After being able to relax, vent and reflect on my Krystal Square Off experience this year, I feel much more at ease. I am absolutely devistated that I will not be in Chattanooga for the finals. I would be lying to myself if I tried to make any consolations for not being there. I did remove my top 10 list of things that are making me feel better about not being in the finals in my previous post. The truth is nothing is making me feel better. I was trying to make light of my failure and to try and laugh about it but in the end it my list probably sounded more like sour grapes than what I really wanted to convey which was humility in self deprecation.
I never want to be the person who makes excuses and blames others for things not going my way. I know I can do better. I do have a very compeitive personality, I am never comfortable losing and not reahcing my goals. I can be some what of a sore loser and I am not always proud of how I have acted after losing. But I never hold a grudge against anyone or anything but and I am a very positive person in gerneral. I am grateful for all of the experiences I have been lucky enough to have in competitive eating.
I am still very interested in what will happen in Chattanooga and I will miss the chance to revel in the post event recap and parties with my friends, those who participated, and the great people at Krystal. I am kinda rooting for Pat Bertoletti to pull off an upset just because I think he is due and that would be the most intiguing outcome. It seems almost impossible though that Kobayashi and Joey will not be there in the end. I will be watching and I will definitley be back next year with a chip on my shoulder and motivation not to miss the finals ever again in my career.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Krystal Qualifier - Memphis 9/21/08
8 minute contest
Results:
1 - Rich the Locust LeFevre - 52
2 - Juris Dr. BigTime Shibiyama - 51
3 - Erik the Red Denmark - 50
4 - Crazy Legs Conti - 48
I have to bite my tongue a bit to write this recap. I still have the bitter taste like that of battery acid in my mouth from this contest and the Krystal circuit this year. Rich won the contest, he earned his spot at the finals in Memphis and I am sincerely happy for Rich, I will always root for Rich. I needed 51 to earn the Wildcard spot, I was deducted 2 burgers for stuffing at the end to deny me the Wildcard. I don't know what to say really, I don't think the deductions were justified, especially when considering the eating and judging that occurred on the rest of the qualifying circuit was not consistent. But that is what happened.
There were many circumstances on the Krystal circuit this year that did not go my way - if any of those circumstances go my way, I am in. I really don't want to re-live any of it so screw it I don't need to explain everything. One thing I do know is that I could have planned better and I could have and should eaten more so not to leave it up to circumstance. So in the end I have only myself to blame, I know that and I do.
It turned out that Sonya denied her Wildcard invitation to the finals for reasons unknown. So Crazy Legs is awarded her spot based on the fact that we both had a top result of 50 burgers but he ate more burgers, 48, in his second qualifier than me, 43. That is great, I am happy for Crazy Legs, but it is sad for the sport to see Sonya deciding to not go to the finals in Chattanooga. Even if I were offered the last spot, I am not sure I would have taken it based on my frustration with how things turned out this year. In the end, I probably would go just because it is a free ticket but honestly right now, I do not have a good taste in my mouth for Krystal competition. I am happy that there is an alternative Tamale eating contest this weekend in Lewisville, TX that I can still attend.
Results:
1 - Rich the Locust LeFevre - 52
2 - Juris Dr. BigTime Shibiyama - 51
3 - Erik the Red Denmark - 50
4 - Crazy Legs Conti - 48
I have to bite my tongue a bit to write this recap. I still have the bitter taste like that of battery acid in my mouth from this contest and the Krystal circuit this year. Rich won the contest, he earned his spot at the finals in Memphis and I am sincerely happy for Rich, I will always root for Rich. I needed 51 to earn the Wildcard spot, I was deducted 2 burgers for stuffing at the end to deny me the Wildcard. I don't know what to say really, I don't think the deductions were justified, especially when considering the eating and judging that occurred on the rest of the qualifying circuit was not consistent. But that is what happened.
There were many circumstances on the Krystal circuit this year that did not go my way - if any of those circumstances go my way, I am in. I really don't want to re-live any of it so screw it I don't need to explain everything. One thing I do know is that I could have planned better and I could have and should eaten more so not to leave it up to circumstance. So in the end I have only myself to blame, I know that and I do.
