Baked beans. Corn chowder. Spaghetti. First Western Bank & Trust and the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce could have themed a month-long celebration of local restaurants around any food they cared to. But they’re smart. They chose to showcase the greatest delicacy ever to grace the face of the earth. I am speaking, of course, of the burger – one part divinity, one part bovinity, and the reason why we observe the Eatin’ Prairie Burger Battle throughout September.
Don’t be alarmed. It’s not a real battle. It’s something incomparably jollier: a no-toppings-barred contest between restaurateurs to see who can plate the premier patty. And in this colosseum, you are the emperor, who will judge the ground beef gladiators according to four criteria: presentation, creativity, customer service, and, quite naturally, taste. Simply dine at (or order takeout or delivery from) a participating restaurant, scan the QR code you are provided, and fulfill your duty to help decide the winner of the coveted Golden Spatula.
If you vote on every burger, then you won’t just get the best thing in the world: the satisfaction of having eaten every burger. You will also have a chance to win a gift card from one of the very restaurants you so graciously supported.
“We owe this wonderful idea to our friends at First Western Bank & Trust,” said Izzy Nelson, intern with the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. “When market president David Thompson and his team explained it to our board, we instantly recognized a perfect opportunity to promote local commerce.
“Last year’s inaugural Eatin’ Prairie Burger Battle really highlighted the creativity of Eden Prairie restaurants. Brick & Bourbon, Fat Pants Brewing Co., Kona Grill, Mi Pueblo, Pizza Karma, Smokin Hottdish and Tavern 4&5 all came up with marvelous entries. But at the end of the month, it was The Original Pancake House’s ‘Blackberry Bacon Jam Burger’ that reigned supreme: a third-pound Angus patty buried under crispy hashbrowns, a fried egg, and delicious house-made jam.”
What you’re about to read next will astound you: Everyone who participates in the Eatin’ Prairie Burger Battle is a winner!
“A rising tide raises all ships,” Izzy continued. “We could have indiscriminately promoted any industry and still done good by our community, but the Eatin’ Prairie Burger Battle accomplishes something extra special. It bolsters the businesses which were hit hardest by the lockdown. It draws attention to dining establishments that some locals might not yet have heard about. It fosters the variety which makes Eden Prairie such an attractive base of operations for large employers. Best of all, the Eatin’ Prairie Burger Battle is accessible to every member of our community.”
“I’d like to express my gratitude to all of the restaurants that participated last September,” said Pat MulQueeny, president of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce. “Brick & Bourbon’s ‘The Smoked Brick’ featured their own house-smoked pulled rib meat. Pizza Karma's ‘Lamb Burger’ was infused with a delicate blend of cardamom and almond – an inspiring redefinition of an American classic. Fat Pants Brewing Co.’s ‘Meatball-Becue Burger’ was brilliant: stuffed with pepper jack and barbecue sauce, topped with coleslaw on a brioche bun. I cannot wait to see how this year’s entrants are going to top last year’s unique and exciting burgers!”
Brazin Public House, Fat Pants Brewing Co., My Burger, Pizza Karma, and The Original Pancake House are all confirmed for this month’s Eatin' Prairie Burger Battle at the time of writing. Visit epchamber.org to see the full list of contenders and learn how to get in on the action!