Liz Biro’s Foodie Action: Indy’s best burger?
Burger competition at The Rathskeller
Who makes Indy’s best burger? For me, it depends on what I’m craving.
Late one muggy night this week while I was drinking an Outliers Whitcomb Rye beer at The Sinking Ship, I wanted the bar’s half-pound USDA prime sirloin Chuck Norris burger with fresh jalapenos, pepper jack cheese and wasabi mayonnaise. When my jeans are feeling snug, I hit a lettuce-wrapped, grass-fed, all-natural Angus beef Punch Burger with Asian slaw and sweet chili sauce.
Both spots will be among the eight competitors in Building Tomorrow’s Indy Burger Battle from 1 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 1 at The Rathskeller, and — lucky me! — I’m among the judges. The six other Indy restaurants competing are Binkley’s Kitchen and Bar, Colts Grille, Stacked Pickle, Weber Grill, Between the Bun and Teddy’s Burger Joint.
You get to judge, too. A large sample of each burger is served to attendees, who get to vote for their favorite in a People’s Choice category. All proceeds benefit Building Tomorrow’s efforts to expand access to quality education in East Africa. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door if any tickets remain. A vegan option is available for $15. Tickets for children 12 and younger cost $15.
401 E. Michigan St.; 317-632-3545, Ext. 306;indyburgerbattle.com
Think you got grill skills?
Your friends claim you grill the best ribs? You’re certain your brisket is better than any you’ve ever tasted, and no one can touch your burgers? Sign up for Chef JJ's Competitive Grilling League series.
Chef JJ’s, a barbecue-centric food business built around Big Green Egg charcoal grills, will host the series beginning Aug. 22 at its new Downtown location. Teams will compete each week for $500 and a place in Chef JJ's Grilling Bowl.
Each team submits and prepares a recipe of its choice, but teams must also draw and execute a random recipe they have never seen before. Teams must have at least three members and no more than six. At least one “Egghead” — the name given to people who own and use Big Green Eggs — must be on each team and must participate in contests. The team fee is $150, and businesses may sponsor teams.
You don’t have to cook to attend the events on Chef JJ’s rooftop patio overlooking Lucas Oil Stadium. Spectators will taste, judge and vote on their favorite recipes throughout the competition to decide who wins each week. For contest information, email katelyn@chefjjs.com. For ticket information, keep watching Chef JJ’s website.
42 W. South St., (317) 602-3828, www.chefjjs.com
Harry Potter birthday party
Yes, “The Boy Who Lived” has grown up. To celebrate his birthday on July 31, Tina's Traditional Old English Kitchen in Carmel is hosting Harry Potter’s Birthday Feast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the same day. (How old is Harry? Are you sure you want to know?)
Dress like Harry or your favorite character from the series. Prizes will be given for best costume.
The multi-item menu is just as fun. Gilly Weed Salad Heads is a kale salad with apple dressing served in fresh orange shells. Roast Dragon and “See In The Dark Wands” means roast beef and carrots. Toad in the Hole is Yorkshire pudding with British pork sausage. Magic Chocolate Shortbread Wands and, of course, Harry’s Birthday Cake is on the list, too.
The evening costs $35 per person. Score tickets at eventbrite.com.
30 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel; (317) 565-9716,tinastraditional.com
Call Liz Biro at (317) 444-6264. Follow her on Twitter @lizbiro, Instagram @lizbirodish, Facebook and Pinterest.