Hide Your Children: The Burgies Are Coming

​ Everyone has their own idea of what makes a perfect burger. For some, it's the beefy flavor achieved from fresh grinding chuck, brisket, short rib, or round. Others wax scientific over the proper ratio of meat-to-bun. Purists prefer a the brilliance of one perfectly charred patty christened with only a slice of cheese. Then there are those who believe the best tribute is innovation, festooning their slabs of steer with all manner of cheeses, aiolis, caramelized veggies, and even foie gras. No matter your preference, all final arguments will be heard and a single victor decided when the Burger Beast's first ever Burgie Awards debuts on September 14 at John Martin's Irish Pub in Coral Gables.

In honor of the Burger Beast blog's one-year anniversary, the Burgies will celebrate South Florida's finest "everyman food," including best pizza, wings, frita, croqueta, cuban sandwich, hot dog, side item, and, of course, burger. In an effort to truly decide the best of each foodstuff, the Burger Beast is reaching out to local bloggers and food personalities (including Clean Plate Charlie himself) to vote on each category. Readers can also decide their best burger spot via an online poll which will remain active on Burgerbeast.com through August 17. In addition to announcing the winners, the Burger Beast team will hand out caps, T-shirts, gift cards, and other goodies to burger fans in attendance.

The Burgies will start up at 8 p.m. at 253 Miracle Mile in the Gables. RSVP via Facebook.