Jan-Feb 2006

In the News

2/26/06-AICE will sanction the 2nd Annual Schnack Dog Stahl- Meyer Hot Dog Eating Contest at their main store on 122 Union St, Brooklyn, NY. The original and famous Stahl-Meyers Dog (this is a truly NY hot dog, unlike other pretenders) is a 30 inch hot dog with specially crafted bun.  Schnack dog president Harry Hawk will soon be announcing dates of qualifiers leading up to the final competition on May 29th.

2/26/06- The Clare City Donut Eating Competition will be celebrating its fourth year on Saturday, March 18th. The winner has to be the first eater to finish the bag of 30, 1 oz. donut holes. Last year's winner was Bill "Donuts" Conn finished the bag of 30 in four minutes, while second and third place finishers, David Krohn and Koty Howell polished off their bags in 5:00 minutes.

Fore more information contact Mitzi Mitchell at the Clare City Bakery at 989 429-4168.

2/26/06- Eddie's Bakery in CT announce their annual Paczki (polish donuts) Eating Contest on Fat Tuesday, Feb 28th.  Fat Tuesday is Mardi Gras: "Gras" is French for fat and "Mardi" is French for Tuesday. For more information contact the bakery at 203 735-0501

2/26/06- Ian “The Invader” Hickman is finding it difficult nowadays to go out for a simple meal with friends and escape public detection. Also, his friends don’t make it any easier for him either, by encouraging him to eat all that the particular eatery has to offer. In a recent trip with friends, Ian found himself again in the same predicament, this time at Smiley’s Fun Zone in Deep Creek Lake Maryland.

Never one to say no to an eating challenge, Ian decided to try something a little different this time by agreeing to try their 24 Wing Inferno Challenge. For those familiar with Hooters 911 wings, the Inferno Wings make the Hooters wings taste like a snow-cone. Although the staff and spectators were aware of Ian and his recently acquired stardom from appearing on MTV’s “True Life” they thought ”We know he can eat a lot, but this is a different ball game!” Also, nobody to date had been able to eat the Fire Wings in the five minute time period allowed. Three Minutes and fifteen seconds later Hickman completed his 24th wing to crowd applause and dropped jaws.

AICE has also congratulated Hickman but has advised him that he should preserve his stomach (not to mention, throat and mouth) lining which he might need for future eating contests.

2/25/06- AICE has heard from Angel "Trogdilyte" Chiraboga who is currently working in Louisiana assisting with reconstruction in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Trogdilyte which means caveman in Spanish, has expressed a strong interest in the 2nd Annual Quick Chek Toasted Italian Sub Eating Championship. The wild and crazy Chiraboga has promised to compete in a caveman outfit.  We even may see this caveman digging into some gelatin later in March.

2/25/06- AICE has recently spoken to Patrick "The Lunch Liquidator" Lyons. The Liquidator who resides from NJ could be the next great American talent. Patrick who has grown up on Quick Chek food should be a strong contender the upcoming NJ Italian Sub Eating Championship. Also, this 26 year old food warrior will be making an appearance in Philly at the National Gelatin Eating Championship.

2/25/06- Upcoming Eating Competitions:

*There will be more jiggling than in a JLo video-AICE is proud to announce the first National Gelatin Eating Championship in the Philadelphia area on March 23, 2006 at 5:00pm.

*AICE will sanction the 3rd Annual Beef Patty Eating Competition sponsored by Caribbean Food Delights in Shelton, CT on July 9th.

More details and on-line registration to follow regarding both these events.

2/24/06- 3rd annual Fiery Foods Festival- It's February and it's cold in most of the country but it was HOT, HOT, HOT in Columbus, OH on Feb 18th. The 3rd Annual Fiery Foods Festival took the chill off inside The North Market by having a Salsa competition, two Chili cook offs (amateur and pro divisions) and a Chili Pepper eating contest. THE FOOD NETWORK was on hand to film footage for EMERIL LIVE's episode on spicy food.
Mark Lyle "The Human Vacuum" was on hand to judge the cook offs as well as participate in the Chili Pepper Eating Contest. This was a different format than most pepper eating contests where the contestants competed to see who could take the heat by seeing who could eat the hottest peppers, not the most.
The contestants were lined up and simultaneously ate progressively hotter and hotter peppers. The peppers were lined up in order from the least hot to the hottest. At the end of the line sat the dreaded Habanero pepper, which at its tamest is 100 times hotter than the well known jalapeno pepper. The jalapeno was the 2nd out of the 10 progressively hotter peppers that were eaten. The sweat poured and the tears flowed as the contestants worked from one pepper to the next. Ample time was taken between each pepper to allow the full effect of each to be felt. Finally when the steam cleared and a handful of bleary eyed, sweaty browed souls had conquered all the peppers laid before them and a 1st place tie was proclaimed. The Human Vacuum was in this misty eyed group and was thankful that a tie breaker didn't take place because he wasn't sure how many more Habanero peppers he could stomach.

