A Windsor restaurant has the best burger in Windsor-Essex, according to the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland.
The club announced the winner of its first annual Burger Battle Thursday evening, which was Walkerville Eatery. Restaurant owners Mark Hawken and son Joshua Bourque collected the prize.
"We are extremely grateful and pleased that our customers voted us top burger restaurant," said Hawken. "Our team works incredibly hard day in and day out and this is a testament to their attention to the quality of our food and the high level of customer service they provide. This is a recognition they so genuinely deserve."
Walkerville Eatery was one of ten Windsor-Essex businesses competing for the title. The others were the River's Edge Tap House, the Thirsty Butler, Sandy's Riverside Grill, Smoke N Spice, Sir Richard's Wine and Ale House, and the Dugout Sports Lounge, all in Windsor; Joe Schmoe's in LaSalle, Edna's Restaurant by Stev in Lakeshore, and CREW Winery in Essex.
The contest worked with over 400 "passports" being sold to the public, offering a buy-one, get-one free burger meal. Customers then voted on a scale of one to five on presentation, freshness factor, bun-to-meat balance, toppings, and points for a statement that best describes the customer’s experience. A score of five was the highest.
Paula Talbot, president of the Rotary Club-Roseland, said the contest was enormously successful and helped support all participating businesses.
"The feedback we have received from participating restaurants and the community exceeded our expectations," said Talbot. "The community also embraced this event, and because they so generously purchased passports, two local charities will receive the proceeds from the event."
The Windsor Residence for Young Men and The Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families will each receive a cheque from the Rotary Club on May 2.
Passports for the second Burger Battle will be available in December.