Winner, winner, burger dinner. Truck chefs down spatulas for contest results. Holding victory proclamations are Allen BBQ truck owner Jeffrey Allen (left), and Giovanni Guigulfo, for Senor Burger.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Burgers were the order of the day as food truck fans met-up to hail a top Carmichael Park vendor. The park’s recent ‘Burger Battle’ assembled trailers and almost 300 paying customers. 

While a judging panel called the VIP choice, chomping patrons decided a popular champ.

The battle began at sunset when six culinary trucks pulled into Carmichael Park. Generators purred and beefy aromas wafted.

Judges had a waist-expanding task. Businessmen Al Rich and Burnie Lenau convened with Carmichael Park District administrator Stacey Yankee and legislative office representatives Matt Ceccato and Lindsay Fukushima. Hand-picked by the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, these volunteers dug in with relish. And mayo. 

VIP judges are Al Rich (left), Stacey Yankee, Matt Ceccato (with daughter Olivia), Burnie Lenau and Lindsay Fukushima.

It was a brutal job, they agreed. But somebody had to do it. Sauces spurted; fingers dripped. Savory splotches marked score cards.

“I have Ketchup in my hair,” groaned park boss Stacey Yankee.

Appreciative grunts resounded.  

“If I found this burger in a restaurant,” approved Congressman Ami Bera’s representative Matt Ceccato, “I’d be more than happy.”

Universally adored was an offering complimented with macaroni cheese and bacon. A burger oozing with Habanero sauce packed a kick that initiated calls for extra napkins and water bottles.

Though pacing themselves with small samples, judicial jaws soon slowed. Carmichael Park District first-husband Steve Yankee claimed his wife’s leftovers.

“I didn’t know I’d be batting clean-up,” he grinned between bites.  “I’m not complaining, waste is a terrible thing.”

Down to the crunch. Judges sample burgers from six food truck vendors.

Matt Ceccato’s ten-year-old, Olivia, gleaned daughterly dividends. Al Rich had to pursue his wife to sample the coveted Mac, Cheese and bacon delight.

“It’s got all the things she loves,” Rich explained.

In the end, this bespoke burger took the popular vote. Giovanni Guigulfo accepted kudos for his Senor Burger Truck.

VIP judges chewed the fat. Their collective choice was a ‘dragon burger’ on brioche from Allen’s BBQ and Burger.

“We use Harris Ranch tri-tip, which we slice and grind it ourselves. The meat’s the star; we don’t do anything fancy to it. This burger been in two contests and won both times. It’s great to be recognized for going above and beyond for our customers,” said owner and chief-flipper Jeffrey Allen

Participants in the April Burger Battle were Senor Burger; Kely’s Crepes and Burgers; Staq & Cream; Allen BBQ and Burgers; Noble Beast; Bussin’ Buns.

Patrons throng to the burger bonanza.

A ‘Taco Truck Takedown,’ fielding six Mexican cuisine trailers, will be staged in the park on May 8. Contestants are members of Food in the ‘Hood 916, a food truck organization that also supplies vehicles for the park’s concert season and Sunday Farmers Market.

Burger Battle sponsors were Carmichael Recreation and Park District, Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, Food in the ‘Hood 916, Buck family Automotive, Carmichael Parks Foundation, Supervisor Rich Desmond, Carmichael Kiwanis.

For information on Carmichael Recreation and Park District food truck events, visit www.carmichaelpark.com