LISA’S LIST: BURGER, BEER AND BULGOGI

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Finding Gwinnett’s tastiest culinary destinations, off-the-beaten path favorites and new ethnic restaurants and incorporating those into Gwinnett’s destination experience is one of the favorite parts of my job. Why? Food is the absolute heart and soul of the trip—it’s what you remember, rehash and share. It’s not about the hotel room or the conference center; the dining experience creates the memories. No tastier option is around than our quickly approaching and award-winning culinary event, Burger + Brews Week. Running from March 15-21, the 4th annual Burger + Brews Week premise is simple but awesome. All week, you can enjoy 7 days of $7 custom, à la carte specialty burgers (customized specifically for Burger + Brews Week) paired with a suggested beer (extra cost). A dozen of Gwinnett’s burger-loving restaurants are participating, including Local Republic, Parkside District, Parma Tavern, Ten Bistro, Uncle Jack’s Meat House, ART bar, McCray’s Tavern, 1910 Public House, Ten Bistro and La Belle Vie. The final list (with a few late-breaking additions) can be found on burgersandbrewsweek.com! The burgers will range from the simply sublime house-ground cheeseburger to the exotic. One past favorite featured a ¾ fresh angus burger with Jameson whiskey glaze, pepper jack, applewood-smoked bacon, fried pickles and garlic mayo, all layered on a yummy brioche bun. Chefs custom create their specialty burger, with the caveat that it CAN’T be a burger already on their menu! Nope, Burgers + Brews is not a week for Whole30. And because the only thing we like more than food is beer, each burger will be paired with a (suggested) craft beer. We’re even more excited to add a culminating event this year to crown the “Best Burger!” The Gwinnett Burger Battle will be held on Saturday, March 21 (from noon – 4 p.m.) at Laundry Events in downtown Lawrenceville. Ten or more of our participating Burger + Brews Chefs will tie on their aprons and crank up their grills as they battle for the “Best Burger” in Gwinnett. Attendees can sample all of the specialty burgers, enjoy craft Georgia beers, take home a swag bag and enjoy a beautiful day on the square. The event will feature local celebrity judges as well as attendee voting. Tickets are limited and will be available online at exploregwinnett. org. During Burger + Brews Week, you’ll see restaurant gift card giveaways on our social media pages (follow us @ exploregwinnett) and can pick up new swag, including our custom “Love, Gwinnett” t-shirts, event T-shirts and Gwinnett trucker caps. Look for our Burger + Brews mascot, Burgerhead, on billboards, social media and our new Burgerhead videos. Visit exploregwinnett.org/ burgers-and-brews for all the details! Our culinary initiatives aren’t limited to burgers and beer, though. We’re super excited that our 2020 Seoul of the South™ Korean food + culture tours are kicking off with five public tours scheduled for May 16, June 27, July 18, August 29 and September 29! From traditional Korean restaurants and markets to spas and karaoke, there’s not much you can experience in Korea you can’t also do in Gwinnett. Through our immersive Seoul of the South™ Korean culinary tour, you’ll learn all about the rise of this unique (and delicious) culture in Gwinnett. No burgers here, but you will find Bibimbap, Wang Mandu, Budae jjigae, Korean seafood pancakes, street food, Korean BBQ and dozens of other dishes. The Seoul of the South™ Korean restaurant tour takes place at four local restaurants and bakeries. Our experienced local tour guide, Sarah Park, will also educate and entertain with Korean culture, ingredients and dining customs. And, you’ll eat. A lot. We aren’t kidding when we advise our guests NOT to eat breakfast before they go on the tour. Plus, attendees will receive a cool swag bag with Koreancentric items including K-beauty face masks as well as Korean snacks, coffees and teas. And, at $50 per person, it’s the best culinary food tour value in Atlanta. Visit exploregwinnett.org/seoulofthesouth to book your tickets (move quickly, May and June are already sold out)! —Lisa Anders Lisa is the Executive Director of Explore Gwinnett, Gwinnett’s official tourism office, and also serves as Gwinnett’s Camera Ready/film liaison representative to Georgia’s film/TV industry.