Could You Conquer These Clearwater Food Challenges?

Thanks to the popularity of shows like “Man vs. Food” and competitions like the Nathan’s July Fourth International Hot Dog Eating Championship, eating challenges are more mainstream than ever. 

Unlike Man vs. Food’s Adam Rickman or hot dog king Joey Chestnut, the majority of today’s big eaters are neither big nor professionals; most are “normal sized” and just do it for the challenge. 

“This is my first ever food challenge,” said Chris Berkeley of Feather Sound, prior to a recent taco eating contest at Poblano’s Mexican Grill. 

When asked why he decided to do it, Berkeley replied plainly, “I like to eat.” 

Clearwater Patch decided to dig deeper into this eating phenomenon that’s sweeping the area. We found that there are a variety of food challenges here in Clearwater, along with plenty of contestants eager to conquer them.

Here's a handy guide to the gluttony, organized by food type-

Tacos

Where: , 2451 N. McMullen Booth Road

What: Eat 20 tacos in 40 minutes

Rules: Contestants must consume 20 tacos (served in two rounds of 10) in 40 minutes or less, including all the toppings that fall on the plate. You may not leave the table during the challenge. Regurgitation equals disqualification.

Reward: Name and photo on the wall of fame and on the company website, a free meal and a free t-shirt.

How common: Monday night is $.99 taco nights and $1.99 margarita night at Poblano’s. Manager Juan Yannuzzi estimates anywhere from 1 to 4 people per week attempt the challenge. “Those margaritas start going down, their courage goes up,” he says. Twenty-two people have successfully completed the challenge, including two on the night Patch was there. The record is 30.

Difficulty: Considering two people completed the challenge the night we were there, it’s not an incredibly hard one. But according to successful participant Berkeley,” The first ten are easy. The second ten are a lot harder.” 

Wings

Where: , 21688 US Hwy 19 N.

Challenge: Blazin’ Wing Challenge

Rules: Eat 12 wings coated in Buffalo Wild Wings' signature Blazin’ hot sauce in six minutes or less. You're not allowed to drink anything and you can not eat any side items like celery or ranch dressing with the wings. Wings must be fully cleaned with no meat left on them.

Reward: Photo on Facebook. If you finish in less than two minutes, you get a free t-shirt.

How common: Manager Ron Causby estimates 4 to 5 people per week attempt the challenge, with a success rate in the 1 to 2 per week range.

Difficulty: According to Causby, many people only get through one or two and stop. “They’re sweating, their face is a mess, and their eyes are watering. These things are hot.” 

Where: , 10400 49th St. N.

What: Triple Atomic Challenge

Rules: Consume six wings slathered in the Lube’s triple atomic sauce, which is made from “the hottest pepper on earth”, according to the company’s website.

Reward: A bumper sticker and your name on the Wall of Flame

How Common: People try it all the time, according to an employee

Difficulty: At least half the people who attempt the challenge complete it, according to the employee, so how hard can it be? 

Burgers

Where: , 423 Poinsettia Ave

What: 5 lb. burger platter

Rules: Contestants have one hour to eat a plate of food highlighted by a gigantic burger loaded with toppings and surrounded by a sea of french fries.

Reward: Your name on the wall of fame

How Common: Over 100 people have completed the challenge since 2006, including two people who won the day prior to Patch’s visit.

Difficulty: Not incredibly tough based on the success rate, but not recommended for the average eater, either. 

Where: Mojoe's Famous Roast Beef, 2169 N. Hercules Ave.

What: 5 lb. burger

Rules: Finish the gigantic beef burger, which takes more than an hour to make (call ahead if you want to tackle this challenge)

Reward: It’s free if you finish it, and your photo goes on the wall

How Common: Although roughly ten people per month attempt the challenge, no one has ever been successful according to a manager named Kristen.

Difficulty: Extremely hard, given the enormity of the item and the fact that no one has ever been able to complete it. “One guy drove an hour and a half, ate every bit of it except one little sliver, and couldn’t finish it,” Kristen said. 

Pizza

Where: , 2440 S.R. 580

What: 17” x 25” pizza pie that is 3" thick

Rules: Two patrons must finish the monster pizza pie in 45 minutes or less. They can add a choice of topping, but they can’t get up, or throw up, the entire time.

Reward: The $50 pizza pie is free.

How Common: While manager Alex Gonzalez says they feat is attempted about once a month, it has never been accomplished

Difficulty: Extremely tough. Too much dough, too little time. 

Care to enter any of these challenges, or know of any others we missed? Let us know in the comments, or submit your photos of you or someone you know indulging. Happy Eating!