Rustic Canyon Winebar, Blue Palms Brewhouse and The Counter Take Top Honors at THE TASTE’s Burger & Beer Event

Beer and food lovers, TV stars, chefs, restaurateur and food writers from all across Los Angeles showed up Friday night to THE TASTE’s Burger & Beer event in Beverly Hills. Attendees had the chance to vote for the best burger in the house. Out of the 30 participating restaurants, three winners were chosen. In conjunction with the restaurants, some of the finest breweries from Los Angeles and Orange County showed up to pour their brews for a hungry and parched crowd.

Burgers, Burgers Everywhere!

The first place burger created by Chef Evan Funke of Rustic Canyon Winebar (photo above) was a blend of black Angus brisket and short ribs with Tillamook cheddar from Oregon, onion fondue (slow cooked for five hours), house made pickles, arugula and fancy Russian dressing. Chef Evan told us winning first place “feels good.” He was excited to be able to represent the farmers he works with at THE TASTE. “It’s a great event.”

Craft beer fans in Los Angeles are no strangers to Hollywood’s Blue Palms Brewhouse. Owner and chef Brian Lenzo brought his signature truffle burger made with Kobe beef and cooked in duck fat topped with black truffles, Maytag blue cheese, Pop & Wop peppers, crimini mushrooms, and onions on a white truffle glazed bun. “We have a passion for beer and food. People here are starting to see it,” Brian tells us. He felt overwhelmed when they announced Blue Palms Brewhouse in the top three. “There are some of the finest chefs in Los Angeles here. I am flabbergasted,” Brian says.

Third place was taken by burger chain The Counter, reminding attendees that big chains can still take charge. First time participant like Chef Jessica Christensen of City Tavern in Culver City brought her CT Burger, a play on the McDonald’s burger made with all beef patty with cheese, onion, pickles, and sesame buns. The Spice Table in Little Tokyo showed off a burger of their own, made of hanger steak and short rib with curried pickle cucumbers, sambal, fried shallot and Kraft American cheese. “Rock n’ Roll Chef” Kerry Simon of LA Market disturbed the peace with a Kobe beef burger topped with pepper jack cheese, Lime Crema and onion bacon marmalade.

Local breweries like Brouwerij West, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Co., TAPS, Eagle Rock Brewery and Craftsman Brewing Company graced the guests with craft brews to pair with their burgers. It was a match made in Heav … errrr … Beverly Hills.