Brian Seiken is Great!Stick to Blogging previewed this weekend to great reviews , I recommend it a must buy for every competitive eater and fan of CE ,so here is the link to bb.comhttp://beautifulbrian,com
Acme Oyster Eating Contest Full results On Moses News .ComApril 12th 2008 ED ''Cookie'' Jarvis To Promote Ayce Minor League Baseball\ Full pictures on April 3rd 2oo8
Folks in South Jersey are getting ready to cook and eat at the third annual Delaware Valley International Chili Society Regional Chili Cook-Off, Concert and Festival on April 26 at Gloucester County College in Deptford.
"The goal of the event is to provide a fun-filled day for the entire family," said Rhone Carr, president of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, which is presenting the event with Philadelphia country music station WXTU-FM 92.5.
The event will raise funds for five local charities -- the Boys and Girls Club, People for People, United Way, Habitat for Humanity and the 4-H Fair Association, Carr said.
In the day's professional chili cooking contests, judges will taste and vote on their favorite three entries in the traditional red, chili verde (green chili) and salsa categories. The winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes and trophies and qualify for the ICS World's Championship Chili Cook-Off in October.
In the amateur People's Choice contest, spectators attending the event will taste each of the chili entries and vote on their favorite. The chili cooks with the top three numbers of spectator votes will be awarded cash prizes and trophies.
In addition to the chili cooking contest, the event will include family fun and entertainment as well as a country music concert featuring Sara Evans, Jason Michael Carroll, Sarah Johns, Lost Trailers, Wanted and Chelsea Musick.
The day's festivities will also include a beer garden, classic car showcase, officiated by Bill "El Wingador" wing-eating contest billSimmons, United Way Duck Town kids activity area, pony rides, petting zoo, moon bounce, two-lane slide, joust, obstacle course, face painting, hair wrapping, temporary tattoos, clowns, arts and crafts, food and non-food vendors.
Chelsea Orcutt of Woolwich will perform the national anthem.
This is Don Lerman speaking just as Roberto Duran cried no mas I say it too . I will not be a participant in this years Pickle contest or any other contest for a while as my capacity is way down from dieting. I wish all competing in the upcoming pickle contests good luck and would welcome the opertunity to be a judge at the contest if asked . in any event I will be there as a reporter for Moses news .com and i will go back to my winter job as life guard in the mikvah ..Thank you Don "Moses"' Lerman
Consider the oyster: It holds only a little meat in its rough shell, but each tiny bite and drop of liquor is a classic delicacy, relished by gourmands.
The unassuming mollusks only come via import in our landlocked state, but they're easy enough to find. And at Jax Fish House (1539 17th St.; 303-292-5767), a cheerful joint nestled in the heart of LoDo, this month's oyster order is unusually huge.
For one thing, they've declared March "Oyster Month." But there's another reason for the bivalve binge: Team Highland Pacific.
Last year during Jax's annual oyster-eating contest, Highland Pacific guzzled 116 little guys in two minutes. Obviously, they won.
The winner of the individual contest, named Ang, consumed almost as many oysters solo — a whopping 95.
"I'm amazed at what they do," says Bryce Clark, marketing and events director for Big Red F Restaurant Group, of the contestants. "We actually have people who end up doing it every year."
It's no different this year. In fact, according to Clark, the slots are "pretty much full" for next week's oyster contests at Jax's Denver and Boulder (928 Pearl St.; 303-444-1811) locations.
Though it may be too late to register for the oyster orgy, competitive-eating fans can still get their fix by attending the two contests. Both Jax locations encourage spectators, and the Oyster Month menu offers lots of specials for the inclined, including the great deal of $10 for 10 oysters. Expect a run on the French Quarter Fizz, Jax's signature Oyster Month drink, too.
As in years past, the entry fees for the competition go to charity. This year, the beneficiary is Make It Right, a group helping rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Plus, for every oyster ordered this month at Jax, 5 cents will go to the fund.
As a lifelong landlubber, this reporter has not yet dared eat one of the precious packages. Clark is full of assurances, though, that it's a real treat.
"If you order the right kind they're absolutely delicious," she says. Her favorite is the Kunomoto variety.
Nevertheless, she says, "I think it takes a lot of courage to slurp down 100 of them."
Courage, indeed.
Watch the oyster faithful test their strength in two events: On Tuesday at 7 p.m., teams get sloppy at Jax in Denver. Wednesday at Jax Boulder, brave individuals tackle their own oyster piles at 8 p.m.
Lazy Sunday. It's not like anyone needs an excuse to drink on Sunday — millions of sports fans have seen to that — but the Loft (821 22nd St.; 303-296-4604) is making it especially enticing.
