The ability to shove hundreds of chicken wings down your gullet faster than the next guy isn't often considered a particularly attractive quality — especially if you're on a first date or at a business lunch. But if you're a participant in an eating challenge, baby, it'll make you a star. Since the closest we've come to competitive eating was battling our dining companions for the last spring roll over late-night takeout (victoriously, we might add), we thought it best to consult a seasoned professional before entering one of McGreevy's new buffalo-wing-eating "Wing Pot" contests.We found that expert in Mark Wahlberg's buddy, Wing Pot judge and pro competitive eater Nacho, who discovered his talent because of "a stupid bet." His claims to fame include having competed — twice — in Coney Island's storied hot-dog-eating competition and having once eaten a 109-ounce steak in under 40 minutes. Plus, he's always up for a challenge. "The craziest and grossest thing I've ever eaten was duck eggs. Boiled and oozing duck eggs," he says. "I've also eaten a whole bowl of wasabi." We take this to mean that he knows what he's talking about.
ON BASIC TRAINING: "I would recommend [beginning to train with] chicken wings or hot dogs. They're the easiest and quickest food to eat. I also eat something with a lot of fiber an hour or so before a competition."
ON THE EASIEST FOOD TO EAT A TON OF: "Baked beans, definitely. Chicken wings, too. I've eaten 150 chicken wings in less than 40 minutes with no problems."
ON THE HARDEST: "Cheese. It's so heavy and creamy that it fills you up so quickly."
ON PUKING: "Never puke. Ever."
ON NOT GETTING FAT (WITHOUT PUKING): "Walking is the best exercise routine. I walk at a high pace at least five to six miles a day."
ON PACING YOURSELF: "Definitely start off [eating] at a moderate pace. If you start at a full sprint, you'll be done for."
Think you can take the heat? Enter a Wing Pot for a chance to win the $500 grand prize. :: McGreevy's, 911 Boylston St, Boston :: Last Thursday of every month through February, from 7 to 10 pm :: 617.262.0911 or mcgreevysboston.com
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