Competition beginning to heat up in NOCLS Golden Burger challenge

Photo: Contributed

Competition is beginning to heat up in the North Okanagan Community Life Society's Golden Burger challenge.

The Roster Sports Club invited former Vancouver Canuck and Vernon Viper Aaron Volpatti to try their new Viper Smash Burger, and it didn’t take much arm twisting.

The Roster is one of 10 local restaurants offering a specialty burger Now through Oct. 24 to raise funds for the local organization, which works with people with disabilities.

The others are Alexander's Beach Pub, Brown's Socialhouse, Diner on Six, Marten Brewing, The Longhorn Pub, EATology, The Kal, Mr. Mikes, and Bourbon Street Bar & Grill.

"Besides being one delicious burger, it was great to connect with Graham Turnbull, voice of Vernon Vipers broadcasts, while supporting a great cause," said Volpatti.

"We really feel NOCLS is a great cause to support," said Roster owner Hussein Hollands. "And as proud fans of the Vernon Vipers and hockey enthusiasts, The Roster felt it was fitting to name the new burger after the team. I am happy to report our burger was given an enthusiastic thumbs up by all our hockey taste-testers."

The Viper burger includes two patties on a toasted brioche bun with smoked gouda, candied bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, truffle mayo, and crispy onion rings inside and on top.

Five dollars from every competing burger sold at each of the restaurants will go to the NOCLS, and patrons can scan a QR code to rate the burgers on creativity, presentation, taste and originality.

At the end of the challenge, one restaurant will be awarded the Golden Burger trophy.