To earn the accolades of Creston's best bites, the very first Burger Month was held in February.
The competition was hosted by the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Buy Local Creston, with 12 local restaurants competing for the award of best tasting, best presentation, and most unique burgers.
The winner for both best tasting and most unique was Kokanee Pub, with the most public votes for their Yorkshire pudding bun.
“To Mel, the cook at The Kokanee - we salute you,” said Mel Joy, chamber president. “Making Yorkshire puddings every day for a month? That’s dedication. Most of us barely muster up the effort to make them once a year at Thanksgiving or Christmas, and here you are, cranking them out nonstop.”
In Joy’s review posted to Facebook, she noted the burger was constantly selling out.
“It’s got that home-cooked, comforting taste that’s a signature of The Kokanee’s menu,” she said. “With rich, savoury gravy and a juicy, well-seasoned burger patty, it’s basically Thanksgiving dinner wrapped up in a handheld feast - nostalgic, satisfying, and downright delicious.”
For best presentation, Bayleaf Indian Fusion won for their Bayleaf Tandoori Chicken Burger.
“This burger was unique, bold, and full of personality - just like the man who created it,” said Joy, in another Facebook post. “Dilip has delivered a masterpiece. The smoky tandoori-spiced chicken patty? Absolute perfection—juicy, flavourful, and carrying just the right amount of heat to remind you this isn’t your average burger.”
Unknown to the public or participating restaurants, a secret judge went on a culinary cruise to try all of the competing burgers in February. Then, a fourth award was presented as a surprise to Busaba Thai, as the judge’s favourite for the Busababun.
“The marinated sirloin was so tender, I half expected it to whisper sweet nothings to me,” Joy said. “The peanut sauce? Velvety, nutty perfection—like a warm hug from a peanut-loving grandma. And the pickled cucumber and jalapeños? Oh, they were not playing around. They hit me with the force of a Muay Thai fighter’s roundhouse kick. Unexpected, thrilling, and slightly life-changing.”
Those who voted for Kokanee Pub, Bayleaf Indian Fusion, and Busaba Thai in the Burger Month rankings, check the Buy Local Creston Facebook page for gift card winners. Every vote counted towards a chance to win one of 75 gift cards worth $20 to spend at one of the finalist restaurants.
The winning burgers will be available all of March, for those who haven’t yet had the chance to try the tasty dishes.