The bar's new night, "Strawberry Sundays," offers a tasty way to ease into the work week. With $3 Champagne and strawberries galore, the usual Sunday night blues will evaporate like magic.
If you need a swifter kick in the rear, share the two-for-one Long Island special with another working stiff. Or knock back a $3 shot if it's that bad.
DJs provide the music — mostly mash-ups — and special events like fashion shows and live performances are planned for the future.
Early birds are encouraged: It's free for ladies and $5 for men before 10 p.m. It's probably a good idea to go early anyway — nothing's worse than a Monday morning hangover.
Can Anyone Beat Chapman At Carnegi Deli This Year?I watched the last Pickle contest , Chapman did an outstanding job ,a great performance .Can Brian Seiken take back his title will this be where I make my comeback , will Hal Shimel sneak into the contest under another name like last time? we shall see..end
Pickle This!Competitive eaters get their fill of dill
MARIA E. VARONIS Insider contributor Local eatery Bagel St. Deli closed up shop a bit early this past Friday to commence its ninth annual Pickle Fest. Highly anticipated by both BSD employees and local pickle lovers alike, the annual pickle-eating contest is an event not for the faint of heart - or stomach.
"I think you have got to be a complete maniac to enter this contest," said Ohio University sophomore Rob McConnell, who beat out more than 40 competitors to become champion of this year's contest. McConnell ate 13 full-sized dill pickles in 10 minutes He tied the existing record and gained the coveted title of "Pickle Champ 2008."
The eating competition has become somewhat of a staple at the bagel shop for everyone involved.
"Pickle Fest is simply a tradition, and traditions are a nice thing to continue," Megan McElligott, part-owner of the deli, said. "We have established almost a decade of pickle-eating, crazy college students."
"I think it's one of the coolest things we do," Art Oestrike, another BSD part-owner, said. "(The previous owner) wanted to use something in the menu, but who wants to do an all you can eat bagel contest? I mean, think about the repercussions of that. So, hence, the pickle thing."
For some, this "pickle thing" includes extensive research and vigorous training. For instance, McConnell studied and used the techniques of world-renowned hot dog-eating champion Takeru Kobayashi.
"I just came in prepared, psyched myself up and shoved 13 pickles in my mouth somehow," he said of his performance. "It felt great until about an hour afterwards, and then it really hurt."
Many fellow participants commiserated with this downside of competitive eating.
"Pickle Fest was a lot harder than I had anticipated," contestant Katie Knauff said. "Eating all those pickles makes your teeth feel horrible, and I felt sick for a good couple of hours. I probably won't do it again. I just don't like pickles anymore."
Competitor Michael Swepston used his experience to better prepare for the future.
"Pickle Fest was intense but I have to do it again because this year I sucked," he said. "I need to do better next year, so I probably won't eat another pickle until then."
Although some were less than thrilled with the reality of mass pickle-eating, the event itself seemed to leave a good taste in contestants' mouths.
"Everyone was so friendly and wearing funny T-shirts. I loved it," Knauff said.
And though stomachs may suffer, winning the Pickle Fest is not a feat to be taken lightly. Bragging rights and glory aside, winners receive a complimentary Pickle Fest T-shirt, and ultimate Pickle Champs are also invited to invent and name their own bagel sandwich creation to be added to the extensive Bagel Street Deli menu. Past winners have created bagelwich hits such as the Debbie, Debbie, Debbie and Ritter's Meat.
McConnell already has a bagel creation in mind, though he's not ready to divulge it just yet.
"I can't believe I did it," he said. "And, hey, if I'm around next year, I've got to see if I can win it again. It was too much fun."
For 2008, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has revised its Vino Visa Coupon Book. The 16 member wineries of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail each have a coupon entitling customers to specials and discounts throughout the year. To make your visit complete, accommodations, attractions, restaurants and transportation services in the region also are offering deals.
The Vino Visa Coupon Book costs $15; the coupons are valued at more than $250. To purchase a book, call (800) 684-5217, order online at www.cayugawinetrail.com or visit any of the wineries on the trail: Montezuma Winery, Cobblestone Farm Winery, Swedish Hill Vineyard, Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant, Goose Watch Winery, Buttonwood Grove Winery, Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery, Thirsty Owl Wine Co., Hosmer Winery, Sheldrake Point Vineyard and Simply Red Lakeside Bistro, Lucas Vineyards, Bellwether Hard Cider, Americana Vineyards, Six Mile Creek Vineyard, King Ferry Winery and Long Point Winery. The coupon book is valid until the end of the year.
For more information on wineries and events and to download a trail guide, visit www.cayugawinetrail.com.
Also along the Trail ...
