The Grind Brings Battling Burgers to Wynwood Next Month

The Grind combines a meat party and battle in one.

​Miami is no stranger to meat in combat. From the annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival's Burger Bash to blogger Burger Beast Burgie awards and competition, we've had our share of fights to hash out the claim to meaty superiority.

Tony Albelo, executive director of The Grind, which will beheld next month in Wynwood with Short Order's help, sees a bigger picture in his burger competition.

Abelo, who also brought Grovetoberfest to Coconut Grove, told Short Order that while he loves the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, he's looking to produce events that involve more local Miami restaurants, chefs, and patrons, eventually turning out a week long food festival for local chefs only.

Albelo's starting with The Grind, a combination burger competition and fete. The event will be held Saturday, March 31 at The Miami Entertainment Complex in Wynwood. Albelo has his hands in everything -- from selecting the participating restaurants, to pulling special permits for the event space.

The event itself has a few components. Guests will be able to eat and drink as at any festival. Admission covers all-you-can-eat burgers, drinks, and entertainment.

The burgers will also be judged by a panel of judges including chef Norman Van Aken, WSVN's Belkys Nerey, Burger Beast Sef Gonzalez, restaurateur Steven Haas, commissioner Marc Sarnoff, NBC6 sports anchor Adam Kuperstein, Miami Dolphins Foundation co-chair Stan Rudman, and Short Order blogger, Laine Doss.

Burgers will be judged in several categories including best overall burger, fan favorite, mejor frita, best backyard burger, best alternative burger, and best side dish.

An interesting part of The Grind is the Short Order Backyard Burger competition, where everyday grill warriors can enter their burgers and compete at the event alongside professional chefs.  We'll give details on how to enter your burger tomorrow.

General admission tickets are $75 in advance, $85 at the door, and include unlimited food and drink. VIP tickets are $125 and include an extra hour of partying, access to the VIP tent, and a meet-and-greet with the judges.Purchase tickets here.

Stay tuned to Short Order for exclusive ticket giveaways to The Grind, the full list of participating restaurants, and chef interviews and recipes.

The Grind at Miami Entertainment Complex, 50 NW 14th Street, Miami

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