August 29, 2024 – Temecula’s popular Battle of the Burgers will return to Pechanga Resort Casino on Saturday, October 12, from noon to 3 p.m., giving a panel of esteemed judges and local burger fans a chance to vote for the best burger in Temecula Valley. Now in its fifth year, this friendly and fun competition gives area restaurants a chance to show off their best burger and provides hands-on training for high school culinary arts students.
The event is a collaborative effort between Visit Temecula Valley, Pechanga Resort Casino, and the Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD). All funds benefit the Temecula Valley Unified School District Career Technical Education (CTE) Culinary Arts Program, which engages students in hands-on, interactive, work-based learning to help prepare them for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers.
The last event raised more than $8,000 for TVUSD’s CTE program. Tickets for the next Battle of the Burgers competition start at $25 and are available HERE.
“We’re so proud and honored to be involved with Battle of the Burgers and help support TVUSD’s work-based learning programs,” said Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley. “Every tourist destination has an ongoing need for dependable, experienced chefs and hospitality workers, and this event gives us a great opportunity to help cultivate a new generation of talent.”
With an afternoon full of unique and tasty samplings, nearly a dozen Temecula Valley restaurants are expected to participate. Five esteemed judges will put their taste buds to the test and select the top three winners. They include:
-Candice Woo, Eater San Diego
-Fielding Buck, Southern California News Group/Riverside County Restaurant News
-James “Stew” Stewart, Mayor of Temecula
-Joel Greene, IE Explorer Restaurant Reviewer
-Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune Dining Critic
High school culinary arts students will also partner with executive chefs from Pechanga Resort Casino and create “Loaded Fries” recipes. Chef-student teams will compete for both “Judges Choice” and “People’s Choice” awards. “We are honored to have the opportunity to give back to the community and work with students at this very fun, lively, and tasty event,” said Andre Pinto, Executive Chef of Pechanga Resort Casino. “As professional chefs, we can provide real-world insights and tips that will help these students as they think about starting their careers in the culinary world.”
The last Battle of the Burgers competition, which is typically held during the Fall but took place in January (post-pandemic) sold out with more than 400 hungry guests in attendance. The October 2024 event will accommodate 500 participants; tickets are expected to sell out quickly.
“Temecula Valley Unified School District is grateful for the partnership with Visit Temecula Valley and Pechanga Resort Casino that provides such a valuable experience for our students” said Jenni Huter, CTE Work-Based Learning Facilitator at TVUSD. “This exciting collaboration not only showcases the incredible talent of our students but also highlights the power of community partnerships in shaping their future career paths.”