by Sara Ann Harris, Louisiana Seafood Board (NAPSA)—Competitive eaters rallied in New Orleans recently for the Big Easy Eat Off. And the challenge? Who could suck up the most fresh raw Louisiana oysters om! 17 in ten minutes. Master of Ceremonies Rich Shay, founder of the International Federation of Competitive Eating, worked the crowd with anecdotes from earlier contests. “Yes, Dave ‘Mo Ribs’ Molesky of Salamorehols, Ohio is here with Dave “Mo Ribs” Molesky goes nose to nose with fresh, raw Louisiana oysters. us today. ‘Mo Ribs’ put away 45 ribs in five minutes! Why, he won the Great American Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland four years running.” “And Crazy Legs Conti flew in from New York City. He’s a newcomer to the sport of competitive eating, but don’t let that fool you. Yesterday, in one sitting, Crazy Legs ate 34 dozen raw oysters. He ate for 3% hours!” ‘Crawfish Nick’ Stipeleovich is a local boy, who holds thetitle for crawfish. He peeled and consumed 55 pounds of crawfish in 45 minutes.” “Don’t be shy folks. Step up and witness the performances of some of the world’s best eaters! Now. Let the games begin.” Cameras were clicking, locals swishing, sponsors bragging and Crazy Legs is a wiry young guy with blond dreadlocks. Rich approached him with the mic. The crowd hushed. “How do youfeel, man?” “I feel good,” he said, a little staid. Then, “Tonight, I’m headed to Acme Oyster Housefor dinner.” Crazy Legs sidled over to the Oyster Queen, a beautifully costumed young woman. The queen eyed his face, searched for a clean spot, and graciously landed a fresh oysters. Rich provided the play-by-play and the crowd cheered wildly. “And the winner is Crazy Legs Conti with 14 dozen plus three eating contest is sure to become visitors gagging as the 12 bigeaters went nose-to-nose with raw Louisiana oysters in ten minutes!” quick kiss. Sponsors of the event were the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Acme Oyster House, McIlhenny Company (TABASCO Pepper Sauce), Miller Brewing Company, and Culinary Concierge magazine. In a city where people take eating seriously, indulgence was just pushed to a new level. The oyster one of New Orleans’ great annual events. For Louisiana seafood recipes and quality wholesale seafood suppliers, visit www.louisiana seafood.com.
