The secret ingredients are coffee and cocoa powder. That’s not a combination you’d expect to be associated with a champion burger in the Kentucky Derby Festival’s “Derby Burger Challenge,” but it was a winning recipe for Louisvillian Maurice Williams for the second straight year.

Maurice Williams with his award-winning burger
Maurice Williams with his award-winning burger

The competition took place March 20 at Kroger in Middletown, where Williams’ SmoFried Cafe Burger edged out John Overfield’s “Winner by a Nose” burger. More than 12,000 people voted online for four finalists. Judges picked Williams’ burger based on taste, appearance, creativity and ease of preparation.

That last concept will be tested at the Napa River Grill, where Williams’ concoction will be a featured menu item from May 8-30. The SmoFried Burger also includes provolone cheese and pickled onions, all served on a toasted pretzel bun.

“I wanted to put together something conceptual and simple. Fortunately the burger just seemed to work the first time I made it,” said Williams. “I didn’t expect to win the competition a second time. I knew that it was attainable, but I also knew how great some of the other recipes would be. I am beyond thankful.”

In other eatin’ and drinkin’ news…

Lupo will open here
Lupo will open here

More to Eat in Butchertown…Proving that a taco truck ain’t enough for an enterprising operator, the owner of the Holy Mole’ food truck announced plans to open Lupo in an 1860s era building on Frankfort Ave. Set to open in the Spring, Max Balliet told Insider that he and his sister Sarah, and her husband Adam Turla, will serve wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta and cocktails.

It’s part of an amazing renaissance of culinary choices in Butchertown, where last week it was announced that the Butchertown Pizza Hall will open soon in the old Hall’s Cafeteria, and Louie’s The Ton at the corner of Story and Frankfort has new ownership and will add food service.

Gone But Not Forgotten…The births and deaths of restaurants get plenty of attention here at EDT, but many of us have a special spot in our heart for a few legendary spots that enjoyed a good run and closed. Over at Style Blueprint, they asked readers to remember the city’s top former eateries, and here’s the list (with closing year.) How many do you remember? Azalea (2007), Chick Inn (2010), Avalon (2012), Brasserie Dietrich (2002), Allo Spiedo (2004), Mamma Grisanti (1999), Ferd Grisanti’s (2008), Casa Grisanti (1991), Cafe Metro (2009), Club Grotto (2009), Lynn’s Paradise Cafe (2013) and Stan’s Fish Sandwich (2011).