Everything’s bigger in Texas – even the food. And while those attending an Austin culinary arts school probably appreciate the nuances of crafting a meal, sometimes bigger is better. OK maybe not better, but certainly more of a challenge. A food challenge, that is. If you’re looking to pair your love of food with some big-time eating, try any of these Texas-sized food challenges:
Brooklyn Heights Pizzeria
14900 Avery Ranch Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78717
Challenge: Think you could finish a 12-pound pizza in one hour? Then you might be up to the Brooklyn Heights Pizzeria challenge. A maximum of two people are allowed to participate in the consumption of this massive pizza. Oh, and did we mention that it’s covered in 6 pounds of cheese? It also must be topped with either four veggies or two types of meat – challenger’s choice. If successful, you’ll receive $200, but failure to finish the entire pizza in 60 minutes means you’ll be out $45.
Big Texan
7701 E. Interstate 40
Amarillo, Texas 79118
Challenge: Next up: The 72-ounce Steak Dinner challenge, which has made an appearance on the hit TV show “Man v. Food.” One giant steak; one shrimp cocktail; one baked potato; one roll with butter; one salad; one person; one hour. If you finish it all (and don’t get sick), you just won yourself a free meal and a spot in the restaurant’s Hall of Fame. Participants are allowed to take one bite of the steak before the timer starts to make sure it’s cooked to their liking – so don’t worry about having to suffer through a bad meal!
Chunky’s Burgers
4602 Callaghan Rd.
San Antonio, Texas 78228
Challenge: Speaking of “Man v. Food,” you might want to give The 4 Horsemen challenge a try – it’s been called the hottest burger on Earth. So what’s in it, you ask? Habanero sauce, serrano and jalapeno peppers, and ghost pepper. Mouth burning yet? You have exactly 25 minutes to consume this fiery meal, and are not allowed to drink anything during that time. Be prepared to sign a liability waiver, and know that getting sick results in automatic disqualification. Successfully completing the challenge results in fame and glory – or at least your photo on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame.
Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli
2327 Post Oak Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77056
Challenge: This New York Delicatessen serves up more than a mean matzo ball soup in the middle of brisket country – it’s also home to the Zellagabetsky challenge. There’s no time limit, but you have to find it within yourself to scarf down an eight-decker sandwich that consist of pastrami, turkey, corned beef, roast beef, tongue, salami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, coleslaw and red peppers. The reward? More food: a slice of cheesecake.