Have you ever competed in an food challenge?  

Well, I love food and, fortunately, food loves me.  Other than a peanut allergy, I have been able to eat what I want throughout my life and not put on the pounds.  Even later in life when my cholestrol started to climb, I have been able to eat another food (oatmeal) to help lower it.

Adam Richman, who hosts a television show (now in syndication) on the Travel Channel called “Man v. Food,” is my food hero.  I thoroughly enjoy watching the show and the various food challenges he attempts.  There is a new show now on the Food Network called “Ginormous Food” that has a similar theme without the actual food challenge.

Back in 2006 I attempted to appease my food God (Adam) by entering in the Man vs. Food SuperBowl Challenge.  The basic premise was to film yourself completing a food challenge at a local establishment or one you create and submit it to their website.  If you were chosen, you got a trip to Miami the week of the Super Bowl, a meeting with Adam, and a chance to attempt a food challenge with him.  Since the Indianapolis Colts were heading to the Super Bowl that year, I decided to enter and created my own challenge.   The goal I set was to eat 20 hard shell tacos in 20 minutes.  

Here were the ingredients I concocted:

• 1 lbs of ground beef

• 1 lbs of lettuce

• 1 lbs of cheese

• 1/2 lb of tomatoes

• 1/4 lb of chopped onions

• lbs of refried beans

• 16 oz of taco sauce

• 20 shells

Total cooked weight (approx. 4.5-5 lbs)

I started off strong demolishing the first taco in 35 seconds.  By taco number 8, I started to fatigue.  By fatigue, I mean my jaws were getting tired.  The sheer volume of chewing was wearing by jaws out to the point it was hard to keep up the 1 minute per taco pace.  By taco 14, I met the food wall.  The food wall is the point where your brain and body intersect and agree enough is enough.  I did manage to polish off two more before the 20 minute self-imposed limit expired.  Though I did not complete my challenge, I submitted the challenge anyway.  Needless to say I didn’t win the challenge or make the show.

Since that time I have unofficially completed the Blazin Challenge at Buffalo Wild Wing’s (unofficial, meaning I ate all 6 but not part of the challenge).  I have also conquered the mile-high nachos by myself at Champps Americana 3 times.

On this seasonably warm February, Saturday, I visited Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream in B-town (thats Bloomington, IN for those of you not from the Midwest).  As soon as I walked in, I saw the mug of Adam Richman on the wall.  It was a sign.  His picture was there for completing the Big Ugly Challenge.  It was larger than most, not because he was a celebrity, but because he ate 3 in one sitting.  Their policy is the more you eat, the bigger your picture on the wall.  I had completely forgot Adam visited Bub’s when he did his Indianapolis show a few years back.  Now, he didn’t complete the challenge at the B-town Bub’s (Carmel location) but when I saw the picture on the wall, I knew I had to try.

The challenge is called the Big Ugly.  Not sure why that is the name and frankly don’t care.  There slogan is “being ugly never looked so good.”  The challenge is 22 oz uncooked hamburger patty that is formed and shaped using a pie pan with a 1/2 ciabatta bun.  The standard toppings are included, (lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle) and you have the option to add additional toppings or exclude any of the toppings (pickles were out for me).  To complete the challenge you simply have to eat the entire burger and toppings.  There is no time limit.  Once the burger is cooked down you have approx a 16 oz patty.  That coupled with a 1/2 lb. bun and the toppings, brings the total to nearly 2lbs.  On this Saturday I had a couple of things going against me.  First, I had no intention starting the day off completing a food challenge.  Secondly, I had eaten a couple of pieces of pizza just a few hours earlier so I wasn’t entirely all that hungry.  However, I am a man and the urge to compete in a challenge and get my 4 x 6picture on the wall (the prize) was overwhelming.

When the burger came out, it looked enormous!  I tried to eat it the traditional way picking it up and eating with both hands.  However, it was just too big to hold in my tiny hands.  I went ahead and gave up my man card and cut it in half.  The burger was so good!  Before I knew it I was halfway done.  I had started the timer on my iPhone when I began, just to see how long it would take.  After loosening the belt to create a little more room, I was able to devour the remaining portion.   I was full, but not too full.  I had enough room to finish  1/2 of my wife’s fries that she couldn’t finish.  (Her meal was just a chocolate malt, 1/4 burger, and large fries).  The waitress came by took my picture, printed it off, had me sign it, and placed it on the wall of fame.  With that said, this challenge is not that difficult.  Nearly 95% of the people who attempt the challenge complete it.  The waitress said another 30% or so have eaten 2 Big Ugly sandwiches in one sitting, and a couple of others have eaten 3.  When Adam visited the Carmel location, he attempted to be the first to eat 4!.  Did he do it?  I will leave that for your research.

The total time it took me to complete the Big Ugly Challenge was 11:33. I almost wish now I intentionally tried to finish under 10 minutes.  Maybe, just maybe, next time.

Have you ever tried a food challenge at a restaurant?  Ever attempted one of your own?  If so, record your triumph or failure and post it on Fusfoo.  Use the tag: food challenge.  (Warning: Please be responsible).

http://www.bubsburgersandicecream.com/

http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/man-v-food

http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/ginormous-food