10 San Antonio chefs go head-to-head in gourmet Burger Showdown

San Antonians can argue with friends all day about who has the best burger in town, but nothing lands quite like a head-to-head live victory.

This October, 10 San Antonio chefs are battling for those bragging rights at the Burger Showdown 4.0 — the numeral representing the competition’s fourth year running. Hosted by cooking video series Homegrown Chef and Alamo Beer, the event will set all the chefs up under the Hays Street Bridge to serve up their best creations, so San Antonians can make the final call.

If eating 10 sliders seems excessive, think of it as a public service. Not only are visitors selecting the best burger (basically citizen science), but funds raised will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank.

This is the first year that the competition will be judged by a panel alongside the usual fan voters. There will be three judges: Great Day SA reporter Clark Finney; Edible San Antonio co-publisher Ralph Yznaga; and San Antonio Food Bank’s director of food sustainability Mitch Hagney.

“The Burger Showdown is always such a great community event and a really fun way to celebrate our incredible chefs while getting out and trying something new and absolutely delicious,” said Homegrown Chef founder and local food writer Kimberly Suta, who helped organize the event, in a release. “I like to challenge people to eat all the burgers because it’s never been done!”

Chefs plan to bring the following burgers:

• Chef Joseph Thadeus Martinez of Tributary (last year’s 1st place winner) — “The French Onion Burger,” featuring a Dean and Peeler smash patty, black pearl onion aioli, gruyere fonduta, and crispy shallots on a sourdough potato slider bun.
• Chef James Richard Smith of toohotfortabc (last year’s 2nd place winner) — “The Blue Mountain Smash Burger,” featuring “sweet heat,” bacon jam, and veggies on a Far West Texas Cattle Co. smashed beef patty with melted American cheese on a sourdough bun.
• Chef Diana Anderson of JD’s Chili Parlor (last year’s 3rd place winner) — “The Italian Job,” featuring tomato-basil pasta sauce, white wine and garlic-marinated beef, buffalo mozzarella, zucchini, red onion, and romaine hearts skewered with fried mushrooms and cherry tomatoes.
• Chef Justin Bluhm of STXBBQ — “The Oktoberfest Burger,” inspired by beer, meat, cheese and pretzels. It features a beef patty with sliced brisket, house-pickled onions, and smoked beer queso on a soft pretzel bun.
• Chef Joshua Calderon of Catering by JC — “The Backyard Barbecue Burger,” featuring a beef patty, cheddar cheese, onion, cucumber, and iceberg lettuce on a potato roll.
• Chef Stephen Chavez of FredericksBurgers — “The Bacon Huebner Burger,” featuring bacon, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese on a beef patty.
• Chef Francisco Estrada of Naco — “The Aztec God Burger,” featuring black garlic-seasoned beef, epazote aioli, caramelized onions, and huitlacoche.
• Chef Greg Ferris of Bobbie’s Cafe — “The Texas Tailgate Burger,” featuring a beef patty, American cheese, barbecue chips, and a mysterious “‘go big or go home’ twist.”
• Chef Kaius of The Kaius Experience — “The Texan Black Gold Burger” featuring a beef patty seasoned with Texan spices, topped with aged cheddar cheese, black garlic aioli, roasted jalapeño bacon, and crispy truffle sweet potato sticks, served on a brioche bun.
• Chef Braunda Smith of Lucy Cooper’s Ice House — The release says, “This Food Network star is known for her burgers and will tell you she can make a burger out of absolutely anything, which is why she wants to surprise you!”

All burgers except those made by last year’s first and second-place winners will be made pasture-raised Akaushi beef from local rancher 529meats. Ben E. Keith & Food Related will provide some toppings.

Tickets ($55) to the Burger Showdown 4.0 are available via Eventbrite. Only 25 VIP tickets ($75) will be sold; these guests will be welcomed 30 minutes early and will receive one drink ticket. Email homegrownchefsa@gmail.com, or text or call (210) 725-2339 to order.