March 2008 Archives

When you think of pink feathers in Las Vegas, your first thought is probably a showgirl's headdress. But there is another creature that sports that look on the Las Vegas strip, and it resides in a hotel of the same name: The Flamingo.

So...I have to admit...I kind of refer to the Flamingo as a "nursing home." There's something about the vibe there, mostly the muted color-scheme that reminds me of the Golden Girls. So, if you find yourself there, and maybe, want to get out for a bit, take a step into their courtyard Wildlife Habitat.

The garden is full of foliage imported from around the world and houses over 300 types of birds.

Until recently one of the birds was the penguin, but they have been relocated to the Dallas Zoo.

Now its the Flamingos themselves who truly steal the show at the Wildlife Habitat. And that's probably a good thing because they are the headliners.

Site: Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo
Location: Flamingo Hotel, 3555 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
Cost: Free
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
Date: March 22, 2004; August 9, 2005

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Competitive eating is the best sport ever. And, I'm not afraid to admit, it's one damn silly sport.

Last September I had the immense privilege of celebrating Mexican Independence Day at Plaza Garibaldi watching the "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Challenge. Here's how the contest went down:

The lineup included Chicago's own Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti, Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas, Rich "The Locust" LeFevre, Hall "Hoover" Hunt, and Erik The Red Denmark...just to name a few.

Pat downed chocolate milk while being introduced, which is awesome, because you know I always think the best plan of attack to being able to eat a lot is to fill up your stomach beforehand...right?

Then everyone was introduced and the countdown began (in both English and Spanish)...5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

And they were off, within seconds pepper upon pepper (and plenty of milk) were being consumed...

And after a couple of minutes a couple of them totally looked like they were going to have a reversal of fortune (or at least like they had rabies).

And then after six-and-a-half minutes of the eight minute competition...THEY RAN OUT OF PEPPERS!!!!

THEY RAN OUT OF PEPPERS!!!!!

So...they had to cut the contest short. Which is CRAZY because as in any competition there is strategy, and to change the rules in the middle kind of muck things up.

But anyways...

I waited and waited with anticipation as the number of peppers consumed by each contestant was tallied up.

And then...the winners were announced for the truncated six and a half minute competition (It was supposed to be eight)...

In Fourth Place: Hall "The Hoover" Hunt (110):

Chicago's own PAT BERTOLETTI!!!! (191)

Who is now, officially, the jalapeño-eating champion of the world!!!

Stay tuned for more MLE (Major League Eating) coverage as the months go by. There are already a couple I'm planning on going to and I'll be sure to recap all the silly eating adventures!

Event: La Costeña "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Challenge
Location: Plaza Garibaldi, 2600 S. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60608
Date: Sunday, September 16, 2007

Cock-a-doodle-doo.

A Giant Rooster outside of Carl's Bakery in East Peoria, Illinois.

Site: Giant Rooster
Location: Carl's Bakery and Restaurant, 819 E Camp St, East Peoria, IL 61611
Cost: Free to see.
Hours: Always visible.
Date: July 15, 2007