Cambium Cider Co. Takes Home the Gold at the 2024 Golden Burger Challenge
On Tuesday, November 12, the culinary spotlight shone brightly on the North Okanagan as the fourth annual Golden Burger Challenge culminated in a delicious showdown at the Towne Theatre. This year, the coveted Lake Country Casino gold trophy was awarded to Cambium Cider Co. for their mouth-watering creation, the Pig Mac. This event not only celebrated the art of burger-making but also raised significant funds for the North Okanagan Community Life Society (NOCLS), an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities.
The Winning Burger: The Pig Mac
Cambium Cider Co. wowed the judges and the community with their innovative Pig Mac, a pork burger that featured an enticing combination of apple-glazed pork belly, celeriac and apple slaw, and applewood smoked cheese sauce, all topped with herb aioli and served on a house-made poppy seed milk bun. Accompanying this culinary masterpiece were curly pigtails—crispy potatoes that added a playful touch to the dish. The unique flavors and creative presentation of the Pig Mac had local eaters oinking for more, solidifying its place as the champion of this year’s competition.
A Community-Centric Event
The Golden Burger Challenge is more than just a culinary competition; it serves as a vital fundraiser for NOCLS. Celenka Krawczyk, the organization’s fundraising and event coordinator, emphasized the importance of the event in supporting individuals with disabilities. “This year’s event raised substantial funds for NOCLS, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the resources, support, and opportunities they deserve,” she stated. The month-long challenge saw nearly 3,000 burgers sold, with partial proceeds from each sale contributing to the charity. In total, the event raised over $30,000, showcasing the community’s commitment to making a difference.
A Flavorful Competition
This year’s challenge featured 12 local restaurants, each bringing their unique culinary flair to the table. The competition was fierce, with each establishment crafting creative and mouth-watering burger entries. Diner On Six took home the Okanagan Restoration silver trophy for their Godfather Burger, while The Roster Sports Club secured the bronze trophy, sponsored by Kal Containers, for their Buffalo Bills Crunch Smash Burger. Krawczyk praised the participating restaurants, saying, “Each restaurant delivered an incredible burger creation, bringing unique flavors, originality, and culinary skill to the competition.”
Awards and Recognition
In addition to the main trophies, several special awards were presented during the ceremony. The Super Secret Mystery Judge Award went to Match Eatery and Public House for their Jalapeno Crunch Burger, while the Service Award was given to Alexander’s Beach Pub and Liquor Store for The Grazer. Cambium also received the Originality Award, and The Roster was recognized with the Presentation Award. Other notable awards included the Yumminess Award for Match Eatery, the Celebrity Judge’s Award for The Winston’s Chorizo Truffle Smash Burger (judged by Canadian comedian Brent Butt), and the FreshCo Most Burgers Sold Award, which went to Alexander’s.
Looking Ahead
With the success of this year’s Golden Burger Challenge, organizers are already setting their sights on next year’s event. Krawczyk expressed excitement about building on the momentum generated this year, stating, “The success of this year’s event has set a high standard, and we’re excited to build on this momentum in 2025. With the continued support of local restaurants, sponsors, and the community, we’re confident that next year’s challenge will reach new heights in engagement, fundraising, and impact.”
As the community savors the success of the 2024 Golden Burger Challenge, it is clear that this event not only celebrates culinary creativity but also fosters a spirit of unity and support for those in need. With each delicious bite, participants and patrons alike contribute to a greater cause, ensuring that individuals with disabilities in the North Okanagan receive the support they deserve.
