Carlo’s Cucina has won Le Burger Week for the third time.
Along with BBQ Quebec Smokehouse, Carlo’s Cucina took the top title in Le Burger Week 2024 with the OH Canada burger. Having tied with the Quebec restaurant, Carlo’s Cucina shares the win this year with the Cheese Bacon Brisket Burger.
Owner of Carlo’s Cucina Carlo Guzzi thought up the OH Canada burger after his sister introduced him to Wojapi, a Dakota berry sauce. Pairing that with a five-oz. Certified Angus beef patty, maple chilli Japanese pork belly by Big Smoke BBQ, Bothwell old white cheddar cheese, spring mix, and wild cherry Pepsi aioli gave him the OH Canada on a blueberry and strawberry-infused bun from the Arborg bakery. Each burger came with a side of fries drizzled with wild cherry Pepsi aioli.
“We’re beyond grateful for the amount of support,” said Guzzi. “I can’t thank people enough. It’s not only my community; it’s the entire province. People from all over came multiple times every day. There was a lineup outside my door every day, 50 to 100 people waiting for a burger.”
Though he has to share the glory this year, Guzzi doesn’t mind. He’s happy another restaurant can understand what it feels like to win.
“We’ve been at the top of the country for the last four years,” he said. “Seeing someone else win makes me happy. It’s nice to see other restaurants benefit from these types of events and not just Carlo’s Cucina cleaning up.”
Carlo’s Cucina also participated in Between the Buns this year with the OH Canada burger, taking home first place in votes by the people but not in the judging.
Guzzi hopes to see more restaurants in the Interlake participating in these types of competitions in the future.
“You’ve got to put yourself out there and you’ve got to come up with the best possible combination that you feel is going to bring people in your door,” he said. “When Carlo’s Cucina wins a national title, the Interlake wins a national title.”
Le Burger Week ran from Sep. 1 – 8 this year. The Banana Split Burger from Le Gras Dur was in third place, followed by Jonesy’s Restaurant and Lounge’s Here’s the Beef Burger! In fourth, and PVG Street Eats’ The Weekender burger in fifth. All but two of the restaurants in the top five this year are Manitoban.
Guzzi knows what he will create for next year’s Le Burger Week competition. He’s currently coming up with another goal to challenge himself since he more than accomplished his previous goal of winning three golds in five years, which he did in four.
After Sep. 28, Carlo’s Cucina will operate exclusively from the old bowling alley in Gimli.
