Burger Bash: 2009 NYC Wine & Food Festival

Gimme a "B"! Cheerleaders rallied for the fest's best burger.

The foodie cheering squad was out in full force Friday night to root for their favorite contenders at Burger Bash, a centerpiece event of the NYC Wine & Food Festival. 

No, seriously: That wasn't a metaphor. There really was a cheering squad. 

"Top Chef" alum Spike Mendelsohn, a darkhorse favorite from D.C., brought in a pair of cheerleaders to rally for his Good Stuff Eatery burgers—complete with red uniforms and pom-poms. It was just one of many loopy moments in an evening that saw 17 hopefuls vying for the fest's top burger. 

Vets like Shake Shack mixed it up with newcomers like Minetta Tavern, while defending champ Katie Lee Joel charmed guests with her patty melts. In the midst of it all, food celebs like Martha Stewart, Giada de Laurentiis and Anne Burrell munched their way past throngs of ravenous attendees.

In the end, the judges' award went to—surprise!—Spike Mendelsohn, who also won the same prize at South Beach's Burger Bash earlier this year. The people's choice award went to Lure's caramelized-onion-and-bacon-topped burger—a victory that got chef Josh Capon all pumped up and screaming and cheering onstage. Hey, Josh: Take a cue from Spike and hire some cheerleaders to do that for ya next time. 

By Alexis L. Loinaz; photos by Kelly Neal

Pictured: Spike Mendelsohn, flanked by his cheering squad