Local chef competes in Burger Bash

February 16, 2009 RECIPE: Chef Carol Wallack's Wagyu Burger

The Chicago chef is traveling to Florida to compete in the event hosted by celeb cook Rachel Ray. Chef Carol is one of 23 American chefs, and one of only four women, who are competing during the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Taking place February 19-22, the four-day event features the biggest stars in the culinary industry as well as the world's most renowned wine and spirits producers.

Chef Carol will be making her signature Wagyu Burger that has taken her 20 years to perfect. This mouth-watering sandwich is made with Allen Brother's Wagyu Beef, cambazola cheese, house-made bacon, caramelized onions and arugula all squeezed between a soft pretzel roll. When hostess Rachael Ray tallies up the votes, Chef Carol hopes her recipe is the winner of the "People's Choice Award." Highlights of the competition will be televised on the Food Network in coming months.

You can try out the Wagyu Burger at Sola where it will be on the menu all day from Thursday, February 19 through Sunday, February 22. This burger is normally only available during lunch and dinner on Thursday and only lunch on Friday so it's a special treat for guests! Sola is located at 3868 N. Lincoln, Chicago. For reservations or more information, visit www.sola-restaurant.com or call 773.327.3868.

It's the third year for the Burger Bash, which kicks off the South Beach Festival. This fan favorite pits some of the country's greatest patty purveyors against one another as they show off their grilling skills and creative juices. Most of the burger recipes will feature beef, although a few chefs promise there will be notable and delicious exceptions. Chef Carol will be facing tough competition from the only other Chicago entrant Chef Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo

Other participating chefs are:

  • Michelle Bernstein (Michy's, Miami, FL)
  • Thomas Connell (Bistro One LR at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, FL)
  • Jeremy Fox (Ubuntu, Napa Valley, CA)
  • Bobby Flay (Bobby's Burger Palace, Long Island, New York)
  • Randy Garutti (Shake Shack, New York, NY)
  • Hedy Goldsmith (Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Miami, FL)
  • Katie Lee Joel (The Comfort Table, New York, NY)
  • Amstel Light's Jake Linzinmeir (X Cafe, Telluride, CO)
  • Spike Mendelsohn (Good Stuff Eatery, Washington DC)
  • Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto, New York, NY)
  • Tim Nickey (Kobe Club, South Beach, FL)
  • Michael Psilakis (Anthos, Mia Dona, Kefi, New York, NY)
  • Michael Santiago (Pelican Landing, Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
  • Michael Schlow (Radius, Boston, MA)
  • Michael Schwartz (Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Miami, FL)
  • Andrew Shotts (Garrison Confections, Central Falls, RI)
  • Carol Wallack (Sola Restaurant, Chicago, IL)
  • David Walzog (SW Steakhouse, Las Vegas, NV)
  • Matt Zagorski (Rouge, Philadelphia, PA)
  • Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor (Dania Beach, FL)
  • Love Food Café (South Beach, FL)
  • The Counter (Culver City, CA)
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