On April 12, the owners and winemakers of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail will hold their 25th anniversary "Toast the Trail" celebration dinner at the Holiday Inn in Waterloo, and the public is invited.
The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a sparkling wine and hard cider reception followed by a five-course meal pairing the Trail's wines with a specially prepared gourmet dinner by local chefs using local produce.
Attendees will receive a commemorative sparkling wine glass to celebrate the vision that began in the early 1980s when four wineries along Cayuga Lake had a dream of working together to bring more visitors to their doors. The Trail, which has grown to 16 members, is the first organized and longest-running wine trail in the United States.
One sure sign of spring in upstate New York is the Marathon Maple Festival, which this year will be held on April 5 and 6. And, when it is Maple Festival time, it is time to eat pancakes.
For the past 11 years, festival goers have gathered in the auditorium of Marathon High School to watch 15 minutes of competitive consumption of flapjacks. The 2008 edition of this chowing down for charity will start at 9 a.m. April 5.
Every contestant is sponsored by a not-for-profit organization, which uses the opportunity to raise funds for special projects, by soliciting pledges per pancake. Champion Joe LaRue, 48, now of Sebring, Fla., will be back to defend his title and will be eating pancakes for Peck Memorial Library.
"I love Marathon and the good people who live there. It is my adopted hometown" he said. "I am happy to come and eat pancakes for the library; it is important to keep that building on Marathon's Main Street."
The first time LaRue ever ate in a contest was at a Marathon Maple festival. From that point on, says the professional chef, his interest in food and competitive eating has changed his life. He is a former national champion for eating corn on the cob (34 ears). Last year he lost that championship by half an ear but plans on regaining the title this year.
Other pancake eaters come from Oswego, Homer, Cortland, McDonough and Marathon. The contenders and their projects are:
Ben Rowell, Lime Hollow Center for Environment & Culture; Kyle Knickerbocker, Cortland Valley FFA; Michael Scott Jr., St. Anthony's World Youth; Doug Gilbert, United Methodist Church of East Homer; John Potter, Cortland County Sportsman's Federation; Jim Graham, Cameo's Jamboree; Kevin Allison, YWCA of Cortland's Karate Club; Ian Bleck, First Presbyterian Church of Marathon, and Kipp Salisbury, Homer Avenue United Methodist Church of Cortland.
-- Barb Van Atta Smorgasbord runs Wednesdays. E-mail news about food, wine and restaurants to Barb Van Atta at bvanatta@pressconnects.com.
O.j . Rifkin Spotted FishingPaparatzi photographed a fisherman that they believed is no less than O.J. Rifkin of Eat Feats .com fame. rumors before that it might be Stu Burdy or Phill Lipper have proved false
Welcome new GovernorDavid Paterson was sworn in as governor of N.Y. today. He introduced each elected dignitary and as they went to a commercial break he introduced Don ""Moses'' Lerman as the competitive eating champion and recipient of the LIFETIME achievement award to a rousing crowd and a standing ovation , then as they returned from break he continued his speech and the T.V . audience was unaware of his Lerman's intro . Congratulations on your inaugural day Governor...end
Many Matzo Balls: Eating Contest Heads to Lone Star State By Sarah KricheffThu. Mar 13, 2008 Has the world of competitive matzo ball eating moved south? The popular contest that was held for seven years straight at Ben’s deli in New York City came to an end in 2004, when Eric “Badlands” Booker claimed a victory. But now it seems that some people in Texas are ready to revive the tradition. Earlier this month, Houston set the stage for the first-ever World Matzoh Ball Eating Championship, hosted by Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen Restaurant (a restaurant located in Houston), the Jewish Herald-Voice reported. Professional competitive-eating champ Joey Chestnut claimed the top prize of $1,500 and broke Booker’s record, ingesting 78 matzo balls in eight minutes (in 2004, Booker ate 21 balls in five minutes and 25 seconds). Chestnut, 24, didn’t have much experience with this particular staple of Jewish cuisine before he started training for the contest (he’s not Jewish). “I think I tried them once at a friend’s house, but other than that I’d never eaten them in mass quantity,” he told The Shmooze. “It turns out that I like them. I ate more than I thought I would.”A California native, Chestnut made headlines last summer in an upset at the Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest, held at Nathan’s in Brooklyn’s Coney Island, when he unseated the reigning champion, Takeru “Tsunami” Kobayashi of Japan. As for New Yorkers still hoping for another matzo ball eating contest in the Big Apple, they might be better off planning a trip to the Lone Star State next year. Scott Singer, president of Ben’s, told The Shmooze that the company canceled its event because it was “no longer meeting our marketing objectives.” The Houston contest was a charity event, and it had the official stamp of approval of the International Federation of Competitive Eating and Major League Eating. Thu. Mar 13, 2008
