Melbourne, if there’s one thing that’s certain in this world, it’s that you love your burgers. It was apparent the moment we put the word out there that we’d be hosting the Battle of the Burger in association with McCracken’s Amber Ale – a competition where we put the power into your hands and asked you to vote for your favourite burgers – and the event sold out in days. It was apparent when our announcement of the four finalists sparked debate, and it was very, very apparent when more than 240 lucky ticket holders arrived bang on time to Fancy Hank’s BBQ on Tuesday August 16, ready to eat.
No burger party is complete without beer, and the McCracken’s Amber Ale, with its mild spicy hop character and toffee biscuit flavours, flowed freely all night. Within minutes, guests were dancing to sweet tunes by AUX JAX, taking selfies at the Fotobox and watching graffiti artists from Work-Shop create burger-shaped art on a wall downstairs.
Soon, it was time to get down to business. The four nominees, as voted by the people of Melbourne, had rustled up their very best version of their signature burgers.
First up were delicious burgers by 8bit and Mr Burger, and then came the finest creations from Arbory Bar and Eatery and Mammy's Boy. Each were special in their own way; some loved 8bit’s 8bit with cheese, inspired by American fast food culture, while others couldn’t get enough of Mammy’s Boy’s mysterious house sauce, crispy bacon and onion ring. Traditionalists were all about Mr Burger’s classic beef burger, and more was more in Arbory’s double beef burger, complete with bacon and cheese.
Guests tasted, deliberated, and finally, voted for their favourite of the four. Competition was close, but in the end, the winning burger went to Arbory Bar & Eatery. Next time you visit the Yarra-side bar, be sure to order what is now officially Melbourne’s favourite burger!
Everyone left filled up with beer, burgers and good cheer. Arbory went home with a $3,000 Time Out advertising package and two tickets to Sydney’s Grand Final in October, where Melbourne will go head-to-head with Sydney’s winning burger joint, to finally show our northern cousins who does it best. See you there!