2/23/06- Coondog O'Karma, Chowhound Chapman and Mark Lyle, "The Human Vacuum" will attempt to break the Corner Bar Chili Dog Record in Rockford Michigan on March 9th, 2006. If you remember, Belinda "You Go Girl" Gould recently broke the 23 year old record by downing an amazing 43.5 Chili Dogs in the 4-hour time limit. It has been rumored that Belinda will be on hand to watch the attempt. Coondog O'Karma contacted AICE and said: "I'm not sure how close each of us will come to the record, but I know we will have alot of fun trying"

2/23/06- AICE has recently heard from Maryland's #1 Competitive Eater Tony "Hustle" Harrison. Tony has been really busy running two businesses and has recently married (Congrats!). Tony says that he is hungry as hell and anticipates a break in his busy schedule during the summer months. We look forward to seeing Tony compete and get back in to the top 10.

2/23/06- If you missed Ian "The invader" Hickman's appearance on MTV's True Life last night, you can watch the show again on:

True Life - I'm a Competitive Eater, MTV Feb 23rd- 9:00 PM, Feb 25-7:30pm, Feb 26-1:30am, Feb 26 -6:30pm, Feb 28-1:00pm, Feb 28- 11:00pm, Mar 01-9:00pm.  Some of the footage captures Ian at Spicefest, an AICE sanctioned event and Independent Eating contests through out the country.

2/22/06- Coondog inhaled a small Pizza Pan Pizza to break his own new record by a full two seconds. Coondog snarfed down a small Pizza Pan Pizza in 25 seconds. When asked his secret, Coondog replied: "My secret is... there is no secret for my love of Pizza Pan. "

2/15/06- Happy Birthday to AICE's Chairman Arnie ChowHound Chapman. AICE website reaches the 35,000 hits! Thanks to our eaters, fans, friends and family for all their support!

2/9/06-Congratulations to Mark "Bonestripper" Reigelsberger who won the Coors Light Two Minute Wing Warning @ Court Jesters in Aberdeen, NJ. He wins $1,000.

2/8/06- The World Famous Carnegie Deli announces the NYC Pickle Eating Championship to be held  Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at 11:00am to honor National Pickle Week.  AICE Chairman Arnie Chapman has spoken to Carnegie Deli president Sandy Levine who indicated that the contest will be open to ALL eaters.

2/8/06- Coondog lowers Peter Pan Pizza mark by 2 seconds from 29 to 27.  David Coondog O'Karma who has an open challenge to all Cleveland residents to see who can eat a Peter Pan Pizza the fastest, still remains unbeaten with the exception of his July loss to the Great Kobayashi. Rumor has it that a fellow independent eater will soon be challenging Coondog in this event...stay tuned.

2/8/06-Catch Ian "The invader" Hickman as he appears on MTV's True Life on Wednesday Feb 22nd at 10:00 PM EST. Some of the footage captures Ian at several AICE sanctioned and Independent Eating contests through out the country.

2/7/06-New Eating Talent emerges in Jersey! Pat "The Lunch Liquidator" Lyon is a name you better remember. In only his first competitive eating contest (Not counting the qualifier) he ate an amazing 15 hot dogs in only five minutes to claim the Marina Grille Super Bowl Hot Dog Eating Championship. In doing so, he easily beat 10th Ranked Chowhound Chapman who finished with 11.5. Chapman and Lyon who both entered the finals having eaten 12 Hot dogs were predicted to have a competitive contest. However, the "Lunch Liquidator" pulled out to an early lead and never looked back. Chapman commented; "This guy was never really challenged, he probably could have done 17 if he was pushed..I think we are seeing the emergence of the next great Eater from Jersey. Top 10 eaters should be real nervous about this guy, especially considering he is new to the game and already putting up these kind of numbers."

