A few days from Memorial Day on a cool Santa Monica evening, LA Magazine unofficially opens the summer season in perfect style with the 3rd annual Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer.
Once the home for the founders of the Hotel Miramar, The Victorian is the venue for the night’s event. The sprawling tree-lined grass and brick courtyard is where local Los Angeles restaurants are grilling up delicious burgers to be judged by all those attending.
The motley group of competitors are from notable and emerging establishments. Basement Tavern (2640 Main St., Santa Monica 90405), Belcampo (1026 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica 90401), BOA Steakhouse (9200 Sunset Blvd #650, WeHo 90069), Cassell’s Hamburgers (3600 W. 6th St, Ktown 90020), Hinoki and the bird (10 W Century Dr. LA 90067), Malibu Cafe (327 Látigo Canyon Dr., Malibu 90265), Mikkeller (330 W Olympic, LA 90015), The Oinkster (2005 Colorado Blvd, LA 90041), Umami Burger (multiple locations), Woodley Proper (16101 Ventura Blvd, Encino 91436), and The Victorian (2640 Main St. SaMO 90405.
Towards the far end of the grounds, Maker's Mark is serving up 2 cocktail choices to help wash down the tasty entries. A classic “Maker's and ginger” and a cocktail named the “Summer mash up”. A lightly sweet balanced mix of Maker's, triple sec, orange, pineapple, and grenadine.
On the garden patio deck is a photobooth sponsored by GEARYS Beverly Hills, and the Kona Brewing Company is serving up ice cold beer. Inside The Victorian among the 19th century decor, bourbon whiskey is freely flowing. Black Feather American Whiskey, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses Bourbon, Knob Creek, Old Elk, Rebel Yell, Uncle Nearest 1856, and Whistle Pig. Kevita was also pouring Kombucha and other probiotic drinks to keep everyone regular and healthy!
Back outside the DJ is spinning the good tunes, guests are voting for their favorites, and the new Los Angeles Chargers have arrived to partake and crown their choice for the night’s best burger!
It was difficult to choose a winner among all the incredible creations. Every burger was unique and artfully made. All-vegan burgers, Chorizo shrimp topped burger, lamb burger, classic burgers - everything and everyone was amazing!
Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer 2018 Winners:
Tastiest sauce: The Oinkster
Best Patty: Belcampo
Most Creative: Malibu Cafe
The Peoples' Choice: Woodley Proper
Critics' choice: BOA Steakhouse
LA Chargers' choice: Woodley Proper
Overall Winners: Everyone in attendance!