What is this “Blended Burger” anyway?
According to the Atlantic, a team of scientists from Oregon State University, Bard College, and Loma Linda University calculated just what would happen if every American made one dietary change: substituting beans for beef. They found that if everyone were willing and able to do that—hypothetically—the U.S. could still come close to meeting its 2020 greenhouse-gas emission goals, pledged by President Barack Obama in 2009.
That is, even if nothing about our energy infrastructure or transportation system changed—and even if people kept eating chicken and pork and eggs and cheese—this one dietary change could achieve somewhere between 46 and 74 percent of the reductions needed to meet the target.
The James Beard Foundation’s annual Blended Burger Project is a nationwide initiative that challenges chefs to make a “blended burger” by blending ground meat* with finely chopped mushrooms to create a delicious, healthier, and more sustainable burger.
Now through July 31, 2018 locals can enjoy these blended burgers from the following participating restaurants, K Restaurant & Wine Bar, Urbain 40 and 310 Park.
Diners can vote and support the Blended Burger Project™:
· Visit jamesbeard.org/blendedburgerproject to view the gallery of blended burger photos, and cast their vote for the blended burger
· Visit the participating restaurant through July 31, 2018 and ask for the “blended burger”
· Post their burger photos to social media with the hashtag #blendedburgerproject
In August, a prestigious panel of judges on behalf of the JBF will review 20 restaurants receiving the most votes to select the five top winners, based on most creative use of mushrooms, best flavor profile and presentation.
The Judges are:
· Andrew Zimmern, TV personality, chef, writer and teacher.
· Antoinette Bruno, CEO and Editor in Chief, StarChefs.com.
· Susan Westmoreland, Culinary Director, Good Housekeeping.
Chefs from the top five restaurants will win a trip to New York City to cook their blended burger dish during a special fall event at the historic James Beard House. Visit jamesbeard.org/blendedburgerproject for a list of participating restaurants and follow #blendedburgerproject on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
K Restaurant & Wine Bar
1710 Edgewater Dr.
Orlando, FL
407.872.2332
“Blended Burger”
Ground Mushrooms and Beef, Topped with Melted Swiss Cheese, Mushrooms, Heirloom Tomatoes, Crisp Bibb Lettuce & Black Garlic Aioli Sauce $18
Urbain 40 American Brasserie & Lounge
8000 Via Dellagio Way
Orlando, FL
407.872.2640
James Beard Foundations Blended Burger Project “Umami Burger”
Ground Short Rib, White & Porcini Mushrooms & Bush Dreams Pepperberry Rub-laced Steak Burger, Brioche-Sesame Bun, Truffled Tomato-Bacon-Onion Jam, Melted Truffled Cheese, Arugula, Heirloom Tomato, House Pickles & Truffled Pommes Frites $18
310 Park
Lakeside, Park South, Lake Nona
