Participating Chef: Richard Plasencia; Chef and Owner, Twisted Fork Kitchen (@TheRavenousChef, bio)

Website: http://twistedforkkitchen.com

Instagram: @TheRavenousChef

 

20. Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar – Sunrise, FL

At each of their 17 locations, “Zinburger offers a mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers, salads and sides, decadent shakes and desserts, and a carefully crafted selection of wine.”

SOBEWFF Burger Bash - Zinburger

Featured Burger: The Zinmami Burger – Angus Beef Patty, Kimchi Mustard, Shiitake Mushroom Ketchup, Parmesan/Nori Crisp and Daikon Sprouts on a Martin’s Potato Roll

Featured Side: Japanese Potato Salad – Golden Potatoes, Japanese Cucumber, Carrot, Kewpie Mayo, Togarashi, Curry, Green Onion

Participating Chef: David Maini; Corporate Executive Chef, Zinburger (bio)

Website: https://zinburger.com

Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

 

Other Noteworthy Events

Coca-Cola Beachside BBQ presented by The National Pork Board hosted by Guy Fieri

Saturday, February 23 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Beachside BBQ is a walk-around tasting event where over 30 of the nation’s top pit- and grill-masters serve up samples of their famous barbecue creations.

Check out the chefs who used Martin’s Potato Rolls and Bread for their masterpieces!

  1. Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar – Guava Rum Pulled Pork Slider: guava rum glazed pork shoulder sliders, pickled onion, and cucumber on Martin’s 12-Sliced Potato Rolls
  2. Rebel House – MacRib with brown sugar BBQ sauce, spicy pickles, and crispy onions on Martin’s Dinner Potato Rolls
  3. Leynia
  4. Operation BBQ Relief – Slow Smoked Brisket, hand sliced on Martin’s Old-Fashioned Real Butter Bread, with its own Au Jus
  5. 4 Rivers Smokehouse – Smoked Kobe Brisket & Pork Shoulder with Carolina BBQ Sauce on Martin’s Party Potato Rolls
  6. LeRoy & Lewis – New School BBQ Sandwich: whole hog carnitas, kimchi, beet BBQ sauce, and fresh herbs on Martin’s Party Potato Rolls
  7. Everything Food Hospitality (by Andre Fowles) – Crispy BBQ Chicken Sandwich, smothered in Smokey Barbecue Sauce, with Jerk Cabbage Slaw on Buttered Martin’s Party Potato Rolls
  8. Prime One Twelve – BBQ Wagyu Beef Short Rib on Martin’s Party Potato Rolls
  9. Sparky’s Roadside Barbecue BBQ Pork Belly with Maple Jalapeño Coleslaw and Savory Bread Pudding with Martin’s Party Potato Rolls on the side
  10. Cote Korean Steakhouse – Korean Spicy Gochujang Pork: gochujang marinated pork shoulder and pork belly and pickled radish on Martin’s Sandwich Potato Rolls
  11. Martin’s BBQ – Tennessee Whole Hog Sandwiches topped with slaw and Jack’s Creek Sauce on Martin’s Sandwich Potato Rolls
  12. Red, the Steakhouse – Smoked BBQ Brisket on Martin’s Sandwich Potato Rolls & BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs
  13. Cool Smoke Barbecue – Smoked Pork Shoulder, injected, rubbed, smoked, and pulled, served with Cool Smoke Barbecue Sauce on Martin’s Party Potato Rolls

 

Midnight Eats: An Española Way Block Party hosted by Bar Lab, Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos featuring Music by Rev Run

Saturday, February 23, 11:59 PM – 2:00 AM

George Motz - Midnight Munchies

America’s foremost burger expert George Motz fried up more than 500 smashed burgers for the hungry crowd at the Midnight Eats event using Martin’s 12-sliced slider buns.  This midnight party was held on Española Way, a charming nostalgic street lined by twinkling lights.  The smashed burger, which has recently grown in popularity, was cooked to perfection using Schweid & Sons® ground beef grilled on Blackstone Grills with fried onions and Martin’s Potato Rolls.  While a small quaint event, the street came alive as Grammy Award-winner and frontman of legendary group RUN DMC Rev Run brought the music to the attendees.

 

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