The 2nd week of the Badurik’s Butcher Block Cheeseburger Challenge Meat 16 is finished and we are ready to move on the the Elite Meat 8!

Round 1, Match 5 - Krakatoa vs. the Pour House at CD 93 The Wolf Board of judges: Fast Freddie, Greg Bartholomew, Bradley Miller Two newcomers to the Meat 16. This battle put the Carnivore with a hand rolled patty and it’s pulled pork, cheddar cheese, and bacon on a brioche bun against the Johnny Glaze’s short ribbed briskett patty, aged white cheddar, scorpion spiced candy bacon and root beer reduction on a glazed donut bun. Both burgers were great and featured a lot of meat but the burger with the donut bun scored a 3-0 win.

Round 1, Match 6 - Sunrise Inn vs. Niki’z at Badurik’s Butcher Block Board of judges: Frank Simeone, Glenn Hickman, Sylvia Meris Glenn said all that needed to be said; "Burger A was delicious, but burger B was more deliciouser!" The judges agreed that Niki’z burger with the briskett that melted in your mouth was the victor, winning with a score of 3-0.

Round 1, Match 7 - Big D’s Newton Grill vs. Stoneyard Board of judges: Vic Rivera, Jamie McGinnis, Scott Spackman Another tough decision for the judges. Both burgers packed in so much flavor that it seemed like it could go either way, but in the end, the Scriacha sauce might have been the key factor in Big D’s 3-0 victory.

Round 1, Match 8 - Amen Corner vs. Master’s Bar and Grill Board of judges: Sylvia Meris, Andrew Garris, Chris Koulianos The Butcher Block crew scored it 3 - 0, but, they want it to be known that it was a much closer match than that. Andrew summed it up when he said that he "almost had to flip a coin!"

The Elite Meat 8 field is set to start Monday

Monday 2/20 - Magic Tree Pub and Eatery vs. The Pour House This is a big one! The Pour House, who impressed, not only the judges with their "Johnny Glazed" entry, but some valley cheeseburger fans also! Following their Round 1 match vs. Krakatoa we received several messages from folks disappointed when they found out the glazed donut burger isn't on their regular menu, (if you're listening Craig, hint, hint). We don't know if they will use the amazing Johnny Glazed again in their next match against the defending champs, Magic Tree, where Chef Tank always has something up his sleeve!

Wednesday 2/22 - Davidson’s Restaurant/Tavern vs. Bogey’s Bar & Grill Davidson's is really going to have to be on their game going up against Bogey's award winning burgers. Chef Mel, from Bogey's, wowed the judges from Christmas Automotive with his creation, the 4 Cheese Grilled Cheese Bacon Brioche Melt. Yeah, that's what I said!

Friday 2/24 - Crossroads Bar and Grill vs. Niki’z Pub Crossroads started the tournament with a crushing defeat of last year's Trumbull County champ, and 2015 Burger of the Year winner, Just Fred's. It should be sizzling when they go against Niki's Pub, who scored a 3 - 0 first round knock out of 2011 BOTY winner, Sunrise Inn.

Saturday 2/25 - Big D’s Newton Grill vs. Masters Bar & Grill Two first time entries in the Meat 16, both scoring 1st round KO's, are looking to secure a spot in the final 4. A tough match to call but Big D's definitely has the 12th man on their side!

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