No Pho'olin Around

The Sacramento theme continues. Pho Bac Hoa Viet is a small restaurant with two locations in California's capital city, and they serve up their own version of the 4 lb pho challenge.

Meet the Pho King Challenge (try saying it quickly). 2 lbs of noodles, 2 lbs of non-orthodox beef cuts, and a whole lotta hot soupy liquid. You get one hour to eat the solids. No broth drinking necessary to win. Winners get a $30 refund, a free t-shirt proclaiming "Pho King" status, and a picture on the Wall of Fame. Losers pick up the tab and join the Wall of Shame.

You get a plate of roots, shoots, and leaves if you want to vary the flavor, but there's no need to use them. I liked how they set out the big spoon, fork, and chopsticks so elegantly.

They called it a win in 30 minutes. At that time (June 2010) they only had five winners, so maybe they rushed to judgment. There's still a few noodles left here. The server explained that all the previous finishers needed virtually the whole hour. I wouldn't say that 30 minutes is a record to scream off the rooftops though. It's only a matter of time before Johnnie Excel rolls in and swallows this thing whole in 12 [I'm kidding, Johnnie. We both know you could do it]. 

In case anyone wonders, the photo at the top is tilted on purpose. Let's see if anyone paid attention. And, honestly, I won't pick favorites between this and Pho Garden. They each brought their own aroma and palatibility.

You'll definitely get your pho fix if you come to this place. It was a small establishment, but everyone was incredibly friendly. They're thrilled if you want to try their challenge... even more so if you succeed. 

This "Pho King" challenge is not to be confused with the 12 lb version you'll find at Pho King Way in Texas! I guess everything really is bigger in the Lone Star State. Even the pho challenges.

Suki Sushi Challenge

There are a growing number of restaurants in the Sacramento area featuring eating challenges. If you like raw fish paired with rice, Suki Sushi might give you just the test you're looking for. 

The Suki Sushi Challenge is not complicated... put away 4 lbs of sushi rolls, a small miso soup, and a mandarin salad in less than an hour and your meal is on the house. They will also place your picture on their "Wall of Champions" inside the restaurant and on their website. The title of Suki Sushi Champion is, no doubt, a nice one for the collection. 

This was one of my favorite eating challenges of 2010. It was also among the easiest, coasting to victory in 30 minutes, but then again sushi is among my favorite things to consume. This was fresh food. So much better than the stuff I typically find at buffets.

They check your ID before you take the challenge, mostly to confirm that you are over the age of 18. You have to sign the standard legal waiver before they let you engorge yourself on fish. Although they encourage you to make a reservation, you may pretty much just walk in and order the challenge. That's what I did. You also get to choose from among several signature rolls so there is the spice of variety here.

Go north, my fellow eaters. Add more seafood to your diets.