I’ve always been a big fan of food. I love it all: Mexican food, Italian food and especially fair food.
Last year, a few of The Bakersfield Californian’s staff members were challenged to a food-eating contest. Jason Kotowski became a fourth-time eating champion and I knew I had to put my skills to good use. I challenged Kotowski to another eating contest this year. I felt like I had a good shot. I mean I have been nicknamed “The Shovel.”
This wasn’t a test of speed but a challenge of quantity. Who could eat the most?
For our first round, the victim was a corn dog from DeMalay’s Hot Dogs. I slathered mine in mustard and made my way to a bench. Kotowski sat across from me and we dug in. The corn dog was the least bit of my worries.
As we made our way down the concessions of food, we each picked up a Fire Chili Boat from the Bakersfield Firefighters booth as our second round. After demolishing the Frito boat, a sweet treat was in order.
We made our way to JP’s Old West Cinnamon Rolls. It was heaven in a paper tray. The cinnamon sugar covered the edges of the gigantic roll and slathered in cream cheese frosting, I knew I was going to finish this one off.
Feeling good about myself after the third round, Kotowski and I went to the Hot Dog on a Stick booth and got two Polish sausage sandwiches. With relish and onions on the spicy dog, I still felt good as we entered our fourth round.
Our fifth round dinner plates from the Kern County Basque Club included a pickled tongue sandwich, beans and marinated tomatoes. I was excited when Kotowski and I decided on the dinner meal. Being a huge fan of Basque food, I felt like nothing could stop me.
As we sat across from one another, I ate my beans and tomatoes. Moving on to the sandwich, I let out a sigh.
“Are you slowing down?” Kotowski asked.
“No, I’m just shifting,” I said as I crossed my legs.
The shifting took a turn for the worse as I realized I hit a brick wall. As I looked at Kotowski with his plate almost empty, I decided to throw in the towel . or the napkin I should say.
In one hour, I consumed what I consider to be a large amount of food. Challenging a champion takes guts but Kotowski truly is a champion.
Just to finish me off, he ate a deep fried Twinkie.