FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - - The Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale Burger Battle™, presented by Publix, Publix Apron's Cooking School and Publix Apron's Catering, will be held on Friday, May 31, at Huizenga Plaza. This sizzling event will pit 16 top restaurants against one another as they show off their creative juices and compete for the coveted "Best Burger" title for 2013. Live entertainment will be provided by Sweet 903, sponsored by The Riverside Hotel and The Las Olas Company. This is a 21+ event and will be held rain or shine.

So what does a VIP ticket get you? This year's VIP area, sponsored by Lauderdale Grill, will boast: tables and chairs so that you may dine in comfort; a Premier open bar, serving Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly (the "Official Wine & Bubbly" sponsor) and VOSS water; the opportunity to enjoy Ommegang Belgian craft beers and Duvel Belgian Golden Blonde craft beer, provided by Brown Distributing; Lauderdale Grill's famous prime rib sliders, served exclusively in the VIP area; full access to the 16 Burger Battle™ contenders, The Capital Grille's French Fry Bar, and Susie's Scrumptious Sweets Dessert Station.

A chef-driven judges panel will work together to award one restaurant the Best Burger award and bragging rights. Other accolades bestowed that evening include Fan Favorite as chosen by Burger Battle guests, Best Burger Joint, Best Bar and Grill, Best Knife and Fork Burger, as well as the Burger Nirvana designation to the select few that attain this status.

Competing restaurants include: America's Backyard, American Social, Big Bear Brewing Co., Big City Tavern, Burger Zone, Charm City Burger Co., Downtowner Saloon, Elevation Burger, Georgie's Alibi, Gimme A Burger, Grille 401, ROK:BRGR, Rosie's Bar & Grill, The Burger Freak, The Grateful Palate, and Timpano Italian Chophouse. Participating restaurants and food include: The Capital Grille, Lauderdale Grill and Susie's Scrumptious Sweets.

The presenting sponsors are: Publix, Publix Apron's Cooking School and Publix Apron's Catering. Other sponsors and partners include: Krystal Burger, BB&T, Best Rental, Brown Distributing, Clear Channel, Downtown Himmarshee Village Association, Friends of WLRN, Go Riverwalk Magazine, Media Lab, Middle River Arts Photography, New Times, Premier Beverage, QuinnProQuo, Signs by Tomorrow, Stephens Distributing, Stiles, The Las Olas Company, The Riverside Hotel, THINK Magazine and Timpano Italian Chophouse.

General admission tickets are $40 per person; VIP tickets are $125 per person. General admission ticket holders will receive 3 drink tickets; VIP ticket holders will enjoy an open bar. Purchase your tickets online before they sell out! To purchase tickets, visit: http://tinyurl.com/d87dwuo

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Sybille Abberley-Fogle at sybille@goriverwalk.com, or (954) 468-1541, ext. 203.