Chef Marc Murphy Serves Up the Winning Burger to Earn the Prestigious Allen Brothers Award, the Golden Grill

SOUTH BEACH, Fla., Feb. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-seven of the country's hottest chefs and culinary stars get together once a year on the sandy beaches of South Beach, Miami to duke it out for burger domination. Burger Bash praises unique creations, unconventional combinations and deliciously obscure toppings on quality burger blends provided by Allen Brothers Steaks. This year's best burger-maker and winner of the Golden Grill Award is Chef Marc Murphy of New York City's Landmarc, who swept the competition with "The Big Marc." The sumptuously juicy patty featured Allen Brothers USDA Prime Chuck on a homemade black pepper and cheddar bun with spiked ketchup and house-made pickles.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110225/NY54774 )

As Rachael Ray hosted, burgers were judged by a star-studded panel of culinary experts including: Kate Krader, Restaurant Editor, Food & Wine magazine; Chef Art Smith of Table 52 in Chicago; Suzy Buckley, Editor-in-Chief, Ocean Drive; Food Network Personality Alex Guarnaschelli; and renowned chef and restaurateur Todd English. Burgers were judged on taste, creativity, presentation and overall appearance.

"The Golden Grill Award is an important part of the overall Burger Bash experience as it allows us to show appreciation to top chefs who, like Allen Brothers, believe that to be the best, you have to use the finest ingredients – and to make the best burgers, you start with the highest quality USDA Prime beef from Allen Brothers," said Allen Brothers President Todd Hatoff.

In honor of his Golden Grill Award, Chef Murphy received an engraved Christofle platter, $2,500 of Allen Brothers products and a $1,000 donation on his behalf to the charity of his choice.

For the past four years, Allen Brothers Steaks has been a proud sponsor of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Presented by Food & Wine, which benefits the educational programs at Florida International University's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Allen Brothers was founded in 1893 in Chicago's historic Union Stockyards area. Today, it is the country's leading source of USDA Prime, which makes up the finest one to three‐percent of American beef. The U.S. Department of Agriculture calls Allen Brothers' meat "the ultimate in tenderness, juiciness, and flavor," and the brand is synonymous with some of the most revered steakhouses and chefs in the country. In addition to beef, Allen Brothers delivers the finest pork, lamb, veal, seafood, prepared side dishes, and desserts directly to consumers via its renowned catalogue and website. The company is led by President and fourth generation member of the company's founding family, Todd Hatoff. For more information about Allen Brothers or to place an order, visit www.allenbrothers.com or call 1 (800) 957-0111.

SOURCE Allen Brothers