Hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, a barbeque grill, and fireworks: These are essential ingredients for most who celebrate American independence this weekend, setting aside lofty culinary goals and relaxing with a simple, patriotic meal with their family.
But for some, an Independence Day weekend is incomplete without the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, traditionally held every Fourth of July on Chicago's Coney Island. Gastronomists and "gurgitators" (as the contestants are known) gather every year to watch dozens of hot dogs disappear before their eyes in a matter of minutes. The winner receives a trophy, two cases of Nathan's hot dogs, a cash prize of $10,000, and the coveted "Mustard Belt."
Historically, up until the past 10 years, competitive eating has not been a popular or franchised sport. The official MLE (or Major League Eating) organization has only recently acquired food-related sponsors such as Heinz Ketchup, Coca-Cola, Smirnoff, and Pizza Hut to help continue their competitions. But Forbes Magazine reports that the MLE has now grown into a $10 million industry, reaching eight countries annually.
This year, two arch rivals will be competing live on the ESPN network to battle for the title. Two-time (and returning) champion Joey Chestnut will go head to head with six-time champion Takeru Kobayashi, a 130-pound Japanese man who is known for setting, and shattering, world records in competitive eating.
A new 10-minute time limit was enforced, effective in the 2008 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. Both Chestnut and Kobayashi finished 59 hot dogs and tied for first place. During "overtime," Chestnut was declared the winner, being the first to finish a plate of 5 hot dogs.
It's anyone's game tomorrow. Tune in to ESPN tomorrow to watch this foodie tradition, or check out Forbes Magazine for a more detailed history of the MLE's success in the American market.
Source: Forbes.com
Today is the opening day for celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's newest restaurant and cantina at Castel Monastero, a new theme resort and spa set in the historic town of Monastero d’Ombrone in the Chianti region of Tuscany. This retreat center is located in a restored 11th-century medieval village and is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards -- an appropriate setting for an Italian-themed rustic getaway.
I’ll just admit it. I am a gadget geek. The thought of spending well over a hundred dollars on a device for boiling water doesn’t phase me. As long as there is some major technology involved, it's Zojirushi to the rescue!
Tramontina has produced a set of canisters and scoops from 0.8 mm gauge premium 18/10 stainless steel construction. Durable and easy to clean, the metal won't impart flavor to your food. The canisters have a satin finish with a mirror accent border. The satin finish helps resist fingerprints and debris.
This week, yet another company has jumped on the Facebook bandwagon, much to the delight of culinary enthusiasts worldwide.
The Bunn Professional is an automatic brewer with two warming plates, enabling you to produce nearly four gallons of coffee per hour (batch sizes can be adjusted). The internal components are made of stainless steel; they are durable and handle heat well.
Today, Seattle chef Tom Douglas became the newest addition to global retailer Amazon.com's kitchen line, Pinzon.
Having spent countless hours cranking on industrial quality french fry cutters in commercial restaurants, I would love to say good things about this lightweight home version, the Chefs French Fry Cutter. I can't. The handles are weak stamped stainless steel, the bearings and slides are plain metal on metal fittings and prone to jamming, and pressing an entire potato through the cutter grid without damaging the machine itself is an unreasonable expectation.
The organizers of the 2009 Epicurean Classic have just released the names of the featured celebrities and chefs scheduled to appear during the event.
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