A Hamburger Today

Beach Burger Bash: Winning Burgers

Posted by Adam Kuban, July 23, 2007

Remember last week when we told you about our upcoming Gothamist-AHT Beach Burger Bash at Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City? And how we let you vote on the burgers that we'd serve?

Well, the results are in, and here are the burgers that will be available ...

The Onion Burger: In first place, with 27 percent of the vote, this burger was born of frugality and is popular in and around El Reno, Oklahoma. Throw a half an onion on the griddle, add to that a ball of ground beef, and smash it all together with the back of a spatula. You've essentially extended your meat by mixing in onions. The onions caramelize as they cook embedded in the beef, giving you a sweet, crusty oniony patty.
The Pimento Burger: In second place with 17 percent of the vote, this burger's topping—pimento cheese—is big across the South, usually as a spread eaten on celery stalks or as a filling between two pieces of white bread. But in Columbia, South Carolina, they use it as both cheese and condiment on the burgers. Pimento cheese, for all you Yankees here in New York City, is a mixture of grated cheddar, chopped pimento, mayo, hot sauce, and black pepper. (Horseradish, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce are three common options.)
The Butter Burger: Tied for second, also with 17 percent of the vote, is this Wisconsin-inspired creation. The Butter Burger takes a very liberal dosing of its namesake ingredient after coming off the griddle. Those of you who have visited the Midwest recently may have had one at the rapidly expanding Culver's chain, where it's a specialty. There, butter is merely brushed on the bun; our butter burger, however, is patterned after the one at Solly's Grille.

Tickets are still available for this event (via TicketWeb). Here are the details:

Date: Saturday, July 28
Time: 5 p.m.
Place: Water Taxi Beach (map)
Cost: $13.50 for 3 burgers
Payment: Tickets are available through TicketWeb
Important Details: Please be sure to bring your ID when you come; no one is permitted on the beach without an ID or an of-age legal guardian
Quality Before Quantity: Because the griddle is small and we're cooking these burgers the right way, we're emphasizing quality. If last year's event is any indication, the lines will get long. But with good company, the wait seems to fly by
Getting There: Water Taxis depart from East 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan on a varied schedule (visit nywatertaxi.com). Subway riders should take the No. 7 train to Vernon Avenue/Jackson. Walk along Vernon Avenue to Borden Avenue, turn right. Look for signs for Water Taxi Beach. For more travel options, visit the beach's site

Special thanks to Six Apart, who have donated a keg of Orlio Common Ale for sponsoring the event.

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