If you’re a burger fan, you don’t want to miss Toronto’s newest underground chef competition, The Burger Brawl. Starting April 15, the competition involves two chefs, one basket of secret ingredients, and 45 minutes to turn them into a mouth-watering burger for a panel of critical judges (including one lucky audience member).
With future Burger Brawls that will include top chefs from New York, Montreal, Vancouver, and more, the first edition is staying local and will feature Chef Matt Basile (Fidel Gastro’s, Lisa Marie) competing against Chef Vittorio Colacitti (Top Chef Canada, The Good Son). Both chefs are famous for a reason: they each have made a significant contribution to the culinary sphere in Toronto.
Matt Basile can easily be called the Toronto street food pioneer with his Fidel Gastro’s food truck, which has since become an entity of its own including catering services, private food truck parties, a new book, and a TV show. He also opened Lisa Marie two years ago — a most indulgent Queen West restaurant offering culinary concoctions most would only dream up after drinking a bottle of vodka but never speak of aloud for fear of being judged as a proper fatty.
Vittorio Colacitti on the other hand is no stranger to competition. A strong presence on Top Chef Canada‘s fourth season, we were all surprised to see him go in the second last episode, thinking he just may be the winner. But that just gave him more time to focus on the opening of The Good Son, which has been featured on many “best new restaurant” lists, including ours. Vittorio’s training combines French, Asian, and Italian techniques, making him a chef that is known for being innovative, using fresh flavours, and refined plating.
We sat down with both chefs to talk burgers. Their answers were interesting and, oddly, they both agree on the best burger in Toronto. It will be interesting to see them in action on April 15, and even more exciting to hear who takes the street cred with their burger creation.
VERSUS
Check out the boys’ answers and let us know who you think will take the win in the comments below!
When you have a burger craving, what is your ideal burger creation?
Matt: Hands down a double cheeseburger with bacon and a fried egg.
Vittorio: I really like the burger at The Good Son.
What condiments are a must-have to make a burger even more delicious?
Matt: A good hearty pickle or pickled jalapenos. Basically anything pickled goes a long way.
Vittorio: Definitely pickles — I like a rich patty, which needs to be cut with acidity.
What secret ingredient makes or breaks a burger?
Matt: The bun. If the bun is crap your burger will be too.
Vittorio: A flat top griddle.
What do you know about your opponent’s cooking style?
Matt: I know he’s very talented and his style is probably much more refined than mine, which could work for or against him in this challenge.
Vittorio: I know he has done well with street food.
Since you are in the dark about what protein will be available the night of the brawl, what’s on your wish list? What’s on your “please not that protein” list?
Matt: As long as it isn’t a veggie burger, I’m good.
Vittorio: Hmm, I hope there is no camel or ostrich.
What about your burger creation do you think will knock your opponent out?
Matt: All you have to do is look at our Instagram feed for our burger night photos. We’ve created an entire night around making crazy burgers no one has seen before.
Vittorio: My technique and flavour.
Apart from your own, what/where is the best burger you’ve ever had?
Matt: I crave Holy Chuck Burgers
Vittorio: Apart from The Good Son, I really like Holy Chuck’s cheeseburger.
Wanna see more? Here are the boys giving each other some ‘advice’ on Burger Brawl TV:
Related Link: Top 10 Toronto Events: April 2015 Edition
Who do you think will take home the big win? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
