Benson Blakes Bar & Grill wins ‘Best Burger’ in National Pub Food Challenge

[The Patriot]

Benson Blakes Bar & Grill wins ‘Best Burger’ in National Pub Food Challenge

03-12-2013 03:27 PM

Can't beat the burgers at Benson Blakes


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National Pub Food Challenge 2013



Benson Blakes Bar & Grill wins ‘Best Burger’ in National Pub Food Challenge


by: Steve Blake
Benson Blakes Bar & Grill
published: March 12, 2013

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Craving a juicy burger? Look no further than Benson Blakes Bar & Grill in St Edmunds. Benson Blakes just won the “Best Burger” category in the National Pub Food Challenge 2013 sponsored by the Morning Advertiser. The National Pub Food Challenge awards recognize pub caterers serving up Britain's favorite pub dishes.

Benson Blakes entered their “Benson Blakes Burger” which has remained virtually unchanged since the pub opened in 2003. The only upgrades that the burger has experienced in the last 10 years is a change in the bun used; today, you’ll find your burger enveloped in a finely-crafted bread that is based on a recipe from artisan baker Gastrono-me, who is located across the road from Benson Blakes in St Johns Street. The burger is accompanied by homemade salsa, Suffolk Black Bacon and Emmental cheese with lettuce, tomato and red onion. The patty is made for the pub by Meat Inn, another neighbor located just round the corner in Bentgovel Street. The patty is made from prime beef, including Aberdeen Angus, all farmed in Suffolk or Norfolk. Benson Blakes believe that all components should work together 100 percent.

For the competition, entrants were judged by Elizabeth Carter, Editor Good Food Guide 2012; Rob Wilcox, Editor Publican/Morning Advertiser; and a consultant chef from 3663 Foodservice. The judges gave Benson Blakes’ chef a mystery box of paella rice and pesto. Tim, the owner’s son and pub manager, and Mark, the chef, came up with a burger based on an arrancini (an Italian specialty of fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs). They cooked the rice and cooled it, then made a patty with mozzarella and covered the patty using Panko crumbs. It was then deep-fried and put in a bun with rocket salad, sundried tomatoes, and pesto. After the judges got over their initial surprise (the other two finalists made risotto), they agreed that it was very good and original.

Benson Blakes is extremely pleased that a provincial bar has won the award; when they opened in 2003, the gourmet burger scene was just starting in London and Benson Blakes was a trailblazer. Since then, they have continually updated their offerings both with food and drink that is served.

Next time you’re craving a great burger, head on down to Benson Blakes. They have a number of money-saving specials, including “Burger Wednesdays” where you get two burgers and sides for only 10 pounds! Visit them on Facebook for more information: www.facebook.com/BensonBlakes and view our Restaurant Guide for more details.


Tags: Benson Blakes Bar & Grill, Burgers, Food, National Pub Food Challenge 2013, RAF Alconbury, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, Travel, News
Related Content: Can't beat the burgers at Benson Blakes






Benson Blakes Bar & Grill wins ‘Best Burger’ in National Pub Food Challenge


by: Steve Blake
Benson Blakes Bar & Grill
published:

Share This:


Tweet

Comments
Email
Print


Craving a juicy burger? Look no further than Benson Blakes Bar & Grill in St Edmunds. Benson Blakes just won the “Best Burger” category in the National Pub Food Challenge 2013 sponsored by the Morning Advertiser. The National Pub Food Challenge awards recognize pub caterers serving up Britain's favorite pub dishes.

Benson Blakes entered their “Benson Blakes Burger” which has remained virtually unchanged since the pub opened in 2003. The only upgrades that the burger has experienced in the last 10 years is a change in the bun used; today, you’ll find your burger enveloped in a finely-crafted bread that is based on a recipe from artisan baker Gastrono-me, who is located across the road from Benson Blakes in St Johns Street. The burger is accompanied by homemade salsa, Suffolk Black Bacon and Emmental cheese with lettuce, tomato and red onion. The patty is made for the pub by Meat Inn, another neighbor located just round the corner in Bentgovel Street. The patty is made from prime beef, including Aberdeen Angus, all farmed in Suffolk or Norfolk. Benson Blakes believe that all components should work together 100 percent.

For the competition, entrants were judged by Elizabeth Carter, Editor Good Food Guide 2012; Rob Wilcox, Editor Publican/Morning Advertiser; and a consultant chef from 3663 Foodservice. The judges gave Benson Blakes’ chef a mystery box of paella rice and pesto. Tim, the owner’s son and pub manager, and Mark, the chef, came up with a burger based on an arrancini (an Italian specialty of fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs). They cooked the rice and cooled it, then made a patty with mozzarella and covered the patty using Panko crumbs. It was then deep-fried and put in a bun with rocket salad, sundried tomatoes, and pesto. After the judges got over their initial surprise (the other two finalists made risotto), they agreed that it was very good and original.

Benson Blakes is extremely pleased that a provincial bar has won the award; when they opened in 2003, the gourmet burger scene was just starting in London and Benson Blakes was a trailblazer. Since then, they have continually updated their offerings both with food and drink that is served.

Next time you’re craving a great burger, head on down to Benson Blakes. They have a number of money-saving specials, including “Burger Wednesdays” where you get two burgers and sides for only 10 pounds! Visit them on Facebook for more information: www.facebook.com/BensonBlakes and view our Restaurant Guide for more details.


Tags: Benson Blakes Bar & Grill, Burgers, Food, National Pub Food Challenge 2013, RAF Alconbury, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, Travel, News
Related Content: Can't beat the burgers at Benson Blakes







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