Pain is a sensation best shared with friends. I’d like to think after Saturday, at least 5 local men are closer friends. I arrived at Jalapeno De Ybor around 3:30, knowing the jalapeno eating contestants would be there soon. After a bunch of no-shows and a late start, the show was finally on the road.
Before it began, the owner Matthew Smith announced to the contestants, “How many jalapenos do you think you will eat?” There we a few realistic guesses, and some unrealistic ones, including “a truckload”. I knew this was going to be an awesome time.
The M.C. showed up, rules were read and the baskets of jalapenos were laid out. Some looked nervous. Some looked excited. I don’t think anyone really knew what to expect.
I continued to cheer everyone on, but I had picked a winner early on. Joseph Garcia was the first one I had talked to and the first one there, so I thought he may have the best chance. There were a few moments of doubt, but he took first prize with 15 peppers. Runner up Anthony Romero followed with 11 peppers.
Here’s some pictures of the craziness.
Our happy contestants, minutes before the carnage:
One basket of ammunition:
Two contestants putting them down:
Notice the swollen eyes and look of pain:
More swollen eyes and pain:
Starting to feel full:
Joseph taking sips between peppers:
Are we about to have a roman incident?
Breathing fire!
Joseph Wins! Double fisting beers and peppers:
The winner, the owner and the prize money:
The happy winners, earnings in hand.
For the rest of the pictures, see the Flickr Album:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/denisbaldwin/sets/72157613891579081/
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Bill From Gainesville, 2 years ago
That is awesome — and for 3 bills I would think the winning contestant is happy with the outcome even though you could see the pain in his watery eyes. Sorry I missed that – I had intended to check it out but then stuff happened