Most people have seen, watched, and cringed in horror at the gastrointestinal exploits of Adam Richman on the hit show "Man v. Food." And like the foodie you are, you've probably thought about downing a burrito the size of a child or a European car-sized pizza yourself just for the bragging rights. Today, we have the definitive list of Idaho's spiciest, craziest, and preposterously over-sized eating challenges where the prizes range from cold, hard cash, to glorious international fame (or statewide, anyways). Not to mention the awesome side effects of nausea, guilt, bloating...and free T-shirts.
Some challenges are only rumored, however, so be sure to give us details if you've attempted any of these radical feats of gratuitous overindulgence. And be safe out there - it's a dog eat dog world.
1. Nate's New York Pizza: "18-inch Solo Challenge" (Post Falls)
Nate's quickly realized that their original 36" team challenge -- a pie so large it had to be given its own table -- was no match for the average Idahoan's love of this Italian staple. Thus, the gargantuan 5 1/2-pound pie was born, topped with every meat known to man on a NY-style foldable crust. For reference, the slice pictured above is one of Nate's regular slices, so... better wear those Thanksgiving sweatpants for this challenge.
2. Superb Sushi: "Demon's Delight Challenge" (Boise)
This sushi haven actually boasts three distinct challenges: the La Bomba Roll Challenge, Death Roll Challenge, and Demon's Delight Challenge. The Death Roll Challenge includes a "Bowl of Miso Soup from Hell" and a Spicy Tuna Roll containing a Ghost Chili powder and Demon’s Blood, plus diced Habanero and Ghost peppers. All that hotness doesn’t even include the topping, which features more peppers, a "Hot Streak" death sauce, secret "Heat Seeker" sauce, more Ghost Chili powder and a side of death sauce sprinkled with Demon’s Blood. Consume all this in ten minutes, keep it down, and don’t drink anything for another five minutes and you’ll achieve Elite Heat Status with a picture "on the highest of challenge walls," plus the roll and a tee shirt for free.
3. The Garage Cafe: "Hemi Challenge" (Notus)
This monstrosity starts with two pounds of juicy, fresh-grilled burger, piled high on an 8" bun with all the fixin's. Add on two additional pounds of fries and a milkshake and you get a challenge fit for the most daring of meat lovers.
4. Wheelers Handout: "18 Wheeler Challenge" (Nampa)
This massive, 18-inch oval burger is over two pounds of bacony, cheesy, drive-in style goodness roughly the size of a loaf of french bread. Add on half a pound of fries and a 20-ounce shake and you'll have 30 minutes to seal your fate. Win or lose, you'll still get a T-shirt; success means your name on the wall and a free meal.
5. Westside Pizza: "Death by PIzza Challenge" (Star)
Previously undefeated, this chain locale's biggest and meanest challenge was beaten for the first time in 2015. This 18-inch pizza is piled high with ALL the meat in the kitchen, and boasts a much thicker crust than many pizza challenges, adding an extra layer of difficulty. Your successful indulgence into pizza hall of fame, however, will earn you $100.
6. Rockies Diner: "Johnny B. Goode Challenge" (Boise)
Don't let the perspective of this photo fool you. This is SIX POUNDS of food. The Johnny B. Goode burger alone is a beast -- over two pounds of beef topped with cheese, a hot dog, pastrami, and smothered in chili. A large portion of Chili Cheese Fries and a thick 20 oz. milkshake is enough to make you sweat. Out of nearly 2,000 challengers, just over 30 have completed this goliath meal. If that doesn't make you sweat, then the 30 minute time limit will. However, your prize will include a Fender guitar and an "I Beat the Rock" T-shirt if you're successful.
7. Wing Nutz "Purgatory Challenge" (Nampa)
Fire and brimstone will fill your mouth with pain and joy as you tackle this chain's ultimate spicy wing challenge. Smothered in "Purgatory sauce," a sadistically spicy concoction that will sear your unsuspecting mouth with the awful sting of incinerating lava, the challenge is to down all 10 of them as fast as you can without dipping sauce or water. If you beat the previous winner's time, you get your name on the board of fame.
No doubt the greatest challenge of consuming these meals might be the sheer physical and emotional feat of endurance and willpower. But it isn't quite swimsuit season yet, so what have you got to lose? However, Northern Idaho seems to be sorely lacking in gluttonous, mouth-hating challenges. If you happen to know of any top-secret contests, let me know so I can add them to the list or do a Part 2!
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