What Americans Will Do for Money ...Feature Story On Rich Le Fevre NEWS: If it involves prizes, beer, or bragging rights, the answer is almost anything By Michael Mechanic March 14, 200 Pass the hot dogs — They call him "the Locust." At 63, Rich LeFevre of Henderson, Nevada, is the oldest member of an elite community of speed eaters that make up leagues such as MLE (Major League Eating) and the International Federation of Competitive Eating, whose crest includes a soft-serve ice cream cone and winged lions devouring a hot dog from both ends. According to EatFeats.com, the five-foot-six, 130-pound retired accountant scarfed the following in last year's competitions: 3.24 pounds of ham in 8 minutes, 3.39 pounds of turkey in 8 minutes, 2.74 pounds of chicken wings in 8 minutes, 104 burgers in two 8-minute contests, 120 Jalapeño peppers in 6.5 minutes, 51 tamales in 12 min, 4.3 pounds of ribs in 12 minutes (where he lost a tooth), 34 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in 10 minutes, 5.05 additional pounds of pork ribs in 12 minutes(see video, 4.19 pounds of chili cheese fries in 10 minutes, and a total of 131 hot dogs during four 12-minute qualifiers for Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The Locust ranked ninth overall among his gluttonous rivals in 2007, with winnings of $6,725. Alka-Seltzer anyone?
In New Haven, A Dandy Rescue Alumni Rally To Save The Yankee Doodle, A Yale Hangout For Decades THE YANKEE DOODLE has been a New Haven fixture since 1950. (GEORGE MOTZ/ HAMBURGER AMERICA / HANDOUT / March 6, 2008) By ADRIAN BRUNE Special to The Courant March 13, 2008
For as much tradition as it touts, New Haven's classic greasy spoon, the Yankee Doodle — a Yale refuge for undergrads in need of a good burger — certainly found a new home in an unexpected place.Hours after Rick Beckwith, the "Doodle"'s heir and owner, posted a handwritten sign that said, "Unfortunately, due to economic times, I regretfully announce today, Jan. 29th, the Doodle is closing its doors for good" at 6 a.m. that morning, he scraped down the grill, cleared out the fridges and wiped down the counters for the last time, expecting his 50-year-old New Haven landmark to remain just a memory.After all, rent had reached an all-time high, and the economy brought more bad business days than good ones. Neighboring chains, such as Au Bon Pain and Gourmet Haven, also started to eat into the Doodle's business, especially as local palates started leaning toward more healthful fare. Related links Yankee Doodle BurgerPhoto Grilled Glazed DonutPhoto Facebook: Save The Doodle Unknown to Beckwith, however, an unofficial cadre of Yale alumni took action as soon as they bore witness to the Doodle's fate. Within two days, the Yankee Doodle restaurant officially had a website ( www.thedoodle.com), a presence on myspace.com and its own profile on facebook, the social-networking favorite of many a Yalie.More than a month later, Beckwith is working on a plan to occupy a new home around the corner, hang a refurbished 1950s sign and fire up the charcoals again. "I never dreamed selling a burger to a Yalie would make such a difference," said Beckwith, who knows a grill far more intimately than a keyboard. "There is a massive amount of support. I've had to literally answer 1,000 e-mails."That's because Beckwith family friend Phillip McKee, a Yale alum, created a plan in early January to save the restaurant, known for its annual burger-eating contests — "really, they take place whenever someone issues a challenge," Beckwith said — and its classic soda fountain. For starters, he proposed each of the 12 stools in the restaurant host a sponsor plaque, sold to a Doodle denizen for $2,000, and then he developed special discount cards entitling regulars to a price rebate of up to 50 percent for a donation of $100 to $1,000.The initial marketing push didn't happen quickly enough, however. "It was a sign of the times. The economy as a whole has been suffering dramatically," Beckwith said. Competition also played a part: When the Doodle first opened its doors 50 years ago, Yalies could choose between three other restaurants; a dozen now occupy the Broadway corridor.Ironically, Beckwith's scribbled note on the door kicked off the cyber chain of events. Without his knowledge, several Yalies devised the "Save the Doodle" profile on Facebook, which attracted about 2,600 members in four days, followed by the myspace page. Yale came on board shortly after, offering a plot of the university's highly sought-after retail space. As fast as fries come with an order, the Doodle was resurrected."I appealed to Rick myself, asking him to consider reopening," wrote George Motz, the creator of "Hamburger America," a documentary about America's favorite burger joints and also the name of a book that will be released next month, in a weblog not long after the Doodle shut its doors. "Because of the massive movement to save The Doodle, it just might happen," he wrote before adding that he remains a favorite consumer of the "Dandy Double Doodle."In April 1950, Lewis Beckwith Sr., Rick's grandfather, opened a 10-stool coffee shop on Broadway, naming it Yankee Doodle, after the familiar song. Three years later, he added a few more stools, but ever since, "The Doodle" has maintained the status quo, with Cokes still made from syrup and seltzer, and a cash register that doesn't ring up more than $2 at a time.About eight years ago, Lewis Jr. retired and handed the family business to his son, who has worked with his sister and mother, Pat, ever since to keep place open. Though he plans on maintaining the traditional fare in the new spot, Beckwith said he would also add a few "healthier" options to the menu, hoping to remain competitive with the neighboring establishments."I always appreciated the people who I met over the years, but I never understood the lives the Doodle touched," said Beckwith, who has Doodle fundraising memorabilia — umbrellas, mouse-pads and coffee mugs — back-ordered for months. "It was home for me, and it seems to have been home for a lot of others, too." More articles
Shawn O'Donnell's American Grill & Irish Pub, 122 128th St. S.E., Everett. Irish shepherd's pie, Guinness beef stew and other Irish cuisine, specials and entertainment. Live music by the Cutters from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, corned-beef-and-cabbage-eating contest at 8 p.m. Saturday, the BOWI Irish band from 8-11:30 p.m. Saturday, soda-bread-eating contest at 3 p.m. Sunday, the Kenmore & District Pipe Band at 5 p.m. Monday, and the Stout Pounders from 8-11 p.m. Monday. Contest and prize details: http://www.shawnodonnells.com/. 425-338-5700. Saturday
Ryan Urban, 28 March 9, 2008 Rockaway, N.J.Owner, Offensive T-shirt Web siteYour uncle is competitive eater Don Moses Lerman. Have you ever taken him on in a pizza-eating contest?I am a top-tier eater and can probably eat more than anybody you know. But he is on a different level. So how fast can you eat a large pie?I can finish a whole pie in five minutes. But my uncle would be done with three pies by the time I was done with three slices. Credit:Ryan Muir
SCANNING THE AREA REDONDO BEACH Go fly a kite and more at 34th annual festival Sunshine Kite Co. is hosting its 34th annual Festival of the Kite today on the Redondo Beach pier. Visitors can watch a yo-yo competition, kite-flying contests and listen to live music and the sounds of Taiko drummers. And anyone with an appetite is invited to join the festival's second hot-dog- on-a-stick eating contest. The event starts at noon and runs until about 4 p.m. *For more information and directions to the shop, go to www.lifeonastring.com.
Clinton vs. Obama for the sausage-eating title By Eric HeylTRIBUNE-REVIEWFriday, March 7, 2008 PITTSBURGH (Ersatz News Service) -- Whether Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama is victorious in Pennsylvania might well depend on which of them can rapidly consume the most Vienna sausages. The two candidates today jointly unveiled a highly unusual strategy to keep voters interested in the fight for the Democratic presidential nomination. They have agreed to hold a series of unconventional competitions, including a competitive eating contest. The move, designed to keep people from becoming bored in six-plus weeks until the Democrats' next pivotal primary -- April 22 in the Keystone State -- immediately was hailed by party strategists. "Another month-and-a-half of Clinton and Obama sparring over the minute differences in their respective health care plans? Everyone's eyes would glaze over," said one consultant who did not want to be identified discussing politicians' employing cheap gimmicks to hold a fickle public's attention. story continues below "But to see if Hillary can not only down more Vienna sausages than Obama, but also possibly beat the record 8.3 pounds consumed in 10 minutes by Sonya Thomas at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte back in May 2005? That would be positively electric." The competitive eating contest, which will be March 12 at Pittsburgh's Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, will kick off the competitions.
