Events are relatively scarce during Vero’s sizzling summer months, which made the Independence Day weekend the perfect time for a new festival. Crowds came out in full force Saturday, beating the heat by enjoying icy cold beverages and cool music at the inaugural Burgers and Brews: An American Heritage Celebration to support United Against Poverty of Indian River County.
United Against Poverty (or UP), previously known as the Harvest Food and Outreach Center, is getting ready to move its facility to the north end of 14th Avenue and felt that utilizing the Historic Downtown Vero Beach area was a great way to get to know their new neighbors. UP programs help to “inspire and empower people living in poverty to lift their families to economic self-sufficiency.”
The day’s festivities began with the Ride Against Poverty, a biking event held early in the morning, and continued with a Best Burger in Vero Competition and a Chef’s Slider Luncheon at the Heritage Center that drew a sold-out crowd.
Gourmet burgers from 14 Bones, 21st Street Taphouse, Beef O’Bradys, Citrus Grillhouse, Cobalt, JJ’s Sports Bar, Osceola Bistro, Patio Seafood Tavern and Planet Yum deliciously competed for bragging rights to the title.
Each restaurant had also provided an abundance of sliders for ticketholders to sample and pick their own favorites from among the many creative choices.
The blind-taste competition – in which judges had to taste burgers and then fill out forms in a matter of seconds – resulted in a fair bit of confusion.
But at the end, it was announced that the burger prepared by The Patio had been judged Best Burger. And the Popular Vote title went to Osceola Bistro for its juicy burger served with a sweet bacon onion marmalade, arugula and crispy Italian ham.
“The Patio’s was definitely the best and one of the only ones not overcooked,” said attendee Rebecca Chesley.
“I can’t have gluten so I ate mine without the bun and got a more pure flavor of the burger,” she added. “Theirs had caramelized onions, arugula and mushrooms.”
Outside, with temperatures soaring into the 90s, attendees took full advantage of the oak tree-shaded benches along 14th Avenue as they listened to a live concert featuring the Ladies of Soul and the Crooked Creek Band.
Others strolled along the many vendor booths, which even included a small petting zoo. And along 21st Street an assortment of food and refreshment trucks were set up for everyone to enjoy.
The coolest guys on the block were the ones in the celebrity dunk tank, who taunted and teased folks into purchasing chances to hit the target and catapult them into the water.
“We thought doing an event and street festival would introduce us to the 14th Avenue community and a burger contest would be a lot of fun,” said UP Executive Director Annabel Robertson, who hoped the event would raise roughly $25,000 to help with their capital campaign. “Vero Beach needed a great summer event and who doesn’t love a burger?”
“We are going to have this as a kick-off to Fourth of July each year from now on. We are very grateful that the community came out and got together to help support families; helping them achieve their American dream,” said UP President/Founder Austin Hunt.
