97 and 3

A tabulation of my restaurant challenges for the year 2011 returned a figure of 100. The number came as a surprise. I didn't think it would be that high, but statstics don't lie. 97 of them were answered successfully while the remaining 3 required two tries to get it right.

So which challenges did I fail? Well, two of them were mentioned recently. There was the 36" team pizza at Big Mama and Papa's Pizzeria in Los Angeles, as well as the 5 lb Bikkuri Don Bowl at Wakasaya in Little Tokyo. The third was the 5 lb cheesesteak challenge at McGonagle's in San Diego.

Two bites in, I blocked up my throat with cheesesteak as I pushed myself to go at top speed. That was an incredibly disappointing finish. Management called a disqualification as I cleared my throat with a full plate of food. During my revenge tour I went more slowly and cautiously toward a victory.

A 97% success rate isn't perfect, but I won't complain. This count of 100 challenges does not include contests or my 20K calorie bowl, or similarly non-sanctioned challenges. The count only includes eating challenges sanctioned by restaurants in which a refund or prize was offered for finishing the food in question.

It was a big year. My most publicized challenge of the year was the 4 lb Brahma Bull sandwich at Rib Line in San Luis Obispo, CA. which was showcased on Man v Food Nation. My favorite challenge was the 120 oz steak at the Brand Steakhouse in Las Vegas, NV.

I've had several days in which I completed two challenges, and in one instance I managed to complete three. My biggest single challenge of the year was probably the 28" 2-topping pizza at Valentini Pizza in Victorville, weighing in at 12 lbs.

My most controversial challenge was the 10-12 lb Phozilla bowl at Pho 87. The restaurant refused to give me the prize jackpot after labeling me a "professional eater" and citing my appearance on Man v Food. Then, the restaurant listed my name on the website as a challenge winner and then just as mysteriously pulled it down. At least they agreed to refund my $32 for the challenge.

Well.. it's been a year. I met several new eaters (The Spicialist, Mary Bowers, Juan Rodriguez, Chris Wreckless), deepened friendships with others, debuted on Wreckless Eating and had a background role on Bones.

In a change of pace, I've created a video compiling my challenges for 2011 and forecasting a banner year ahead.

Happy New Year.