Last night, for the fourth year in a row, curious and very hungry onlookers gathered together to stuff their faces with 27 different types of burgers at the annual South Beach Burger Bash, kicking off the 2010 Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival.

Nearly 3,000 people congregated in a tent, located behind the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, for the annual bash which was presented by the Allen Brothers and hosted by 30 Minute Meals, Rachael Ray.

The smashing burger spree was a major hit in the South Beach area and in people’s stomachs. There were more than 7,500 pounds of 10 varieties of ground meant present to create 48,600 portions of 27 different burgers. Of course, there was beer too, and plenty of it – 7,000 Amstel Lights to be exact, along with 1.5 tons of potatoes and 400 pounds of smoked bacon.

There were many Miamians present at the event and some of them even grabbed some prizes, including The Standard Hotel’s prize for Best Side Dish with Idaho Potatoes for their homemade tater tots and Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink’s win of the Allen Brothers Golden Grill Award for their Michael’s genuine bacon cheeseburger with house smoked bacon, white cheddar, heirloom tomato, and local lettuce on a brioche bun – what a mouthful, literally.

The best dressed burger went to Morimoto’s Pork “Kakuni” burger topped with pork belly The grand winner of the night was Michael Symon, from Iron Chef, proud creator of the B Spot Fat Doug Burger with Swiss cheese, pastrami, and coleslaw, winner of the People’s Choice Award.