It turned out that Sonya denied her Wildcard invitation to the finals for reasons unknown. So Crazy Legs is awarded her spot based on the fact that we both had a top result of 50 burgers but he ate more burgers, 48, in his second qualifier than me, 43. That is great, I am happy for Crazy Legs, but it is sad for the sport to see Sonya deciding to not go to the finals in Chattanooga. Even if I were offered the last spot, I am not sure I would have taken it based on my frustration with how things turned out this year. In the end, I probably would go just because it is a free ticket but honestly right now, I do not have a good taste in my mouth for Krystal competition. I am happy that there is an alternative Tamale eating contest this weekend in Lewisville, TX that I can still attend.
Friday, September 19, 2008
La Costena Jalapenos, Chicago, IL 9/14/08
La Costena Jalapeno Feel the Heat Championship Results:
8 minute contest
1 - Pat Deep Dish Bertoletti - 127
2 - Sonya the Black Widow Thomas - 117
3 - Erik the Red Denmark - 105
4 - Rich the Locust LeFevre - 104
5 - John ?? - 90
6 - Hall Hoover Hunt - 88
7 - Tim Gravy Brown - 81
8 - Eric Badlands Booker - 65
Pat Bertoletti Eats 127 Jalapeños in IFOCE Challenge - Watch today’s top amazing videos here
After a tough contest in Nashville I did not know what to expect on Sunday and the third straight day of eating contests for me. I actually had very little expectations of doing great in this contest but I woke up feeling 100% better than the day before and I was able to redeem myself a bit with a good performance. Hurricane Ike forced this contest to change venues at the last minute to indoors at Mi Tienda restaurant in Chicago. La Costena pulled a rabbit out of the hat and still put on a great show. There were several big media members still in attendance and a great crowd showed up.
The eating itself never seemed to get out of third gear for anyone. For some reason, the jalapenos were not going down as fast for anyone this year. I am not sure exactly why no one was able to get over 150 for this contest, maybe the indoor venue kept the jalapenos more fresh and full of spice instead of drying out in the sun outdoors. Either way, I know more people struggled in Chicago this year than last year. Despite eating more than I ate at last year's contest, I was still well behind my pace and goal for this contest.
I do want to apologize to George Shea and Rich LeFevre for not eating as clean as I always have in jalapeno eating contests in the past. I was deducted 3 jalapenos for not cleaning them to the stem, this was definitely not a conscious way of eating for me and I am embarrassed that I was deducted any at all. After what happened in Nashville, it was not my goal to put George in a place to make a judgement on me. There were several peppers that did not have stems and I did leave more than an 1/4" on a few of those peppers because subconsciously I think I was worried that if I ate them down to the knob they would not be counted and by doing so I left more than was allowed. Honestly, since the peppers were plated in quantity of 25, the count really can be determined by subtracting what is left. Next time I will eat the whole pepper and not worry about it.
All in all, the weekend was a great adventure and at least 2 or the 3 contests came out well for me. The one contest I worked the hardest for was not a success but I will have one more shot at that one. I intend to have Karma on my side this weekend and not forget my headband...
Click Here to listen to my interview on KJR recapping the weekend of eating
8 minute contest
1 - Pat Deep Dish Bertoletti - 127
2 - Sonya the Black Widow Thomas - 117
3 - Erik the Red Denmark - 105
4 - Rich the Locust LeFevre - 104
5 - John ?? - 90
6 - Hall Hoover Hunt - 88
7 - Tim Gravy Brown - 81
8 - Eric Badlands Booker - 65
Pat Bertoletti Eats 127 Jalapeños in IFOCE Challenge - Watch today’s top amazing videos here
After a tough contest in Nashville I did not know what to expect on Sunday and the third straight day of eating contests for me. I actually had very little expectations of doing great in this contest but I woke up feeling 100% better than the day before and I was able to redeem myself a bit with a good performance. Hurricane Ike forced this contest to change venues at the last minute to indoors at Mi Tienda restaurant in Chicago. La Costena pulled a rabbit out of the hat and still put on a great show. There were several big media members still in attendance and a great crowd showed up.
