Jennifer Nelson came for the band but stayed for the burgers, and she was glad she did.
After seeing the Cross-Tie Walkers at the Blind Willie McTell Festival last month, Nelson wanted to see the band again, and the group’s next date was the Burger Battle at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta Oct. 16.
Her favorite burger?
“Abel Brown,” she said, noting the special type of jam they used on it.
And she wasn’t alone because Abel Brown Southern Kitchen and Oyster ended up dethroning the previous burger king Edgar’s Grille and taking home the Burger Battle Championship Belt for its spin on a French onion burger.
Tonia Gibbons also voted for the Abel Brown burger, noting its crunch.
“It was done well,” she said.
More than 350 people attended the 12th annual event, which raises funds for all four of the Boys and Girls Clubs in the area.
According to Kim Evans, the club’s CEO, the restaurants get competitive during the event, coming up with ways to make the city’s best burger.
Manny Hatzis of Manny’s Sports Off Broad participated in his first Burger Battle on Monday. He’s been in business for about 14 months, but said he has a competitive streak and wanted to help a good cause.
“It’s a great set up,” he said.
His burger featured caramelized onions, Korean mayonnaise and a sweet mustard.
Although he didn’t win, he did gain a fan.
“Manny’s was the best seasoned,” said Tishon Creswell.
Other participating restaurants included Doc’s Porchside, Edgar’s Grille, Midtown Tavern, Wife Saver, Cucina 503 and Finch and Fifth.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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