2/4/06- Coondog O'Karma and Chowhound Chapman will appear on Spike TV's new series Fresh Baked Video Games 12th episode on April 1st, 2006 (no fooling) They performed an eating exhibition that was reviewed by "gamers" who voted on whether or not Competitive Eating and Video games would be a good match: "lame or game?" The answer is......you will have to wait and see the show!!.

2/4/06- Gentleman Joe Menchetti captures Columbus Wing Bowl. Menchetti who typically wins most contest he enters, had recently suffered a competitive skid where he was only able to manage a 2nd and 3rd place finish at the Denver and Pittsburgh Chicken Wing Eating contests. Gentleman Joe's redemption was not far away as he easily won the Columbus Wing Bowl while also smashing the previous record by more than 10 Wings. Gentleman Joe wins a trip to an Ohio State game.

Final Standings:

Gentleman Joe Menchetti- 104
Pete "Broken Wing" Maurizio- 88
Chris "The Juggernaut" Patton- 79
Mark Lyle "The Human Vacuum"- 78

2/1/06- Calling all Eaters: “AICE and the Clinton Station Diner are seeking 10 Food Hikers to climb the legendary Mt. Olympus. The only gear necessary is your appetite, an empty stomach and the desire to make history. Each eater must average 5lbs each in order to ascend the legendary and mystical Mt. Olympus.”

The Mt. Olympus is the largest Burger in the world and clocks in at 50 lbs.

 AICE will assemble a brave team of Food Warriors to converge on the mighty Olympus. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Mt. Olympus Hikers contact Chowhound@CompetitiveEaters.com We will soon be announcing a bounty if the Hikers are successful along with, dates, registration and updates.

If you are a newcomer to Competitive Eating but you think your hiking skills (appetite) warrants consideration for this glorious adventure write Chairman Chowhound and tell him why you should be selected.

2/1/06- Unwrapped  Episode CW1H03 Protein Power airs again February 02, 2006 7:30 PM ET/PT
In this episode of Unwrapped, watch a 6 lb. Burger get built and watch ChowHound and Coondog attempt to finish it off.

1/29/06- AICE Rankings have been updated (Under Food Warriors drop down selection); World Records (under Food Warriors has been added); New Burger Challenge added to Challenges (under In the News drop down boxes)

1/21/06- Bob "Killer" Kuhns who competes as "Lord of the Wings" when he tackles chicken, captured the prestigious Pittsburgh chicken wing eating title sponsored by ESPN 1250 Sports Radio.  Kuhn's previous attempts at chicken wing stardom resulted in top five finishers but always left the champion eater a few wings short of glory.  The Killer can now boast (although that's not his style) titles in sausage, hot dogs and chicken wings.

In 2nd place was the infamous villain Ted "Capt. Butthead" Wilson who finished a mere 2 wings behind Kuhns with 123.  Pittsburgh has once again proven to be the one city that is most challenging to non-PA eaters.  When outsiders have tried to capture this title during the last two years they have learned a hard lesson in Pittsburgh Pride!

       1st- Bob Killer Kunhs- 125 wings

       2nd- Ted "Captain Butthead" Wilson- 123 wings

       3rd- Joe Menchetti -113 wings

       4th- Pete "Broken Wing" Maurizio -109

       5th- Mark Lyle, The Human Vacuum- 101

1/20/06-IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BERRIES!

The Delaplane Strawberry Festival (DSF) is proud to announce a new event for this year’s schedule.  In cooperation with the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters, the festival breaks ground with the first ever National Strawberry Eating Championship on May 27 at 11:00 AM.  “Fear not,” says Arnie Chapman, Chairman of the AICE, “we have professional food warriors that will take a chunk out of Delaplane’s strawberry population.  DSF Chairman (John or Marci) agrees, “We are thrilled to welcome AICE to the line up. This new event should bring another dimension of family fun to this - our 13th annual festival.”

Sterling Virginia native Ian “The Invader” Hickman, currently ranked 8th in the nation by AICE, will be leading the charge of professional eaters.  Hickman has recently captured two major eating titles. “The Invader”, who sports a Viking helmet, GQ good looks and fashion, is predicting total victory in this seven minute strawberry gorge.  “Hopefully, I will be able to bring the necessary armor to accomplish my mission and win the first National Strawberry Eating Championship.” Hickman was featured in MTV’s “True Life” and in a recent Washington Post Style section profile.  “Also,” Hickman states, “it will be nice to compete in my home state and to eat something as delicious and healthy as strawberries.”   According to Chapman, Hickman will have his work cut out for him.  “The popularity of strawberries and opportunity for someone to gain full and complete strawberry glory will embrace the hearts of all competitive eaters from coast to coast.”

