This summer, for the fourth year in a row, chefs nationwide are being asked to re-imagine the classic American burger and take part in the Blended Burger Project™, a competition challenging chefs to blend mushrooms with meat to create a more delicious, nutritious, and sustainable burger.
Restaurants can register to take part in the competition by entering their version of a blended burger featuring at least 25% chopped, cultivated mushrooms for a dish that is more delicious, nutritious, and sustainable.
Official spokesperson, Stephanie Izard
This year, top chef Stephanie Izard, executive chef and owner of Girl & The Goat, Little Goat, and Duck Duck Goat, will be leading the charge as the 2018 Blended Burger Project™ official spokesperson. “It's really important as a chef to start thinking about how I can make dishes that are not only more sustainable, but also taste great,” said Izard. “You shouldn't have to sacrifice flavor in order to think sustainably. I'm not asking people to give up meat! Instead I'm asking them to try blending some of that meat for a combination that tastes even better than the original.”
“The five (5) winning chefs will win a trip to New York City to cook their blended burger at the historic James Beard House.”
Diners across America can vote for their favorite blended burger. A panel of food experts selected by the James Beard Foundation will determine five winners from the top 20 entries with the most online votes.
New this year, judges on behalf of the James Beard Foundation will review 20 restaurants receiving the most votes to select the five top winners, based on most creative use of mushrooms, best flavor profile, and presentation. The five (5) winning chefs will win a trip to New York City to cook their blended burger at the historic James Beard House. This year’s judging practice replaces previous years’ formats, in which the top five vote-getters automatically won the competition.
To take part in the 2018 Blended Burger Project, restaurants should:
• Develop their unique version of the blended burger
• Register to participate at jamesbeard.org/blendedburgerproject, including sharing a photo and description of the burger
• Menu the burger and encourage consumer votes from today (May 28) through July 31, 2019.
The Blended Burger Project™ will take place Memorial Day through July 31, 2018.
Learn more jamesbeard.org/blendedburgerproject!
