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Friday, October 17, 2014

NYCWFF Day 2: A LAMB-MARC (by Murphy) Is Judges' Best at Blue Moon Burger Bash

Marc Murphy (center, pointing), flanked by Racheal Ray (third from left) and others, created the winning burger in the Blue Moon Burger Bash competition. Photo by Yours Truly.

THE spiced ground lamb and mint chimichurri are in perfect harmony. The lamb is nice and crunchy on the outside. On the inside it is moist, juicy, medium-rare. Somebody's palate is having a moment.

The LAMB-MARC came in as a lamb but went out like a lion. The “hamburger” created by Marc Murphy of Landmarc (Time Warner Center) emerged at the top of the judges' list, beating out more than 25 others earlier tonight during the Blue Moon Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray.

In the 2014 Food Network New York City Wine&Food Festival (NYCWFF) ever-popular event, the LAMB-MARC had some stiff competition, including from 5 Napkin Burger's Beef Knockwurst Burger, a confection crafted from Muenster cheese, bacon and mustard onions.

Another worthy competitor is Ramen Co.'s Ramen Burger, made from prime ground chuck, secret shoyu sauce, scallions and arugula. It is dressed with the signature ramen noodle bun, one of the few burgers in competition that did not use the bread provided by sponsor, Martin's Famous Potato Rolls and Bread. Once again, Pat LaFrieda brought the meat.

The LAMB-MARC burger is not meek and mild. Photo by Yours Truly.

Two that deserve an honorable mention are Brindle Room's Brindle Room Burger and the Meister Shack from Shake Shack. The former hews toward minimalism. It is a dry-aged burger on bun. The well-done patty is crunchy throughout but is packed with flavor. The latter benefits from the fireworks set off by the chemistry between the cheese and crispy beer-marinated shallots.

Meanwhile, one can infer that MM is surprised by his victory. He seems a little shell-shocked; he has that deer-in-the headlights look as he navigates his way to the stage, a plastic glass of Blue Moon beer on hand and in hand. He didn't have much to say for himself.

His burger did the talking.

Elsewhere, tomorrow, one big day for NYCWFF's two good causes: Food Bank For New York City Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign.

The two Marthas are burning at "'CHOPPED' Best Bloody Mary Brunch, Cooking with One Pot: A Master Class, and MasterCard® Priceless® New York Demo Pass at the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite. (http://www.bit.ly/1yMx8OO)

Riesling is getting its sexy back. Photo courtesy of New York City Wine and Food Festival.

Indeed, NYCWFF Day 3 is full to bursting. Some of the other events on tap: Foie Gras FĂȘte, Jets + Chefs: The Ultimate Tailgate hosted by Joe Namath and Mario Batali, Brilliant Bubbles hosted by Ray Isle and Riesling Revival hosted by Eric Hemer.

Also on the schedule are Expect The Unexpected A Panel Discussion at Bumble and bumble, the first Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite and another marquee event, CASAMIGOS Tequila presents Tacos & Tequila: A Late Night Fiesta sponsored by Mohegan Sun hosted by Bobby Flay.

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