Americans aim to build a better burger

   Americans eat approximately 5.4 billion burgers every year, making them America's best-selling sandwich. But the ordinary burger's come a long way, baby. Jeffrey Star, executive chef for Sutter Home Winery, knows a thing or two about how burgers have gone beyond the basic beef-and-bun. Over 10 years ago, Sutter Home Winery started the Build a Better Burger Contest. We wanted to let Americans know that wine is just as great with foods at a backyard barbecue as it is at a white-tablecloth restaurant. What better way to discover the everyday pleasure of food and wine than by calling on consumers to create variations on the classic burger and pair wines with the flavors of their creations, says Starr. From Hawaiian Tuna Burgers with Maui Wowee Salsa to Lamburers ˆ la Grecque with Cilantro-Mint Chutney, past Build a Better Burger contest winners have showcased the variety of things people want in a burger. The contest requires only that ingredients be formed into a patty and fit into a bun or other bread product. Chef Starr offers some of his favorite combinations that are sure to make your next backyard barbecue a hit. Make burgers using ground chicken seasoned with pine nuts and basil, then top with fresh mozzarella and vine-ripened tomatoes. Pair with a fresh, crisp Chardonnay. Grill ground pork burgers and serve with cole slaw and tangy barbecue sauce. Serve with a lush Merlot. Dress up beef burgers by topping with crisped prosciutto and Stilton cheese. Pair with a fragrant, smooth Cabernet Sauvignon. Top ahi tuna burgers with spicy salsa. Serve with a light, delicately fruity White Zinfandel. Entries for the Build a Better Burger Contest will be accepted until August 31, 2001 (contest invalid in CA and UT). For contest information visit www.sutterhome.com or send a request along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Build a Better Burger, Sutter Home Winery, P.O. Box 248, St. Helena, Calif. 94574-0248. Remember, the next time you have a craving for a juicy burger, you just may want to ignite your culinary creativity, open a bottle of wine, and go forth and grill.