World Food Championships

When Charlie found his Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, it was just the beginning of his adventure. For Chef Tom of Phoenix’s own Aioli Gourmet Burgers, he hopes the same is true (albeit without the senseless shenanigans that befell the factory’s visitors) as he prepares for the 2018 World Food Championships Nov. 7-11 in Orange Beach, AL. This international event showcases the most iconic cuisines and food genres from across the globe, with 40 competitors in each category battling for world supremacy of your taste buds.

The Golden Ticket

Chef Tom punched his ticket of solid gold when he won the Scottsdale Burger Battle with the Teriyaki Pineapple Burger in March of 2018. His innovative melding of Kobe beef, grilled pineapple, arugula, Applewood smoked bacon, shaved red onion, pepper jack cheese, teriyaki aioli, and caramelized onions was more than enough to win over the judges.

Global Burger Battle Royale

The World Burger Championships presents an even larger stage for Chef Tom, as 40 of the world’s best burger builders (as selected by various international competitions and publications) will compete for the love of the crowd, the respect of the judges, and the camaraderie of their fellow burger-lovers. Expect the unexpected as these artisans and culinary visionaries bring new levels of innovation and creativity to the classic burger. The only rule? It has it be delicious.

Don’t Forget the Bacon

Chef Tom won’t be alone in his cross-country culinary journey; his sous chef, Chef Stephen, will be competing in the separate but equally prestigious Bacon category thanks to his Golden Ticket from his People’s Choice-winning Italiano Burger at the Bacon and Beer Classic in May. Featuring Kobe beef, fresh mozzarella, vine ripe tomatoes, basil garlic aioli, a balsamic reduction, and layer upon layer of perfectly crisped bacon.

Much like the Burger Championships, the Bacon division will also pit 40 master chefs, restauranteurs, amateur bacon enthusiasts, and professional cooks against each other in a quest to see who shall become the Baron (or Baroness) of Bacon, the Prince (or Princess) of Pork, and the Countess (or Count) of Crispy Meats. The Final Table promises to be competitive… and delicious.

For more information, check out the World Food Championship’s website. Better yet, for a sneak peek, visit Aioli Gourmet Burgers at our brick and mortar store in Phoenix, or catch our food truck in its adventures around town.