Discover Newport Launches Third-Annual Burger Bender Contest

NEWPORT, R.I. -- For those who missed out on Rhode Island Food Fights' Lord of the Wings competition, or those who are just hungry for more, Discover Newport has the solution with their third-annual Burger Bender. The 10-day, 30-burger competition seeks to once again find out which Newport restaurant serves the finest burger.

With most Newport businesses still picking up the pieces from January's week-long gas outage, contest organizer and Discover Newport Social Media Manager Brittany Lauro says the contest is a way to revitalize the struggling local economy.

"Owners, servers, chefs, bartenders and additional staff, as well as to food purveyors, restaurant suppliers, laundry services and other vendors lost a week’s worth of revenue at an already quiet time of year," Lauro said in a press release. "We’re pleased the Newport Burger Bender comes at an optimal time while tempting the taste buds of residents and visitors alike."

The contest runs from February 15 to 24 to coincide with Newport's Winter Festival.

"It's a very free-flowing event, and anyone can take part by dining at these restaurants during the festival and voting," said Andrea McHugh, Senior Communications Manager at Discover Newport.

Diners are encouraged to post their burger photos on social media with the hashtag #newportburgerbender. Tagged photos will be entered to win giveaways from Discover Newport.

At the end of the competition, one restaurant will receive the title of "Newport Burger Bender Best Burger." Other rewards include the "Critic's Choice" award, chosen by Providence Journal food writer Jenna Pelletier, and "Creative Champion," to be named by Rhode Island Monthly Associate Editor Jamie Coehlo.

Participating restaurants include:

• 22 Bowen's Wine Bar and Grill
• Annie's
• Binge BBQ
• Brix at Newport Vineyards
• The Cafe at the Chanler
• Caleb and Broad
• Chomp Kitchen and Drinks
• Cru Cafe
• Diego's
• Diego's Barrio Cantina
• Gas Lamp Grille
• The Grill at Forty One North
• Gulf Stream Bar and Grille
• Jo's American Bistro
• La Forge Casino
• Localz Kitchen and Cocktails
• Midtown Oyster Bar
• Mission
• Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar
• One Bellevue at Hotel Viking
• Pour Judgement
• Regent Lounge at Gurney's Newport
• Salvation Cafe
• Scales and Shells
• Skiff Bar at Newport Marriott
• Speakeasy Bar and Grill
• Stoneacre Brasserie
• Surf Club
• Vanderbilt Grill at Vanderbilt
• Wharf Pub

2018's Best Burger crown went to La Forge Casino's Crowley Burger. The Critic's Choice award went to 22 Bowen's Wine Bar and Grill's Secret Burger, and The Wharf Club's Antipasti Patty took home Creative Champion.

Photo: Defending Burger Bender champions, La Forge Casino restaurant. Photo courtesy of Discover Newport.