ALBERTVILLE — The enthusiasm generated more than made up for the lack of numbers at the planning meeting at the Chamber of Commerce in Albertville Thursday for the Freedom Festival Fun Day, to be held at the recreation center July 4.A dozen residents showed up to make their vocal contributions, and organizers are hoping for a larger gathering at the next meeting at the chamber at 6 p.m. March 27. All residents are welcome to give their input.“This is not a city of Albertville event, as far as city government is concerned,” councilman Lee Fleming said as he gave the meeting a kick-start. “The Taste of Freedom dissolved a couple of weeks ago.”John Allen and Lisa Socha of the Marshall County Convention & Tourism Bureau “talked about a vision of what the Fourth can be,” Fleming said, adding that the intent is to make the day-long festivities “family friendly” while incorporating some of the Taste of Freedom such as a backyard barbecue contest. The intent is to fill the day with fun for all ages, free of charge other than extras such as food and crafts and jewelry that will be sold by vendors.“This is not about making money,” Fleming said, “and it isn’t about national exposure. It’s about giving citizens something to do.”“We want it to be a fun thing where the community can have a good time,” Socha said.Among ideas are a Disney movie being shown on a 30-foot screen, drive-in style, old-fashioned carnival events, a punt, pass and kick contest for the youth, a moon-pie eatingcontest and a car show.A chili cook-off was tossed into the hopper along with some other events involving cooking.Fleming said Greg Henderson is working on setting up a tennis tournament for the day. The possibility of a golf tournament to be held on July 5 was mentioned, including closest-to-the-pin and long-drive contests. Also advanced were a 3-of-3 basketball tournament and a three-point shooting contest. A fireworks display will be considered, and thoughts also are being given to bringing in entertainment.The underlying theme was that it is a community event that needs to have community involvement.
Contest! Clermont's Pig on the Pond features barbecue, great fun The popular food festival and carnival will raise money for scholarships. Christine Cole Special To The Sentinel March 7, 2008
Frozen Custard And Chicken Nugget Contest CLERMONT - Now in its tenth year, Pig on the Pond is known as a serious barbecue contest, with carnival rides, crafters and plenty of food.But its real purpose is raising money for education.The event, starting at 5 p.m. today at the Waterfront Park in Clermont, serves as an umbrella for more than 25 nonprofit organizations and another 60 sponsoring groups that help children pay for college and kick in funds for educational programs in the schools. "It is a very special event because the community is so involved in it," said Jady Hill of the Florida Boys barbecue team. "I love to see that."Hill and his team from Sebring have competed since the first Pig on the Pond, taking the top honors as Grand Champions in 2001.In his travels as a barbecue contestant, Hill said, he has seen the Clermont event become one of the best attended in the Southeast. Last year, about 25,000 people came out for food and fun. Increasing attendance translates into more money for education."All the money we raise -- it was about $80,000 last year -- directly benefits the children of South Lake County," said organizer Lisa Jensen.Any group wanting to participate must come up with a project that adds to the mix of events and has children's education at heart. Then they must pitch it to event organizers Jensen and Cheryl Fishel."The South Lake High School student government association proposed a potato bar," Jensen said. "They will make French fries and stuffed potatoes. The Parent-Teacher Organization of Groveland Elementary School will sponsor a putting challenge."Today's events include the Great Chili Challenge, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the karaoke finals, 8 to 10 p.m.Saturday's events begin at 10 a. m. and include Miss South Lake Star Search Pageant,frozen-custard- and chicken-nugget-eating contestsand the awards ceremony for winners of the barbecue and dessert contests.Entertainment is nonstop both days. The performances culminate Saturday with appearances by singer and hometown favorite Whitney Hogan at 6 p.m. and by singer and guitarist Patrick Gibson, known as the Florida Cracker Country Boy, at 8 p.m.Because on-site parking is reserved for disabled people, shuttle service will run 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday from five locations, including the Citrus Tower Professional Center, a block south of the Citrus Tower, the First Methodist Church and the Clermont Middle School.For more information, see pigonthepond.org. STEPHEN M. DOWELL/ORLANDO SENTINEL --> More articles
