South Australia’s best pub burger crowned
A hard-fought battle for South Australia’s best burger saw a country pub come out victorious.
Head Chef Patrick Spriggs from the Eyre Hotel in Whyalla with his winning burger.
In its 10th year, the SA Best Pub Burger challenge was staged in Rundle Mall on Friday afternoon in front of an expert judging panel and live audience.
The SA Pub Burger Challenge was held in Rundle Mall on Friday.
The 12 hotel finalists battled the elements as well as each other to take out for the title of SA’s Best Pub Burger 2021, in an official Tasting Australia Winter Series event staged by the South Australian arm of the Australian Hotel’s Association.
Although the standard of all the burgers was high, it was the Smash Burger with Bacon created by Head Chef Patrick Spriggs from the Eyre Hotel in Whyalla that impressed the judges in the end.
“The Eyre Hotel burger stood out because of the deliciousness of the patty,” said judge Christine Stephan.
“The patty was well seasoned, with beautiful melted cheese on it and a lovely charred finish, so there was a lot of lovely flavour there.
“The fresh ingredients that were added to the burger gave a really good balance to the richness of the patty.”
AHA|SA CEO Ian Horne said it was fantastic to see a country hotel take out the top honours.
“We know that our country hotels hold their own in terms of exceptional food, service and experience, so it is no surprise that a fantastic venue such as the Eyre Hotel has won this challenge,” said Horne.
“The burger is often the signature menu item of a hotel, with venues putting their own spin and style as a point of difference. Along with other traditional pub fare, a burger offers great value and is still incredibly popular.”
The other finalists in today’s competition were: Alma Tavern, Arkaba Hotel, Bellum Hotel, Christie’s Beach Hotel, Crown Inn, Golden Fleece Gawler, Halfway Hotel, Hilton Hotel, The Barker, The Grove and the Woodside Hotel.
Burgers were judged against a list of criteria, including presentation of the chef, ingredients and burger, taste, meat content and value for money.
The expert judging panel included Chris Stephan of Pen & Palate, Tim Ginever from FIVEaa and Shane Wood from Thomas Foods Australia, the major sponsor of the event.
Other event sponsors include the Event Partner, Tasting Australia, and Burger Challenge Supporters, Stoddart, Novatech, The Banner Crew, FIVEaa and InDaily.
