How does a restaurant–better known for its drink specials–take home the Riverwalk Trust Burger Battle trophy two years in a row?
It starts with a fresh Black Angus, ground chuck patty that’s selected and ground specifically for Georgie’s Alibi in Wilton Manors. And just as they did the first year, the beef is enhanced with unique toppings.
“This year, we used a roasted garlic aioli and aged cheddar jalapeno cream cheese,” says Vincent Frato, the restaurant’s general manager. “Then we finished it off with a caramelized onion and bacon jam on a toasted challah bun.”
This year’s winning burger is called The Knock-Out. Last year’s winner, The Champ, was topped with caramelized onions, American cheese and chipotle aioli. Each burger is $10.95 and includes a choice of side dishes.
The Alibi, as its know to regulars, beat out 14 other burgers from some of the area’s top restaurants, including Morton’s The Steakhouse, Big City Tavern, Johnny V and The Capital Grille.
“We’ve been laughing for days,” says Frato. “Chuckling like little kids poking your sister.” The Knock-Out, which appeared on The Alibi menu the morning after its win, is a collaboration between Frato, executive chef Ron Kerr and owners Mark Negrete and Jackson Padgett.
“The owners bought Georgie’s Alibi five years ago,” says Frato. “They are the guys that are responsible for moving this bar/restaurant operation forward to the next level. We made this a food destination. Now people come to eat and stay here for a drink.”
Last year’s Burger Battle win increased burger sales by double digits. They now sell between 3,500 and 4,000 burgers every month.
“We sell more burgers than everything else combined,” says chef Kerr. “The burger kills everything.”
Fort Lauderdale’s Rok:Brgr won fan favorite at last Friday’s sold-out competition.
Georgie’s Alibi is at 2266 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors, 954-565-2526.