Marvin: This ball’s for you "Matzah Ball Contest'' .... Professional eaters, Juris Shibayama, Pat Bertoletti, Joey Chestnut, Nathan Biller, David Cagle use a variety of techniques to attempt to down 99 matzah balls in 8 minutes.By TED POWERS, Food Editor 06.MAR.08Matzah ball eating contest brings national contestants to Houston and benefits the Marvin Zindler Fund for Pancreatic Cancer ResearchWith few championship events in Houston, Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen hosted the Inaugural World Matzoh Ball Eating Championship on Sunday, March 2. Nationally publicized and sanctioned by Major League Eating and the International Federation of Competitive Eaters, the contest also was titled “Matzoh Balls for Marvin,” honoring the late broadcast journalist Marvin Zindler, with proceeds benefiting the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Marvin Zindler Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Mayor Bill White declared the day in Houston as Marvin Zindler Day and Zindler’s wife, Niki, received the proclamation.Prize money totaled $1,500 and included a large trophy but, more important, two world eating champions, Joey Chestnut and Patrick Bertoletti, wanted to add matzah balls to their resumes. (In world competition, these eating wizards are referred to as two of the four horsemen of the esophagus.)Last summer, Chestnut beat out Japanese eating star Takeru “Tsunami” Kobayashi in the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island. He devoured 66 franks and buns in only 12 minutes, while Kobayashi ate 63. Bertoletti also was there putting away 49 dogs. In February, Chestnut defended his title and number 1 ranking by winning the Wing Bowl for the third consecutive year. He ate an astounding 241 chicken wings in half an hour, 14 more than Bertoletti. Chestnut also ate an incredible 100 burgers in the Krystal Square Off and 8.6 pounds Tempura Deep Fried Aspargus Spears in 10 minutes. Bertoletti ate 22 slices of pizza in 10 minutes, 21 pounds of grits in 10 minutes and 266 jalapeno peppers in 15 minutes. If contestants face the V word, otherwise known as “reversal of fortune” or the “urge contrary to swallowing,” the IFOCE considers that an immediate disqualification. For last weekend’s matzah ball saga, Ziggy Gruber had prepared more than 1,000 matzah balls. In order to be sanctioned by the IFOCE, each matzah ball had to weigh exactly 3-1/2 ounces and the amount of liquid in the containers had to be uniform. In front of each contestant were three pans, each containing 33 matzah balls. There was a potential, in the stated 8 minute time period, of consuming 99 matzah balls.When the competition began, each contestant – five professionals and four amateurs – had a representative from a CPA firm sitting across the table counting the matzah balls consumed and making sure no regulations were broken. Some eaters used water or soda to wash down the balls. One contestant, Bill “Cowboy” Lamza, (possibly not a big fan of this delicacy) used ketchup to wash down the one ball he consumed. He finished in last place. Elisabeth Blanchard, an amateur, struggled to eat eight in 8 minutes. Her technique: first some water, then a bite, more water, then she leaned her head back, shook her head and swallowed. The heavy work was done by the two champions. First Chestnut was ahead, then Bertoletti, then Chestnut. It was neck and neck. Ultimately, Chestnut prevailed, having eaten 78 balls while Bertoletti ate 76. No one else was close.
Stockton festival welcomes top devourers Deep-fried-asparagus-eating contest scheduled for April 26 STOCKTON — Joey Chestnut and Pat "Deep Dish" Bertoletti are considered titans in the world of competitive eating. On April 26 the two will square off once again as featured competitors during the Stockton Asparagus Festival's ever-popular Deep-Fried Asparagus Eating Championship. "The Stockton Asparagus Festival is elated to once again host the world's greatest eaters," Executive Director Kate Post said. "The eating contest is a fan favorite here, and we look forward to a dramatic battle between the two best eaters out there." Both men have surpassed competitive eating legend Takeru Kobayashi in the national rankings, and have each defeated the other seven times during head-to-head matchups. During their most recent competition in Houston, Chestnut edged out Bertoletti in matzo balls, eating 78 to Bertoletti's 76. As per tradition, the event at the Asparagus Festival will feature the competitors eating locally grown thick, deep-fried asparagus. The winner will take home $1,500 and a trophy. The contest will be overseen by Major League Eating, the governing body of the "stomach-centric" sport, which conducts more than 80 events annually. The competitive eating community, which numbers more than 6,000 veteran and rookie athletes, travels the nation in search of unique competitions.
Here & Now Hot Dog Eating Contest -403March 6, 2008 Antioch/Zion Polar plunge: Antioch Sequoit Ladies Auxiliary will sponsor its Polar Plunge and Chili Cook-off March 9. The plunge will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lakefront Drive, Zion. Prizes will be awarded and proceeds will benefit the armed forces. The post-plunge chili cook-off will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Antioch VFW Post, 75 North Ave. There will be live entertainment and awards. Admission is $2. For details, call (847) 395-5393. Grayslake Benefit show: A Habitat for Humanity Benefit Show will be held from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at March 7 at Grayslake North High School Café, 1925 N. Route 83. The event will include local bands,hot dog eating contests, games, prizes and more. Cost is $5. Proceeds benefit HabitatforHumanity. For details, call (847) 986-3100. Fashion show: Mundelein Community Women's Club will host its annual benefit fashion show titled "Spring Into Fashion" at 11 a.m. March 8 at Country Squire, Routes 45 and 120. Tickets are $25 and reservations are required. Proceeds benefit Maristella and Touchy Souls. For details, call (847) 5667.4037
