Since moving to New York, I've found an interesting side hustle. Whenever I get an opportunity, I work random (and I truly mean random) events. I make a little extra cash, and usually have a great time. It also has given me opportunities I never would have imagined having. So, when the owner of Clinton Hall asked me to assist with Burger Bash, I couldn't say no.
Blue Moon Burger Bash is annual event hosted by Rachel Ray for the Food Network and Cooking Channel New York City Wine and Food Festival, where restuarants in the Greater New York City Area compete for the title of best burger. Patrons have the opportunity to try all the burgers and vote for their favorite one, as well as explore other booths set-up by sponsors. At the end of the night two awards are given, the Blue Moon People's Choice Award and the Judges Choice Award. All proceeds for the event go to Food Bank For New York City and No Kid Hungry.
This year, the event took place at Pier 97 which provided for a nice view while you overindulged in burgers, beer, and desserts. When I arrived, I was excited to see that I would be working with a friend that I had worked with during Fashion Week. When you work events freelance, it's always nice to run into someone you know. We had some time to explore before working the booth. There was a DJ stand outside and many sponsors and venders. I took advantage of the free Voss Water, and other free drinks and desserts. The indoor portion of the event had even more booths set-up and a live band. When I arrived at the Clinton Hall booth, everyone had their game faces on and were ready to go. They were the People's Choice Award winners and 2018 and were hoping to hold on to their title. My job was to stand behind the booth, pass out burgers to patrons, and to remind them to vote. We also had pop-sockets, beer couzies, coupons for a free drink, and cute beanies that we passed out.
Working behind the booth was a blast. We sang and danced to the live music. Every time someone cast their vote for our burger we cheered as loud as we could. It was such a popular booth that we always had a crowd waiting on the burgers, and when they came out, they were gone within seconds. When the line finally started to die down, I had my chance to try the famous Double Smashed Burger served with crispy cauliflower. I wasn't sure if it was due to the fact that I was starving by this point, but I'm pretty sure it was the best burger I ever tasted. The Double Smashed is two beef patties served with pickles, crispy shallots, American cheese and CH sauce on a sesame seed bun. It truly tasted amazing, and I will be going to a Clinton Hall location again just for this burger.
At the end of the night, Rachel Ray came on stage to announce the winners, but, unfortunately, Clinton Hall did not receive either reward. My totally biased opinion was that they were robbed. Though, I think they gained an army of loyal customers from the competition. Overall, I enjoyed working Burger Bash, and I can add it to my growing list of things I never thought I would do.
XOXO,
Kristin
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