Beyond two all-beef patties

Burger engineers, take note. There’s still time to enter Sutter Home’s Build a Better Burger Contest. The event marks the 100th birthday of the burger, but beef is just the beginning – salmon, chicken, veggies and other ingredients could take the prize of $50,000 and bragging rights throughout the neighborhood. For official rules or to enter (Aug. 31 is the deadline), visit www.buildabetterburger.com.

On a roll

For a dish that has only three main ingredients ? lobster, mayonnaise and a hot dog roll ?it’s amazing how different each lobster roll tastes. Maybe it’s the ambiance of your favorite lobster shack, or the upscale elegance of your local bistro that makes a lobster roll taste so good. Whatever it is, the folks at the Maine Lobster Promotion Council want to know. They’re searching for Maine’s Favorite Lobster Roll, and when you submit your entry, you could win $50 worth of Maine lobster. Submit your favorite at www.lobsterfrommaine.com or send a postcard to Maine Lobster Promotion Council, 382 Harlow St., Bangor 04401.

It’s in the bag

You can’t be too cool for school ? at least where lunch is concerned. The American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods Foundation have several food safety tips for kids who brown-bag it, and the parents who love them. When you prepare your child’s lunch, be sure to fully wash all vegetables and fruits, including peel-and-eat favorites such as bananas and oranges. Encourage your children to throw away perishable foods right after lunch rather than saving them as a snack. If there’s no refrigeration at school, pack perishable foods in a bag or lunch box along with an ice pack or frozen beverage. And be sure to encourage children to wash their hands before eating. For tips, visit www.homefoodsafety.org.