The eating itself never seemed to get out of third gear for anyone. For some reason, the jalapenos were not going down as fast for anyone this year. I am not sure exactly why no one was able to get over 150 for this contest, maybe the indoor venue kept the jalapenos more fresh and full of spice instead of drying out in the sun outdoors. Either way, I know more people struggled in Chicago this year than last year. Despite eating more than I ate at last year's contest, I was still well behind my pace and goal for this contest.
I do want to apologize to George Shea and Rich LeFevre for not eating as clean as I always have in jalapeno eating contests in the past. I was deducted 3 jalapenos for not cleaning them to the stem, this was definitely not a conscious way of eating for me and I am embarrassed that I was deducted any at all. After what happened in Nashville, it was not my goal to put George in a place to make a judgement on me. There were several peppers that did not have stems and I did leave more than an 1/4" on a few of those peppers because subconsciously I think I was worried that if I ate them down to the knob they would not be counted and by doing so I left more than was allowed. Honestly, since the peppers were plated in quantity of 25, the count really can be determined by subtracting what is left. Next time I will eat the whole pepper and not worry about it.
All in all, the weekend was a great adventure and at least 2 or the 3 contests came out well for me. The one contest I worked the hardest for was not a success but I will have one more shot at that one. I intend to have Karma on my side this weekend and not forget my headband...
Click Here to listen to my interview on KJR recapping the weekend of eating
Krystal Qualifier in Nashville, TN - 9/13/08
Abbreviated Results (8 Minute Contest):
1 - Juliet Lee - 51 (wins 10 burger eat-off)
2T - Eric Badlands Booker - 51
2T - Juris Dr. Big Time Shibiyama - 51
4 - Erik the Red Denmark - 43
For complete results from the contest, click here
Much has already been written about this contest. It was the biggest mess of a Krystal qualifier, both literally and figuratively, that I have ever been a part of.
I came to the contest venue late as I was still trying to recover from my red-eye flight from Seattle. The temperature was sweltering at the Tennessee State fair which was not helping me wake up. Once the contest started, the mess began. I won't go in to everything that happened, I don't have the energy to re-live it again. But both Badlands' and I had judges that were replacing empty boxes on our first trays with burger-filled boxes and dumping the empties on the ground. I didn't even realize it until I noticed that after the first 10 burgers my tray was still full. Kenny form Krystals came by around minute 2 and straightened out the judges but from that point forward I had no idea where I was at in the contest as far as burger count. The numbers that were being announced were ridiculous, 27 for Badlands in the first minute and a half. 47 for Juliet at minute 4, I had no idea what was going on.
When the dust finally settled I had 3 burgers gone on my third tray but I did not know how many I had actually eaten. Badlands had 7 burgers gone on his third tray. Dr BigTime made it through about 55 burgers and Juliet had 4 empty trays and piles of burger detritus in front of her, on her and beneath her.
After a long deliberation, it was determined that Juliet, Badlands and Dr BigTime had tied with 51 burgers and would go to overtime.
In the 10 burger overtime eat-off, Rich Shea announced clearly to keep the eating clean - Juliet did not, she continued to stuff multiple burgers in and around her mouth getting about half of them in and half of them on the table and ground. She raised her hands in the air when her 10 burgers were out of the boxes, the crowd booed and the judges told her to eat the mess she had made. She continued to sweep up the sloppy burgers from the table and with every sweep of burger mess in to her mouth she raised her hands again looking for victory and the crowd booed louder. This continued for about the next 60 seconds, the crowd was now hoping that either Badlands or Juris would get through their 10 burgers before Juliet was done cleaning her mess.
But it didn't happen, Juliet finally ate enough of what she had spilled to get the decision. Not a popular decision at all.
I do not think Juliet should be condemned for what happened. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone deserves a shot to redeem themselves. It was a disappointing display of eating; one that I hope will never be seen again. Major League Eating has instituted a new rule as a result of this contest and hopefully good will come of it in the future.
One more bit of information I did learn at the contest - I was told that the 12th spot at the final table will be occupied by an amateur that will be chosen from the crowd on the day of the finals. Although, I do appreciate the fact that Krystal likes to give local amateurs a shot at eating greatness, I think if Krystal truly wants to be considered the Super Bowl of Competitive Eating, they can't let amateurs who have not earned a coveted spot at the table to compete. This really undermines a lot of the people like myself and others who spend their own money and time to travel great distances and willingly give Krystal free promotions through various media throughout the season. To take 1 of 12 spots and give it to someone who no one in the audience came to see, who will finish in last place, and pay them $500 instead of letting one more deserving Wildcard eater in is baffling to me.
