Nearly 300 attended in 2010, and this year more than 350 are expected at the Third Annual Summer BBQ and Burger Throwdown, a delicious event produced by ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians. This competition pits Chicago-area culinary schools against each other in a test of creativity and skill; winners are awarded scholarship dollars.
 
“I can’t wait for the upcoming ACF Burger Throwdown,” says John McLean, chef-proprietor of Burger Bar Chicago and Sono Wood Fired and one of the celebrity judges of the 2010 event. “Last year’s Throwdown was very impressive and showed tremendous creativity and thoughtfulness from each of the teams. If this year’s Burger Throwdown is anything like last year’s, we will be tasting some pretty good food.”
 
Other celebrity judges from last year’s competition included Chicago fine-dining legend Michael Foley, Rafael Vargas of DMK Burger Bar, and Michael Garbin, executive chef of the Union League Club of Chicago.
 
Attendees will enjoy samples of the contestants’ burgers and vote for a “People’s Choice” award. In addition to burgers, a light buffet and selection of soft drinks, beer, and unique cocktails will be served. The evening is capped off with an extravagant dessert buffet.
 
This event is underwritten through support from Consumers Packing Company, Tasty Catering, US Foodservice, Testa Produce, Labriola Baking, Chefwear, Southern Wine & Spirits, and Homer’s Ice Cream, among several other local vendors and distributors.
 
The event will take place on Monday, June 20, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at 1301 Carson Drive, Melrose Park, Illinois 60160. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased at www.acfwindycitychefs.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $35 or $15 for students (ID required).
 
The Summer BBQ and Burger Throwdown event is made possible through the generosity of many local companies. Their support enables ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians to provide education and support to Chicago’s culinary community. ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians is a local chapter of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), the largest and most prestigious professional chef organization in North America.