The professional competition is sanctioned by the AICE and will follow their “Picnic Style Rules.” Competitors will vie for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes. 

In addition to a professional contest there will also be a fun amateur strawberry team eating contest open to fifteen 5-member teams comprised of local competitors.  The amateurs will compete without rules for five minute for a trophy and special prize.  Team applications and details are available at www.delaplanestrawberryfestival.org.

The Delaplane Strawberry Festival will take place at Sky Meadows State Park over the Memorial Day weekend, May 27 and 28, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Festival, which has been chosen by the Southeast Tourism Bureau as one of the area’s top 20 events, offers fresh strawberries, live music, crafts, food, hay rides, and children’s games - fun for the entire family.  New events this year include the Strawberry Eating Championship and a Strawberry Pie and Jam Bake-Off on Saturday. The second annual Anna C. Ringer 5K Run/Walk will take place again on Sunday.  Proceeds from the festival support the regional ministries and outreach programs of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Delaplane, VA.

1/24/06- Farmer Boys Zucchini Take- Down Photographs: Page 1,  Page 2, Page 3, Page 4  Page 5

1/24/06-AICE Breaks ground with first ever National Strawberry Eating Championship in the heart of beautiful Hunt Country Virginia. The Delaplane Strawberry Festival will take place at Sky Meadow State Park on Saturday May 27th, 2006.

Stay tuned for more info

1/24/06- For the latest updates on the two most competitive Chicken Wing Eating Contests in America, go to the following links:
Pittsburgh Wing Champion Series: ESPN RADIO 1250
Also, Bob "Killer" Kuhns, aka "Lord of the Wings is scheduled to be interviewed by ESPN sports personalities.

NOW, IT'S YOUR TURN IN 2006!!

ESPN RADIO 1250'S 4TH ANNUAL WING CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES IS BACK...

                    Thee wing eating contest in PITTSBURGH!!

They are looking to crown the next king of the wings.

SPONSORED BY: Sports Card Junction on Old Perry Highway. Sportsman's Warehouse-MT. Nebo Pointe Drive, Pit Stop Airport PArking Garage and Golden Image Photography

QUALIFIERS: THE HUMAN VACUUM, SUMO MASTER WING-MUNCHING, LORD OF THE WINGS, DETROIT DEAD WING, WING DING DONG, WINGLEBERRY, THE BIG "O", GENTLEMAN JOE, CAPTAIN BUTTHEAD. MUSTANG, WING BUSTER, BUTTERBEAN, BONE LICKER, D-STYLE, STUPID CAIN, LUBBER, NO ONE SAYS NO TO DAMORTA, VINCE, THE EATING EAGLE and SIDNEY WINGSBY

Columbus Wing Bowl

The field is filling up for Wing Bowl III on Feb. 2- QUALIFIERS: THE HUMAN VACUUM, DAVID OSTE, THE BUTTMAN, GENTLEMAN JOE, DREW JOZEFIK, RAY WHITE, THE BIG SHOW NAGY

Excerpt from interview with the Human Vacuum:

What is the most food you've ever eaten at one time? Full catering tray of wings in 10 minutes

Have you ever participated any competitive eating competitions? If so, which ones and how'd you do?

Wing Bowl ll qualifier — BARFED!; War of the Wings 2006 — champion; Great American Hotwing Eating Championship — champion; Eat Your Face Off — hot dog champion

Have you ever pulled a "Costanza" (Eating half-eaten items out of the garbage or off other people's plates) Definitely. Nobody's food is safe when I am around.

