Want to Find Out Who Has the Best Burger?

WILDWOOD CREST — When you think of a Fourth of July celebration, along with fireworks and freedom, does a burger come to mind?
George Miller, owner of the Caribbean Motel here, wants the American creation to have an even bigger role in Fourth of July festivities, especially in the borough.
Miller and a group of business owners are holding the third annual “All American Burger Throwdown” on July 4. The event is a contest that had its beginnings at the Caribbean Motel, Miller said, but since has caught on to other area businesses and motels.
This year a panel of chefs representing Bayside Pizza, Bandana’s, Surfside West, the Gondolier Motel, Caribbean Motel and Aztec and Safari motels are tasked with preparing the best burger for a panel of judges as well as hungry motel guests.
Don’t look for a typical cheeseburger at this event. The chefs are likely to get creative with their recipes, as bragging rights are on the line.
Miller explained that the first part of the contest would be a head-to-head cooking competition, similar to those seen on shows such as Bravo’s Top Chef. A panel of judges will have a copy of each chef’s recipe and a taste of their burger. That panel will then decide who receives the best burger title.
But the contest isn’t over for the chefs yet.
Guests of the represented businesses are encouraged to visit each business, sample each burger and vote for their favorite, Miller said. He said that a “team of people” would be assisting the chefs so they wouldn’t be swamped with burger orders.
Miller told the Herald he’d “love for the All American Burger Throw-down to catch on with members of the Wildwood Crest tourism board.”
“Maybe this is some-thing he borough can take on and make it a bigger and better event. I’d like to see it become apart of the town’s Fourth of July celebration,” he added.
The chef competition is slated for July 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Aztec Motel. The best burger competition for the guests will run from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Miller said that there are still spots available for chefs who want to show of their burger cooking ability. Contact the Caribbean Motel for more information.