1 - Juliet Lee - 51 (wins 10 burger eat-off)
2T - Eric Badlands Booker - 51
2T - Juris Dr. Big Time Shibiyama - 51
4 - Erik the Red Denmark - 43
For complete results from the contest, click here
Much has already been written about this contest. It was the biggest mess of a Krystal qualifier, both literally and figuratively, that I have ever been a part of.
I came to the contest venue late as I was still trying to recover from my red-eye flight from Seattle. The temperature was sweltering at the Tennessee State fair which was not helping me wake up. Once the contest started, the mess began. I won't go in to everything that happened, I don't have the energy to re-live it again. But both Badlands' and I had judges that were replacing empty boxes on our first trays with burger-filled boxes and dumping the empties on the ground. I didn't even realize it until I noticed that after the first 10 burgers my tray was still full. Kenny form Krystals came by around minute 2 and straightened out the judges but from that point forward I had no idea where I was at in the contest as far as burger count. The numbers that were being announced were ridiculous, 27 for Badlands in the first minute and a half. 47 for Juliet at minute 4, I had no idea what was going on.
When the dust finally settled I had 3 burgers gone on my third tray but I did not know how many I had actually eaten. Badlands had 7 burgers gone on his third tray. Dr BigTime made it through about 55 burgers and Juliet had 4 empty trays and piles of burger detritus in front of her, on her and beneath her.
After a long deliberation, it was determined that Juliet, Badlands and Dr BigTime had tied with 51 burgers and would go to overtime.
In the 10 burger overtime eat-off, Rich Shea announced clearly to keep the eating clean - Juliet did not, she continued to stuff multiple burgers in and around her mouth getting about half of them in and half of them on the table and ground. She raised her hands in the air when her 10 burgers were out of the boxes, the crowd booed and the judges told her to eat the mess she had made. She continued to sweep up the sloppy burgers from the table and with every sweep of burger mess in to her mouth she raised her hands again looking for victory and the crowd booed louder. This continued for about the next 60 seconds, the crowd was now hoping that either Badlands or Juris would get through their 10 burgers before Juliet was done cleaning her mess.
But it didn't happen, Juliet finally ate enough of what she had spilled to get the decision. Not a popular decision at all.
I do not think Juliet should be condemned for what happened. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone deserves a shot to redeem themselves. It was a disappointing display of eating; one that I hope will never be seen again. Major League Eating has instituted a new rule as a result of this contest and hopefully good will come of it in the future.
One more bit of information I did learn at the contest - I was told that the 12th spot at the final table will be occupied by an amateur that will be chosen from the crowd on the day of the finals. Although, I do appreciate the fact that Krystal likes to give local amateurs a shot at eating greatness, I think if Krystal truly wants to be considered the Super Bowl of Competitive Eating, they can't let amateurs who have not earned a coveted spot at the table to compete. This really undermines a lot of the people like myself and others who spend their own money and time to travel great distances and willingly give Krystal free promotions through various media throughout the season. To take 1 of 12 spots and give it to someone who no one in the audience came to see, who will finish in last place, and pay them $500 instead of letting one more deserving Wildcard eater in is baffling to me.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
2008 Groz-with-Gas-a-thon Salmon Record
The first eating endeavor of my three day weekend was a success. I managed to cram down 6 pounds of King salmon in 8 minutes to establish a new Major League Eating record. I have to admit, I had no idea what to expect and as soon as I started eating, I knew 6 pounds would be a challenge. Salmon is actually a very hearty food and since it is low in fat and very high in protein it is natually a dry food. Fortunately, there were no bones so that was not an issue. I was hoping to be able to take a drink of liquids maybe every other swallow but once it was in my mouth there was no way I could get it down without liquids unless I wasted valuable time chewing.
I was eating at a pace of about 1 pound per minute for the first 3 minutes but I knew I would need to be at around 4 pounds at the midway point in order to reach 6 pounds. Well, I fell behind pace as my jaw started to tire a bit and with only one minute left I had just started my 6th one pound plate. I really had to cram and swallow wrecklessly in the last minute. I was afraid to let the live audience, the radio audience and myself down so I was able to get it done.
