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One of the major perks of being a food writer is the scores of media passes, tickets, and invitations I get on a regular basis. Obviously, I cannot attend all of the events to which I get invited, but every now and then an event so epic comes along that saying no isn’t an option. In other words—when you get a call to judge a burger competition in your hometown, you don’t refuse.

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When I received an invitation to be on the judges’ panel from Matt Sullivan, Marketing Director of Strongpoint Atlantic (the PR group behind some of the biggest culinary events in Delaware), I jumped at the chance. I mean, who doesn’t want to spend their Saturday afternoon at a brewery while being served sliders and burgers from the area’s best chefs?

Saturday’s competition brought out the culinary heavy-hitters and the six judges had the nearly impossible task of scoring 17 burgers from local restaurants like Ernest & Scott, Union City Grille, Chelsea Tavern and Two Fat Guys. Creative concoctions flew off the grill left and right but ultimately it was Redfire Grill who took home the Critic’s Choice Award and Union City Grille who captured the tastebuds of the crowd and took home the coveted People’s Choice Award. However, the real winner of the day was the Ministry of Caring’s Emanuel Dining Room—a dining hall that offers meals to the hungry—who benefits from the proceeds of the event.

Iris McCarthy - LWP Blogger BadgeIris McCarthy is a freelance food writer and blogger in the Greater Philadelphia region with a passion for writing and food culture. Iris lives in the Philadelphia suburbs, but spends much of her time eating, working and playing in the city. When she’s not attending local food events, scoping out new ice cream spots to satiate her sweet tooth, or covering the Philly food scene, Iris can be found checking out the latest community theaters and museums. Follow Iris as she dines around Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs on her popular food blog The Palate Princess and via Twitter @PalatePrincess.