Cheeseburger Challenge Update
A flavour combination fuelled by a wedding location and the ensuing honeymoon destination took top honours at the 3rd Orillia Cheeseburger Challenge in support of the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research.
Food sales rep Dave Tunstall and Alison McNab grilled a Louisiana Mennonite Cajun Cheeseburger — with a cajun seasoning-encrusted patty, red leaf lettuce, bayou mayo and shrimp – and topped 17 opponents Sunday to kick off Terry Fox Week in Orillia, from September 10th to 16th.
The 48 year-old Orillia residents presented their winning entry on the patio at Era 67 Restaurant and Lounge before the panel of judges including members of Orillia City Council, retired NHLer Jack Valiquette, NHL Hall of Fame broadcaster Jiggs McDonald, fellow competitors, and dozens of friends and onlookers.
The judging panel awarded points based on taste, presentation, and the feasibility of reproducing the winning version of Terry Fox’s favourite food at participating restaurants during Terry Fox Week. The proceeds from sales of the winning entry at local participating restaurants – Era67 and Moe’s Tap and Wings in Orillia — will be turned over to the Terry Fox Foundation.
“This was a complete surprise,” said Tunstall. “We literally came up with the recipe on our way back from a wedding in Kitchener last (Saturday) night, where the bride and groom were going to New Orleans afterward. The recipe came together this (Sunday) morning”.
Members of Orillia’s Terry Fox Run Committee were on hand to accept donations, provide pledge forms, and sell commemorative Terry Fox t-shirts and shoelaces.
Terry Fox Week in Orillia officially begins with a flag raising at the Opera House at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 10th. A Breakfast for Champions (cancer survivors) will be held at Bayside Restaurant on Tuesday, September 11th beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Great Canadian Hair Do will be held Friday, September 14th at Audie’s Hair Design at 323 Atherley Road from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
The 2012 Orillia Terry Fox Run will be held at Couchiching Beach Park on Sunday, September 16th. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the run begins at 1:00 p.m. There are also Terry Fox Runs in Lagoon City/Brechin, Beaverton, Sugarbush (Oro-Medonte), Barrie, and Midland.