A good look at the hearty salmon here - they were plated in one pound increments
The last minute was grueling, I am starting my 6th pound here
After the contest, Bison and I were able to chill and talk about how he will make his combeack
I was eating at a pace of about 1 pound per minute for the first 3 minutes but I knew I would need to be at around 4 pounds at the midway point in order to reach 6 pounds. Well, I fell behind pace as my jaw started to tire a bit and with only one minute left I had just started my 6th one pound plate. I really had to cram and swallow wrecklessly in the last minute. I was afraid to let the live audience, the radio audience and myself down so I was able to get it done.
That was close, I was relieved to get it done
A good look at the hearty salmon here - they were plated in one pound increments
The last minute was grueling, I am starting my 6th pound here
After the contest, Bison and I were able to chill and talk about how he will make his combeack
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Grub-a-Palooza: Weekend of Eating
On Friday, September 12, I will embark on my own personal three day grub-a-palooza. There are several eaters on the circuit scheduled to do the triple this weekend either with Kolaches in Houston on Friday, Grits in Shreveport on Saturday, and Jalapenos in Chicago on Sunday (Pat Bertoletti, Hall Hunt) or Kolaches, Grits, and Krystals in Knoxville on Sunday (Crazy Legs), or Cannolis in NY on Friday, Grits, and Krystals (Eater X). But no other eater will be duplicating the triple I will attempt.
Tomorrow, I will be a guest performer at the local charity fundraiser, the Groz-with-Gas-a-thon for the third straight year. This year, I am attempting to bring pride to my hometown of Seattle by setting a new record for Salmon consumption. The previous two years I have attempted and succeeded in setting records in Spot Shrimp, jalapenos, and habaneros. Mind you, I am only competing against myself, but I like to make the rules as hard as they can be and being that the exhibition is all for charity gives me motivation to do my best and to set a record that is worthy.
The salmon eating rules will be:
8 minute contest length
I must eat a minimum of 6 pounds in order for the record to be sanctioned
The salmon provided will be fresh gillnet caught King (AKA Chinook) Salmon caught in the Klamath river in Oregon. The very charitable and classy host restaurant, Anthony's, will provide 10 pounds of the cooked salmon for the event.
My goal is to eat all 10 pounds in the 8 minute time period. I have no idea if I can do it because honestly who could afford to practice eating that much salmon? As in years past, Ray the Bison Meduna will be on hand to be the official judge for the contest.
Tomorrow, I will be a guest performer at the local charity fundraiser, the Groz-with-Gas-a-thon for the third straight year. This year, I am attempting to bring pride to my hometown of Seattle by setting a new record for Salmon consumption. The previous two years I have attempted and succeeded in setting records in Spot Shrimp, jalapenos, and habaneros. Mind you, I am only competing against myself, but I like to make the rules as hard as they can be and being that the exhibition is all for charity gives me motivation to do my best and to set a record that is worthy.
The salmon eating rules will be:
8 minute contest length
I must eat a minimum of 6 pounds in order for the record to be sanctioned
The salmon provided will be fresh gillnet caught King (AKA Chinook) Salmon caught in the Klamath river in Oregon. The very charitable and classy host restaurant, Anthony's, will provide 10 pounds of the cooked salmon for the event.
My goal is to eat all 10 pounds in the 8 minute time period. I have no idea if I can do it because honestly who could afford to practice eating that much salmon? As in years past, Ray the Bison Meduna will be on hand to be the official judge for the contest.
Click Here to listen to my 950 KJR interview from yesterday (9/10) to promote the eating exhibition with Groz and Gas.
Those who are interested can listen to the attempt live on the radio tomorrow (9/12) at 4:00 pm (PST) at 950kjr.com
I won't have much time to recover from the salmon eating exhibition because soon after I will be taking the red eye to Nashville, TN Friday evening to compete in the Krystal Square Off V qualifier on Saturday, September 13. This contest has really been my sole focus for the past month as I know the competition will be intense with Juliet Lee, Badlands, and Dr. BigTime all participating with thoughts of taking this title. This could be one of the closest contests on the qualifying circuit this year and I imagine it will take north of 50 burgers to have a chance. I can't wait to eat a Krystal and see what happens.
