by Ari Kane (@Aricurian) & Daniella Veras (@_DaniMiami)

Burgerlicious, living up to its catchy name, was truly defuckinlicious. This scrumptious soiree was held outdoors at the Ponce Circle Park in Coral Gables.  The beautiful balmy winter night was ideal for this epicurean grilling forgy (food orgy).  The crisp, cool weather gave South Floridians a chance to don their finest skiwear while New Yorkers rocked their “You Call This Cold?” t-shirts.  This venue, unlike past burger shindigs, did not leave the attendees smelling like the Eau de Ronald McDonald.  Over 20 competing restaurants, Sam Adams Beer, Naked Grape Wine and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream were being served to the beat of cover band, Mad World. The VIP bar was stocked with delectable Seasons 52 mini desserts (heavenly pecan pies) and limitless Jack Daniels Tennessee Whisky and Tennessee Honey.

The “Best in Bun” was awarded to Shula’s 347 Grill for its caramelized onions, double gruyere cheese, garlic mayo and crushed garlic croutons burger while the “People’s Choice Award” went to The Dome for its barbecued infused cheeseburgers served with white cheddar, arugula, tomatoes, grilled onions and spicy mayo.

While those were solid offerings, the top two burgers that we devoured were hand-crafted by Pincho Factory and Seasons 52.  Pincho had a brisket patty that was soaked in brown sugar IPA beer with Havarti cheese and onions.  This culinary concoction was an utter delight and whose memory still induces a mouth-watering Pavlovian reaction.  Season’s 52 chose a healthier route to reflect its restaurant’s message and served up a turkey burger with crispy onions, spicy mayo and chili served on a decadent butter toasted make-you-challahhh roll.  Hands down, the best turkey burger we’ve ever had.

Honorable mentions include Rok Burger for its juicy Kobe burger with brie, BBQ bourbon bacon jam, on a homemade bun;  The Bar’s superb lager braised short rib, crispy onions, apple slaw and finger-lickin’ Jack Daniels sauce; and CRAVE Restaurant‘s savory pork and beef sliders.

The event was a deliciously fun, filling and reasonably priced ($50) foodie treat that will definitely have us returning for next year’s third course.