Winner: Turkey Leg French Dip
Restaurant: Slater’s 50/50 Burgers by Design, Huntington Beach, CA
Sandwich creator: Executive Chef Brad Lyons and Owner Scott Slater
Inspiration: “Taking classic items and elevating them over the top.”
Key ingredients: Slow-braised whole turkey leg, crisp arugula, melted Swiss cheese, red onions, grilled sourdough and a side of green peppercorn dipping sauce
Why it’s special: It combines a classic turkey sandwich with a French dip presentation. Oh, and it comes with a turkey leg bone on the plate.
Price: $11.95
Food cost: 32 percent
What the judges said: Hey, when you “design” burgers like Slater’s, nobody expects you to come up with a decent turkey sandwich. But these guys, for god’s sake, are taking hours to braise turkey legs for a tasty, full-flavored sandwich. Do you need the green peppercorn dipping sauce? No! Will you swim in it like Michael Phelps? Hell ya! Do you need a turkey leg bone to dress up your plate? No! Will you use it to smack the hand of anyone trying to grab a bite of your sandwich? Hell ya!
Honorable mention
• Roasted Turkey and Preserves: Bar 145, Toledo, OH
• Student Athlete: The Dean’s List, Boston