by The Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Ten competitors battled it out in Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment’s 3rd Annual Battle of the Burger all vying for the grand prize of $1,500 and bragging rights. Chef Leia Gaccione of South + Pine American Eatery, Morristown, N.J. took home the $1,500 prize for her French Onion Dip Burger on Saturday (June 9).

The winning certified Blank Angus burger was topped with French Onion dip aioli, Gruyere cheese, mushroom ragu with arugula and crispy shallots all on a brioche bun.

This was the second win for South + Pine, they took home the $1,500 grand prize in the inaugural Battle of the Burger in 2016.

Little Bite of Paradise took home the $1,000 second place prize for the third year in a row with their Ancho Mamma’s Burger. The burger featured melted smoked Gouda, lime pickled red onions, lettuce, heirloom tomatoes with chipotle mayo and crispy Ancho avocado on a brioche roll.

The $500 third place prize went to Spanky’s Gourmet Grub food truck based out of North Jersey. Spanky’s winning burger was 50% short rib/brisket/rib-eye blend and 50% bacon with homemade bacon jam, caramelized onions all topped with their signature cheese skirt.

The New Maggie’s Bar & Grill of Carlstadt, NJ was voted People’s Choice Champion and took home a $150.

“This was the best Burger Battle yet,” said Meadowlands General Manager and COO Jason M. Settlemoir. “We sampled some delicious, creative burgers and we cannot wait until next year’s battle.”