By David Carr

Danforth BIA Communications Committee

It was always going to be tough choosing who makes the best burger on the Danforth. At the end of the day the new kid on the block came up trumps at the Danforth Business Improvement Area’s (Danforth BIA) first annual Thrill of the Grill best burger competition.

Zack Davidson, aka The Friendly Butcher flipped his way to the top, edging out notable chefs Kevin McKenna (Globe Bistro), Mali Fernandez (Embrujo Flamenco), Josh Dalton (Auld Spot Pub), and Anthony Walsh (Allen’s Restaurant).
For BBQ enthusiasts it was hamburger heaven. For a $5.00 contribution to the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club people munched their way through five delicious sliders and unique garnishes in order to vote for the best burger. Susan Puff, executive director of the Danforth BIA, estimates that a crowd of over 430 savoured approximately 490 pounds of 100% ground angus beef supplied by Scotch Mountain Meats.

Burgers were served up on buns freshly baked by Dough Bakeshop. BullsEye Sauces supplied a range of BBQ sauces for diners to add an extra kick to their creations. Lunch was perfectly paired with complimentary bottles of water provided by Eska Water. Bull Frog Power was also a sponsor of the event; and, was converting all hydro power used during the Thrill of The Grill into environmentally friendly wind power.

It was a great day for all of the hungry voters and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creativity of the Danforth chefs and the generosity of the sponsors. The two and a half hour event raised over $2,100 for the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club.

For Zack Davidson, who only recently opened his second The Friendly Butcher shop and first on the Danforth, winning best burger represented a warm welcome to the street. The question is, will he be able to repeat as the competition heats up for next year’s Thrill of the Grill?

Thrill of the Grill was the second in BIA’s successful Danforth Experience series. In May over 1,000 visitors took part in the inaugural Spring Chief’s Farmers Market, pairing Danforth Chefs with local farmers for a different taste experience.
“The Danforth is one of the most exciting streets in Toronto,” Puff added. “Boutique events such as Thrill of the Grill and Spring Chef’s Farmers Market are a unique way of introducing Toronto to everything we have to offer.”