1/21/06-AICE Opens Mid West Chapter Summer of 2006: Pastrami Joe's in Marshal Michigan will host the First Annual World Ruben Eating Championship, July 15th, 2006

AICE EXPANDS! On July 15th, 2006 AICE will officially launch The Midwest Chapter  of the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters when it sanctions the First Annual World Ruben Sandwich Eating Championship with Pastrami Joe's of Marshall Michigan. This will be a fund raising event for the Child Advocacy Center/ Sexual Assault Services of Calhoun County, Michigan. AICE Chairman, Arnie “Chowhound” Chapman states that this will be a very special day for AICE and the folks of Marshall Michigan and Calhoun County.  “For AICE”, Chapman states, the development of a new chapter  is the first step toward  fulfilling its vision as a national organization and will allow us to expand as the worlds best and most entertaining Eaters Organization.  Also, Chapman adds, “This will be a fund raising event for a fantastic organization, the Children's Advocacy Center.  In addition, this will be a ground breaking event because it is the first ever Championship Ruben Eating Contest… Although AICE will kick-off  the popular Marshall  Blues Festival nobody will be singing the blues” Chapman proclaims.

AICE, Pastrami Joe’s and the Child's Advocacy Center of Calhoun County Michigan hopes to raise $6,000.  There will be two contests Amateur & Professional.  Eaters in both categories will represent a sponsor.  There will be sevens slots in the Professional contest for local challengers who wish to compete against some of Americas finest Food Warriors. Seven Eaters will earn the right to compete by dropping by Pastrami Joe’s on North Jefferson in Marshall Michigan and eating three of their delicious  Ruben sandwiches as fast as they can.  Half of the cost of the three sandwiches will go to the Children’s Advocacy Center.  Contestants may compete as many times as they wish.  Pastrami Joe's will keep a running count of the top seven contestants.

Any one wishing to become a Bib sponsor or an Apron sponsor should contact Mike Carrion at 269-781-8800 or by e-mail at mjcaron@cablespeed.com. Apron sponsorships are $500 and Bib sponsorships are $300.  

Stay tuned for additional information!

1/19/06- Farmer Boy's Zucchini Take Down- photos page 2

1/17/06-Hickman goes Hollywood!! In less than one month sensational newcomer Ian "The Invader" Hickman has captured two major eating titles. First it was Latke's in New York and this past January 14th in Riverside California, the "Hunk of Hunger" battled 9th ranked Pete "Broken Wing" Maurizio and the great "Coondog" O'Karma at the Farmer Boys Fastaraunts World Fried Zucchini Eating Championship," this event, billed as the "The Zucchini Take-Down" was a celebration of Farmer Boy's Fastaraunts 50th location. Farmer Boys, World's Greatest Fastaraunts has been open since 1981.

Final Standings

1. Ian "The Invader" Hickman, Virginia. 4.78 lb. $500
2. Pete "Broken Wing" Maurizio, Pennsylvania 4.4 $250
3. Dave "Coondog" O'Karma, Ohio 2lbs 10 0z. $125

4. Salvadore "Golden Guts" Gutierrez, 2 lbs 8 oz 

5. Javier "The Gobbler" Sanchez, 2 lbs, 6 oz

Great pictures and complete story soon to follow!

1/6/06- Dog vs. Dog vs. Dog.  Dave "Coondog" O'Karma will face off against Chowhound Chapman in Hollywood California in a series of three Speed Eating Hot Dog Contests.  The Hot Dogs that they will be eating are LA famous Hot Dogs "Pinks".  Both of these shameless camera loving canines will make the trip to sunny LA on January 12th, 2006 where they will be featured in the new television show  'Fresh Baked Video Games' which premiers on Spike TV January 14th.  O'Karma & Chapman will be shown on the 12th episode of this new show which will aired in March 2006.

1/1/06- There are many memorable moments that occurred on the Independent Competitive Eating Scene during 2005.  AICE has compiled a list of the top 12-Memorable Moments-2005.

If you have any memorable moments you wish to share please send them to Chowhound@CompetitiveEaters.com.

It must be said however, that the best moments were those spent with ALL the wonderful people who made these events possible. 

It is this type of contribution from Fans, Friends, Eaters and Supporters that allowed us to live up to our organizational motto:  “AICE, an Eaters Organization with a heart as big as it’s stomach.”   It is this fellowship and the desire to “never grow up” that fuels the AICE engine.  AICE will continue to work hard to develop events and assist charities and other non-profit organizations in their fund raising efforts while also trying to develop events, which will occupy the landscape of competitive Eating and promote Competitive Eating as a viable marketing tool.   Also, we seek to continue our work of restoring integrity and trust among the Eaters and the business community. AICE gives one word of advise to the Competitive Eating Community for the year 2006:  Whatever you do,  “IT'S GOTTA BE FUN!”