It’s set for Aug. 27, at the Cauffiel House
High noon, Saturday, Aug. 27. That’s when the top patty-flippers from all over Delaware will gather at the Cauffiel House on Philadelphia Pike for the fifth annual Delaware Burger Battle.
By mid-July, 13 competitors had signed up. There are usually 16-18 entrants, and at press time, founder JulieAnne S. Cross was expecting more.
About a third of the entries are newcomers, according to Cross. “[It] helps to keep the event fresh, while veteran competitors keep the event consistent,” she says.
Some of the rookie entries are Tonic Bar and Grille, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Nordstrom Grill, and Delaware Park Racetrack & Casino. Returning champs Chelsea Tavern (2015 Critics’ Choice Winner) and Maiale Deli & Salumeria (2015 People’s Choice Winner) will defend their titles.
As usual, there will be three awards: The People’s Choice winner, determined by the votes of event-goers; the Critics’ Choice Winner and Best Alternative Burger, both chosen by a panel of “foodielebrities.”
Though the competition is friendly, it’s also serious. The new names in the game will have to face off with some of the previous winners, which should give credence to the name Burger Battle.
Cross says she is thrilled to be returning to the historic Cauffiel House in Bellevue State Park.
“As far as I know, there are no other food events held there and it’s a real cultural gem,” she says. “Cauffiel was the du Pont family’s real estate agent, and he picked a stunning piece of property with a vista that’s unusual for our area.”
This rain-or-shine event is open to all ages. It’s free for children under 5, $9 for ages 5 to 12, $25 ($35 at the door) for teenagers and $50 ($60 at the door) for those 21 and older.
Attendees get great grub and delicious drinks, and the rewarding feeling of doing a good deed, because proceeds go to the Ministry of Caring, which provides over 180,000 nutritious meals annually to those in need. In the last four years, more than $28,000 was raised at the battle.
For more information, visit deburgerbattle.com.