After the KSOV Nashville qualifier, I will be flying immediately to Chicago to get ready for the 2nd annual La Costena jalapeno eating championship to celebrate Mexican Independence day on Sunday, September 14. This contest had a lot of flare last year and a few surprises when they ran out of jalapenos 6 minutes in to the 8 minute contest. I was not pleased with my 5th place finish last year eating only 98 jalapenos so I have a lot to prove in this year's event.
3 days, 3 eating contests, 6,800 miles to travel, 24 minutes of eating = a lot to discover...
Those who are interested can listen to the attempt live on the radio tomorrow (9/12) at 4:00 pm (PST) at 950kjr.com
I won't have much time to recover from the salmon eating exhibition because soon after I will be taking the red eye to Nashville, TN Friday evening to compete in the Krystal Square Off V qualifier on Saturday, September 13. This contest has really been my sole focus for the past month as I know the competition will be intense with Juliet Lee, Badlands, and Dr. BigTime all participating with thoughts of taking this title. This could be one of the closest contests on the qualifying circuit this year and I imagine it will take north of 50 burgers to have a chance. I can't wait to eat a Krystal and see what happens.
After the KSOV Nashville qualifier, I will be flying immediately to Chicago to get ready for the 2nd annual La Costena jalapeno eating championship to celebrate Mexican Independence day on Sunday, September 14. This contest had a lot of flare last year and a few surprises when they ran out of jalapenos 6 minutes in to the 8 minute contest. I was not pleased with my 5th place finish last year eating only 98 jalapenos so I have a lot to prove in this year's event.
3 days, 3 eating contests, 6,800 miles to travel, 24 minutes of eating = a lot to discover...
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Barack Obama is a competitive eating fan
The September 1, 2008 edition of Time Magazine contains a photo essay of Presidential front runner Barack Obama. The photos show a behind the scenes look of him and his family on his democratic campaign trail around the time of the 4th of July this year. The photo below - a full page spread shows Barack and his family watching TV prior to a 4th of July picnic in Butte, MT:
Now here is a close-up of the caption for the photo:
Barack Obama is a competitive eating fan! I love the looks on the faces of both Barack and Michelle. Obama looks intent and focused on the action while Michelle looks concerned and shocked - a perfect reaction.
My favorite part about this scenario is the picture that follows. The following picture was not included in the Time photo essay but I was able to find it on the Web; taken later in the day at the 4th of July picnic:
Judging from the photo, Obama seems to have gained some motivation by watching the Nathan's contest. This is not an ordinary bite, he is attacking the dog! Michelle is shown in the background of the picture looking proud of Barack's bite but probably saying to herself "now don't get carried away Barack."
Clearly, Obama should be President of our great country!
Now here is a close-up of the caption for the photo:
Barack Obama is a competitive eating fan! I love the looks on the faces of both Barack and Michelle. Obama looks intent and focused on the action while Michelle looks concerned and shocked - a perfect reaction.
My favorite part about this scenario is the picture that follows. The following picture was not included in the Time photo essay but I was able to find it on the Web; taken later in the day at the 4th of July picnic:
Judging from the photo, Obama seems to have gained some motivation by watching the Nathan's contest. This is not an ordinary bite, he is attacking the dog! Michelle is shown in the background of the picture looking proud of Barack's bite but probably saying to herself "now don't get carried away Barack."