Pie Eating Contest... Kathy Fisher, executive director of Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum in Snow Hill, received the Best New Heritage Initiative Award for developing Heritage Outreach Tours. These tours, which ran from June 27 to August 8, departed from the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City at 10 a.m. brought visitors from Ocean City to tour Snow Hill and Furnace Town and then returned them to the ocean resort by 3 p.m. The bus ride to Snow Hill included a narrator (Bob Fisher) and a volunteer tour guide at Furnace Town. This pilot program was successful in its efforts to boost visitor attendance at Furnace Town and throughout many areas of Snow Hill. In the future, the tours could be expanded to pick up visitors at Assateague Island and Berlin and guide them through the towns and other attractions in the county. Becky Payne, founder and organizer of the annual Blessing of the Combines in Snow Hill, received the Heritage Event Award for this event. The Blessing of the Combines takes place the first Saturday in August. The downtown commercial area is closed to traffic, allowing area farmers to roll their combines into town to receive the annual blessing before the harvest season. Festivities include a petting barn, hay rides, tractor pull and pie eating contests, music, food vendors, artists, bake sale, scales-n-tales and a display of antique farm equipment. The sight of these mammoth pieces of machinery on Green Street is a spectacle to behold and pays tribute to the area's agricultural economy. Granville Trimper, owner of Trimper Rides in Ocean City, was honored with the Heritage Legacy Award for remaining steadfast in his dedication to protecting the historic amusement park. Trimper Rides has been a part of the rich heritage of Ocean City since it was founded by his grandfather, Daniel B. Trimper in 1902. The amusement park offers over 100 rides, games and amusements for young and old alike. Among the rides is a 1902 Herschel-Spellman antique carousel featuring hand-carved wooden animals of various shapes and sizes. Trimper Rides as been owned and operated solely by the Trimper- family, and as such is the oldest continuously owned amusement park in the United States. We urge area residents and visitors to take advantage of opportunities to participate in the events and activities that have been recognized as Heritage Award Winners from 2007 and past years as well. For more information on previous winners, visit the LESHC at www.skipjack.net/le_shore/heritage.
Mamasake Extreme Food Challenge Friday, March 7, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. Mamasake, located in the Village at Squaw Register on the patio at Mamasake at 4 p.m.
Come prepared to eat at this contest. The Mamasake sushi eating contest has expanded to include more “extreme foods.” The competitor who devours the most within the allotted time claims the top podium and all the fame and prizes that go with being the best eater around. Celebrity judges, giveaways and a Master of Ceremonies add to the festivities.
Highlights from last year: During the 2007 Mamasake sushi eating contest, contestants raced to see who could be the first to finish five spicy tuna hand rolls. With four qualifying rounds, the winner of each round was invited to the finals at the end of the day. The 2007 champion Ryan Mailhot downed a total of 10 spicy tuna rolls to win and was ready for more. His final winning time was five rolls in 2:12.
After the sushi eating contest Squaw Valley’s best wasabi warriors sat down to see who could eat five half-ounce balls of wasabi. Only one person managed to leave the table without throwing up and that was wasabi master Will Greenway, also a two-time SnowFest! ice cream eating champion, who set a new record by downing five wasabi balls in just 12 seconds in the qualifying round. By the time he won the finals he had eaten 5 ounces of wasabi with a combined time of less than a minute.
VIDEO: Be sure to check out Greenway's record breaking talent and wasabi eating tips in the video:
What did sushi ‘A’ say to sushi ‘B’? (to find out the answer please read my column): By Morgan Kriz/ Tahoe World Associate Editor
Yep, I am going to do it! My mind goes back and forth on whether or not to enter myself in a wasabi eating contest, but I am finally up for the challenge and a hopefully a little cash in my pocket and no stomach ache (fingers crossed). Every year I hear about the Mamasake Wasabi Eating Contest and for one reason or another, I always miss it. It is a part of the annual SnowFest! events and I have heard it is quite a show. This is my year to enter and there is no turning back (especially if this prints).
I once had a pseudo wasabi eating contest with a friend Greg Martin. What started off as a nice happy hour snack catching up with old friends, turned into a night of laughter, competition, puking and a lot of pain. Now, I don’t even know how much we ate, but that was enough for me for a long while. Obviously my reluctance to enter comes from how I felt after that “fun” night.
So here is how I am pumping myself up for this:
1. Wasabi hot is not like Mexican spice hot; just don’t let it touch the top of your mouth and you're good to go.
2. Not too many girls enter, so there is a chance I may win by default.
3. You win money ... ummm there is enough initiative right there.
4. I was reading up on past contests and watching video of the contests and it is over in less than 10 minutes. Most people puke or stop before that. Apparently the winner last year was the only one not to throw up in the finals. I figure if I can down as much wasabi as possible without thinking, I am golden.
I feel like when I put my mind to something I can be a good competitor. If I am going to enter this thing, I am in it to win it, well at least I hope so.
Whether you are going to enter in the contest or just go to get a laugh and see a lot of wasabi, come out to the Mamasake Extreme Food Challenge — it will be entertaining to say the least — 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 7.
So anyways all I can say is WASABI! (that is the answer). Comments
