We paid a visit to the Howland Super Kmart to have the first Trumbull match of the Meat 16. Yes, the Super Kmart that closed it's doors forever just a day earlier. But we just happen to find 3 out of state workers that are helping with clearing the store out. Chuck, Gerald and Walt agreed to take on the difficult task of judging.

Big D’s, the 2017 Meat 16 champ, came out strong with The Smokey Ranchero Burger -- Two 1/4 lb burgers topped with smoked bacon cheddar cheese, chipotle Gouda cheese, apple-wood smoked bacon, smokey brown sugar rubbed pulled rib meat, sweet Memphis BBQ sauce, pepper-jack cheese, sriracha garlic mayo and onion tanglers on a kaiser roll.

The Lime Tree Sandwich Gallery countered with the Bibbidi Bobbidi Burger - 1/2 lb Angus beef, cheddar cheese spread, house pork belly pastrami, strawberry-rhubarb jam, lettuce, tomato, onion on a toasted brioche bun.

Bite after bite, the judges kept going back and forth struggling to reach a decision, which they eventually did. Gerald chose burger "B" (Big D's), citing the thick cut, flavorful bacon apple-wood bacon and the brown sugar rubbed rib meat as key ingredients in his choice. But, in the end it was the strawberry-rhubarb jam the won over both Chuck and Walt. It was, “that little something different” that's pushes the Bibbidi Bobbidi Burger to round 2.

Check out the video of the judging HERE.

Over the phone, Ron Dillon, Big D's owner, gracious in defeat, said, "Congratulations to The Lime Tree on their victory. The strawberry-rhubarb jam was a genius choice to top the burger." He added, "You guys (Lime Tree) are now my pick to win it all! Let's keep the trophy in Trumbull county!"

We also offer our congrats to The Lime Tree, who will take on the winner of the March 17th match between Sunrise Inn of Warren and Raptis Family Restaurant in Howland. Mmmmmm!

http://www.vindy.com/users/photos/2018/apr/09/122733/

http://www.vindy.com/users/photos/2018/apr/09/122734/