Boca Burger Battle Judges
Meet our 2026 Grill Master Judges
The Grill Master Judges are the heart of the Boca Burger Battle—bringing their culinary expertise and passion for food to Florida’s ultimate burger showdown. Our hand-picked panel of Grill Master Judges includes renowned chefs, food critics, restaurateurs, and local tastemakers.
These experts will sample every burger entry at the event, using their refined palates to crown the champions of the Boca Burger Battle on Saturday July 11, 2026.
The Grill Master Judges will determine the winners for:
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Best Grill Master
Meanwhile, guests also play a crucial role by voting for the People’s Choice Best Battle Burger making this a truly community-powered culinary competition in Florida.
Why the Grill Master Judges Matter
At the Boca Burger Battle, our Grill Master Judges evaluate each entry using a strict and transparent rubric:
- Taste – overall flavor and seasoning balance
- Presentation – visual appeal and creativity
- Toppings – how well they complement the patty
- Bun Integrity – ability to hold together
- Originality – unique flavors and standout combinations
Their expertise ensures a fair, exciting competition where the very best burger creations rise to the top.
Get Your Tickets and Meet the Judges in Person
Don’t miss your chance to meet the Grill Master Judges, sample unlimited burgers and fries (Bites!), beer, wine, spirits, and vote for your favorites. Get your Boca Burger Battle Tickets now and experience the ultimate Boca Raton Culinary Showdown!
Meet Grill Master Judge Hannah Flora
Hannah Flora is more than a chef—she is a culinary artist driven by creativity, innovation, and a relentless passion for pushing boundaries. Her journey began at just 15 years old in a small restaurant outside of Chicago, where she discovered her love for the craft and laid the foundation for a remarkable career.
Today, as an Executive Chef, Culinary Consultant, and Columnist for Golf Kitchen Magazine, Hannah continues to challenge industry norms while championing the next generation of culinary talent. In 2021 she earned the Golf Kitchen Rising Star Award, in 2025 she was featured in the magazine’s “New Generation,” and she has been named to Club & Resort Chef’s 40 Under 40.
Known for dishes that blend nostalgia with unexpected flavor combinations, Hannah believes food should be both familiar and transformative. Her talents have been showcased on Season 1 of Food Network’s Chopped Castaways and Season 23 of Hell’s Kitchen: Head Chefs Only.
A self-described fearless creative, Hannah is thrilled to join the Boca Burger Battle as a Grill Master Judge and can’t wait to help crown the best burgers in South Florida!
Chef Hannah Flora Web
Meet Grill Master Judge Sam Kerrigan
Sam Kerrigan is the morning co-anchor of CBS12 News. She spent six years as “Traffic Jam Sam,” reporting from the studio and the CBS12 “Traffic Tracker.”
A proud South Florida native, Sam is deeply involved in the community. She showcases local changemakers every Monday in her “Hometown Heroes” segment on CBS12 News. Additionally, she contributes a similar “Heroes” column for Palm Beach Illustrated magazine.
Sam graduated from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active, attending local sporting events, spending time with family and friends, and traveling the world.
CBS News 12 | Web
Meet Grill Master Judge Dante Nardini
As the creator of Common Man Eats, Dante has spent years digging into Florida’s dynamic food culture — one bite at a time. From food trucks to fine dining, his blog captures the laid-back, local flavor of the Sunshine State through honest reviews, drool-worthy photography, video content, and storytelling makes you feel like you’re at the table with him.
A proud Florida native, Dante’s passion for food was sparked early. His father, a hotel concierge by day and home cook by night, exposed him to a world of both gourmet experiences and hearty, home-cooked meals. That upbringing gave Dante a unique appreciation for everything from no-frills roadside diners to elegant chef-crafted menus — and it shows in his content.
Earlier this year, Dante brought his sharp palate and relatable foodie charm to the annual Florida Tacos, Wings & Desserts Battle as one of our esteemed judges — and we’re thrilled to welcome him back for another round! This time, he joins the Boca Burger Battle panel, ready to sink his teeth into South Florida’s best burgers and help crown the next champion.
Dante is excited to be back in Boca Raton’s Sanborn Square Park, surrounded by fellow food lovers and incredible culinary talent. Get ready — his taste buds are locked in and hungry for more.
Meet Grill Master Judge Vicki Corrao
Known as The Countess de la Pasta, Vicki Corrao is a culinary powerhouse. She has a rich history in the restaurant industry. She is the former owner of three Italian restaurants on Mulberry Street in New York City’s Little Italy, where she honed her passion for Italian cuisine and hospitality.
Vicki has lent her discerning palate to numerous judging panels for Cordon Bleu and Johnson & Wales competitions, earning a reputation as a respected voice in the culinary world.
While now retired—though she prefers to call it hobbying—Vicki continues to share her expertise by serving on the board of the Palm Beach American Culinary Federation.
American Culinary Federation – Palm Beach | Web
Meet Grill Master Judge Robert Weinroth
Robert Weinroth was elected to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners in 2018. He also served as Mayor of Palm Beach County. A longtime resident of Boca Raton, Robert brings a wealth of experience in business, public service, and community involvement to the judging panel.
Robert is a long-time favorite Grill Master Judge at the Boca Burger Battle. He’s a true burger lover, always eager to sample the boldest and most creative burger creations—and help crown South Florida’s best.
He’s married to Pamela and is the proud father of four boys in their blended family.
Former Palm Beach County Commissioner, Mayor – District 4 | Web
Meet Grill Master Judge Douglas Heizer
Douglas Heizer is the publisher of The Boca Raton Tribune. It’s a trusted local news source serving the Boca Raton community. Under Douglas’s leadership, the Tribune strives to deliver the most relevant stories in the most efficient way possible, always keeping the interests of readers at the forefront.
What many people may not know is that the Tribune’s success is fueled by a dedicated team—including a thriving internship program for college and high school students. Douglas is incredibly proud of the program, which offers students hands-on experience in journalism. From day one, interns take on real responsibilities—writing articles, managing the website, and contributing to the paper’s overall success.
Douglas is proud to bring his community spirit and passion for supporting local talent to the Boca Burger Battle judging panel.
The Boca Raton Tribune | Web