Then again on second thought...

Now and again, whatever it is I do here has its perks. Mostly getting to know people, and the odd cookbook, but also press releases. Oh, the press releases. Without them, I would not have gotten the exclusive insider news that come Monday, 12 January, more tickets to sold out events at the 2009 Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival will be available! A beady-eyed stickler might point out that said events are not, in fact sold out, but, it's like, South Beach, so who wants to split hairs? However, the events themselves may or may not have you hitting refresh on your browser -- a trip to the loosest slots in town with Paula Deen? I'll be at Versailles, enjoying a tiny cup of very strong coffee, thanks all the same. However, one event led me to reconsider a recent tumblr post, where I suggested that Tony Bourdain depends on the likes of Rachael Ray for his shtick, which consists of slamming Rach as the overlord of the shock troops of mediocrity. I continue to maintain that Rach and Tony are more same than different, but Ms. Ray's event is so remorselessly mediocre in its very being that it might be worth having Tony call her out on it:

Outrageous fun awaits guests at the third annual Amstel Light Burger Bash held on the beautiful beach of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. Kicking off the 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. Mostly featuring beef – although look for a few notable and delicious exceptions – the friendly competition ends when hostess Rachael Ray tallies up the votes and announces the winner of the “People’s Choice Award.” It’s a great night to kick back with a cold one – a perfectly chilled Amstel Light, to be exact – and enjoy an amazing variety of top-notch burgers.

Burgers and Amstel Light? Outrageous! Granted there are some serious chefs throwing their hats in the ring, but why? But you can be there, for only $200, and cast your vote for the people's choice award.

Comments

[Marco Romano]

Cheaptickets.com has them for $19.95 with Popeil mini-burger maker included.