Pizza.
Posted: August 12, 2006 Filed under: Uncategorized 14 Comments »
Have you ever been to Three Brother’s Pizza? My friend Judi says it’s to die for. I’ve never tried it. But today, my family and I had the opportunity to see some folks try it. A lot of it. I mean a lot of it.
Yes, folks, Andrew and I packed up our boys and a couple of strays (friends of my guys) and headed to glamourous Beltsville Plaza for the International Federation of Competitive Eating event for, you guessed it, pizza!
Having never been to an event such as this, we didn’t know what to expect. Though we did expect to see Steakbellie. He had posted on his blog that he was competing and, since it was not too far away and we were very curious, we went.
As the amateurs had their 10 minutes of fame, we watched in awe. The winner, a 106 pound woman, ate 11 slices of pizza in 10 minutes. Yikes. I went over to Steakbellie and introduced myself. He’s a lot taller than I expected! He was very friendly – I even got to meet Gerber Daisee (Mrs. SB) and the kids. Cute kids. Anyway, my guys had some questions, we chatted a little, took a photo and then waited.
It seemed like forever before the professional contest started. But when it did, I could not believe my eyes. These guys – many ranked quite well in international standings (including SB) could pack away some pizza. In fact, the winner, Patrick Bertoletti, downed over two whole pies (21 slices to be exact) in the 10 minutes allotted. There was $5,000 prize money for the top 4 guys. We were bummed that Steakbellie didn’t get one of the top prizes, but were blown away watching him eat. Man that man can eat.
And as we left, and waved to Steakbellie, I wondered what would make someone want to do this? The fame? The chicks? (Actually, there are a few women who are big in this, too.)
And I decided that it’s all about pushing yourself harder than you think you can. Like in any sport. The only thing is, this is a very messy sport. Speaking as the one who does the laundry, I don’t know that I can sanction it around here. But, hey, it sure looks fun.
Two whole pizzas? In ten minutes? Geeze!
So what kind of pizza was it? Was everything on it? Thin crust or deep dish?
it waS really nice to meet you. it was very kind of you to come. i’m sorry i didn’t get to say good-bye!
SB did well, he ate about 10 1/2 slices. however, i think i’ve seen him eat more than that on occasion while consuming alcholic beverages;)
Chris = thanks for coming by! Yes 2 whole pizzas in 10 minutes. I’ve never seen anything like it!
Junebee – cheese – medium crust. Looked and smelled awesome. But for me, 1 or 2 pieces would have sufficed.
Gerberdaisy – It was a fun day! I looked for you, but couldn’t find you to say goodbye. Next time!
I look like a maniac, wow.
It was pretty cool that you guys came out to see it. Your family wins bonus points.
It was extrememly tough with competetors flying in from FLA, GA, CO, IL, and a bunch from PA. Out of the 18 eater, 16 were ranked. It’s usually a third that are.
The winner ate 19 slices which was actually MORE than 2 whole pies. 1 slice under 2.5!!!!!!
The amateur contest was pretty exciting. Usually somebody pukes. They didnt give the amateurs the penalty for not eating the crust and they were leaving about an inch a slice. Even if they penalized her she would have had some darn good numbers!!!! Better than some at the pro table. That rarely happens.
Hope you enjoyed it!!!!
Wow, thanks SB – I got the totals wrong AND didn’t realize the amateurs didn’t get the crust penalty. That amateur guy on the end really gagged & we were standing nearby. I almost did the deed for him. Great meeting you. We had a blast.
Wow, that sounds like a blast…ever seen the hot dog eating contests on t.v.? that’s amazing too. (Wendy, what a cute picture!)
How darn cool is that! Love the pic; how tall is that Steakbellie, or are you 4’10″?
What a fun day for your kids, and for the bloggers. Day 2 of my class reunion was a bit of a bust; $20 for cold meatball finger food, and warm fruit. I just happened to be home heating up a DiGiorno’s spinach pizza when I read this. Maybe I can eat the whole thing in 3 minutes.
Cruisin – Yes, I’ve seen those contests on tv! Glad you like the picture
GNG – I’m 5’5″. Sorry day 2 was a bust. SO how long DID it take you eat the diGiornio?
Wow, so I click through from your very kind comment and the first thing I see is Steakbellie. I can’t get away from that guy!
How do you think my wife feels?!??
Considering you have three (adorable) boys, you must be the coolest mom ever taking to a pizza eating contest!
Great post! As a fan and part-time eater myself, it’s always nice to read the reactions of fans to events like this one. It reminds me that I’m not alone in my fascination with this sport.
True to your word… Thanks for the post; you’ve satisfied my curiosity!! Have you determined which of the boys would be most likely to compete-eat??
–Laurie