Season 1, Episode 2

Ultimate Recipe Showdown: Burgers

Food Network searched for the Ultimate Burger Recipe. After a nationwide recipe contest, nine finalists competed in three rounds: Beef Burgers, Poultry Burgers and Seafood Burgers. A panel of food experts determined whose burger was the best. See who walks away the winner of $25,000!

COMPETITORS:
Beef

David Kadagishvili
Recipe: Biryani Burger in Naan Pocket
Occupation: Owner/chef small neighborhood restaurant
Hometown: Latrobe, Pa.

Jennifer Spardy
Recipe: Harvest Burger with Caramelized Onion and Apple
Occupation: Teacher
Hometown: Canton, Ohio

Michelle Christensen -- Winner!
Recipe: Rocket Science Reuben Burger
Occupation: Rocket Science Combustion Grad Student
Hometown: State College, Pa.

Poultry

Julie Ann Rhodes -- Winner!
Recipe: Jewel’s Turkey Jasmine Burger
Occupation: Personal Chef
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.

Michael Cohen
Recipe: Duck Duck Delicious Burger
Occupation: Film Composer
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.

Mary Montoya
Recipe: Pad Thai Chicken Burger
Occupation: Stay-at-home Mom
Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.

Seafood/Vegetarian

Jamie Miller
Recipe: Salmon Burger With Orange-Apricot Glaze
Occupation: Cookbook Author
Hometown: Maple Grove, Minn.

Cindy Jarrott
Recipe: Ultimate Seafood Croquette Burger
Occupation: Owns baking business called "Cakes by Cindy" and works as a bookkeeper with The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Agriculture Division
Hometown: Wheelock, Texas