MONROE — Those wondering which Green County restaurant has the best burger will be able to test their taste buds 15 times in this year’s Green County Beef Producers Best Burger Contest.
Chair of the contest Nelli McDermott said the contest that started May 1 will feature all kinds of new burgers at many of the same establishments and it’s all part of the excitement brought forth by the contest.
“It gets people more involved and it’s just a really fun thing to do,” McDermott said.
Last year’s winner was the Junction House, which took the coveted oversized spatula that serves as a trophy with their Throw Down Burger, a recipe concocted years before using a secret family recipe for bourbon sauce. The burger also rings in taste buds with cheddar cheese, onion rings, bacon and a deep fried green apple slice, all on a pretzel bun. The same burger will be entered in this year’s contest.
Fibs North of Brodhead is bringing a Pineapple Express burger to the forefront this year; a half pound burger that includes a pineapple slice and a sweet and spicy sauce.
North Side Pub & Grill took home second place in the 2018 competition with their Roxie Burger, and this year the business that sits on Monroe’s Square will bring forth “Thelma,” a burger featuring two patties, guacamole, bacon, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion.
Burgers are featured from Brodhead, Juda, Monroe and New Glarus in this year’s contest, and McDermott said she’s looking forward to the event’s sixth year. She’s served as chair for three years.
“It makes people aware of the beef producers in the county and really helps promote beef sales,” McDermott said.
Ratskeller Restaurant at Turner Hall of Monroe will feature a Currywurst and Patty Melt Burger, a ground chuck burger topped with beer brat slices, curry, ketchup, grilled onions, green pepper and mozzarella cheese served on grilled rye bread. Voters can get post cards to cast their vote at any of the 15 establishments and prizes are handed out to those who submit their voting cards. Stamps are required for qualifying burgers in order for a chance to win a prize in the form of gift cards and beef bundles. Judging criteria is based on presentation, appearance, the burger being cooked to satisfaction and taste.
Entrants are fewer than in previous years, like in 2017 when there were 17 options for participants to choose. In 2016, the contest boasted 21 entrants from towns and villages with no contenders this year, like Albany, Browntown and Monticello. The 2018 contest had 19 participants. Newcomers like Minhas Kitchen remain with the Huber Burger.
Notably, Papa Don’s Horseshoe Saloon in Monroe is not participating. Donnie Lepper created the Dream Burger in that saloon — a concoction of beef, onion rings, Swiss cheese, bacon, corned beef and a house sauce between a ciabatta bun — and won the contest nearly every year of its existence. In 2017, he took the golden spatula with the locally-sourced beef of the Dream Burger 2.0, but in 2018, the dream fell short of its usual top spot, securing third place.
The contest officially ends July 31 and voting entries must be submitted by Aug. 5. The winner of the Best Burger Contest will be chosen at the annual Green County Beef Producers Steak Fry Aug. 22. Follow Green County Beef Producers on Facebook for more information.