World Food Championships

Craig Baker and Matt Stum of The Local in Westfield, Indiana

For the second year in a row, Family Leisure will host one of five nationwide Bull Burger Battle competitions that will serve as a qualifier for the World Food Championships. Family Leisure invites the community to join the fun as local chefs and cooks compete for burger glory at 11AM on September 13, 2014.

16 local competitors, including the returning champion restaurant The Local Eatery as well as Detour, JW Marriott High Velocity, the IMPD, and the local Fire Department and many others will gather to showcase their best burgers. Five local judges including Pacers star George Hill and Gunner from Q95 will determine a winner based on the taste, execution and appearance of competition burgers.

The Burger Battle winner will walk away with a new $2500 Bull Angus Outdoor Grill and a place on Team Bull at the WFC in Las Vegas. He or she is awarded free airfare and free lodging for two in Las Vegas for the WFC, which takes place November 12-18th on Freemont Street.

Read about my experience as a judge at last year’s World Food Championships HERE Listen to an episode of Around the Kitchen Sink where I interview the host of the WFC Ben Vaughn and competitors Ally Phillips and Christie Vanover HERE

Beyond watching chefs work their magic and tasting gourmet burgers, attendees will enjoy a locally grown Indianapolis summer party. Festivities will include Indianapolis-based food, drinks, entertainment and free giveaways. Local television commentator Rachel McLaughlin will emcee the event for attendees’ pleasure.

Family Leisure will host a gathering of Indy food trucks like Scout’s Treats, Kona Ice and Simeri’s Italian Food Truck, and will provide a lemonade stand for kids and an alcoholic beverage tent for adults.

Visitors will enjoy live music by local artist Ghosts of Kin. Kids can visit a Once Upon A Party face painting station and a KidsZone bounce house. Visitors may participate in giveaways to win prizes from the Family Leisure showroom and an expenses-paid trip for two to watch the WFC  in Las Vegas.  Admission is free and spectators may come and go freely. The event starts at 11AM and will continue well into the afternoon.

Last year at WFC the night before competition at the Pre-Game POP in the Bull tent!

Competitors:

The Local Eatery, Teddy’s Burger Joint, Detour, Tie Dye Grill, Simeri’s Italian Restaurant, Eddy’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, JW Marriott High Velocity, Punch Burger, Barn Brasserie, Indianapolis Fire Department, Intracostal, IMPD, Diane Lentz, Billy Muffler, Matt Gill, Carl Litel.

Judges:

Indiana Pacers George Hill, Q95’s Gunner, Dick Davis of Great Burger Quest, Local Food Personality Heather Tallman (ME!!!) & restaurant critic Terry Kirts.