Clearly, Obama should be President of our great country!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
John Ascuaga's Nugget Rib Results - 8/27/08
John Ascuaga's Nugget Rib Championship Results - Reno, NV:
12 Minute contest (rank in parenthesis):
1 - Joey Jaws Chestnut (1) - 9.8 lbs. (WR), $2500
2 - Pat Deep Dish Bertoletti(2) - 7.4 lbs, $1500
3 - Erik the Red Denmark (12) - 4.7 lbs, $750
4 - Rich the Locust LeFevre (7) - 4.6 lbs, $250
5 - Ron the Optic Koch (NR) - 3.4 lbs
6 - Jason Erbivore Erb (34) - 2.8 lbs
7 - Shawn the Vacuum Kirby (48) - 2.5 lbs
8 - El Toro (41) - 2.2 lbs
my first 5 lb. tray of pork ribs still in tact
Great contest. Joey was dominate and impressive. The ribs were pork and were really flying off the bone. I knew early on in the contest that the Reno record of 7.0 lbs would be broken probably by both Pat and Joey. They ribs were served in 5 pound trays, Joey was on his fourth tray, Pat and Rich were on their third tray and I finsihed nearly two trays. Usually rib contests really come down to jaw stregth and tolerance, not so much capacity but I think a lot of us on stage felt more full than usual after this contest. I only ate 4.7 pounds but I started to feel pain with about 5 minutes left in the contest.
I feel fortunate to have edged out Rich by only an ounce and a half. Rich and I were standing on opposite ends of Joey and Pat so I really had no idea where he was during the contest but you know when a 12 minute contest comes down to a couple ounces, obviously every bite (or non-bite) mattered. Rich is so consistently good in all foods, especially in the rib discipline, he is really tough to beat but he gave me a chance in Reno and fortunately I took advantage. I still love ya Rich.
The only unfortunate aspect of this contest in my opinion is that it takes place on a Wednesday evening. I realize that the days of the week seem to not be important in places like Reno and Las Vegas, everyday may as well be Saturday in these places. But, the BBQ festival is huge and the weather is always perfect so I would love to have been able to hang out and celebrate with the natives a little longer.
Some pics:
Ron Koch made a tirumphant return to the Reno rib contest dressed as the Undertaker or maybe a Jedi. Looking very creepy either way.
pre-contest jitters before we take the stage
Pat has new glasses
Joey holding the 1st place trophy, the pig on top is classic
The crowd was rowdy and the Chestnut's were there to harrass the Joey challengers (Lucky and Paul Chestnut in lower left)
12 Minute contest (rank in parenthesis):
1 - Joey Jaws Chestnut (1) - 9.8 lbs. (WR), $2500
2 - Pat Deep Dish Bertoletti(2) - 7.4 lbs, $1500
3 - Erik the Red Denmark (12) - 4.7 lbs, $750
4 - Rich the Locust LeFevre (7) - 4.6 lbs, $250
5 - Ron the Optic Koch (NR) - 3.4 lbs
6 - Jason Erbivore Erb (34) - 2.8 lbs
7 - Shawn the Vacuum Kirby (48) - 2.5 lbs
8 - El Toro (41) - 2.2 lbs
my first 5 lb. tray of pork ribs still in tact
Great contest. Joey was dominate and impressive. The ribs were pork and were really flying off the bone. I knew early on in the contest that the Reno record of 7.0 lbs would be broken probably by both Pat and Joey. They ribs were served in 5 pound trays, Joey was on his fourth tray, Pat and Rich were on their third tray and I finsihed nearly two trays. Usually rib contests really come down to jaw stregth and tolerance, not so much capacity but I think a lot of us on stage felt more full than usual after this contest. I only ate 4.7 pounds but I started to feel pain with about 5 minutes left in the contest.
I feel fortunate to have edged out Rich by only an ounce and a half. Rich and I were standing on opposite ends of Joey and Pat so I really had no idea where he was during the contest but you know when a 12 minute contest comes down to a couple ounces, obviously every bite (or non-bite) mattered. Rich is so consistently good in all foods, especially in the rib discipline, he is really tough to beat but he gave me a chance in Reno and fortunately I took advantage. I still love ya Rich.
The only unfortunate aspect of this contest in my opinion is that it takes place on a Wednesday evening. I realize that the days of the week seem to not be important in places like Reno and Las Vegas, everyday may as well be Saturday in these places. But, the BBQ festival is huge and the weather is always perfect so I would love to have been able to hang out and celebrate with the natives a little longer.
Some pics:
Ron Koch made a tirumphant return to the Reno rib contest dressed as the Undertaker or maybe a Jedi. Looking very creepy either way.
pre-contest jitters before we take the stage
Pat has new glasses
Joey holding the 1st place trophy, the pig on top is classic
The crowd was rowdy and the Chestnut's were there to harrass the Joey challengers (Lucky and Paul Chestnut in lower left)
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