Meet a Nova Scotia man who devoured 14 tacos in just 10 minutes | 24CA News
Eleven members, dozens of rowdy supporters, and greater than 100 tacos.
That was the spectacle on show at Antojo in downtown Halifax on Sunday, because the Mexican-inspired restaurant hosted a taco-eating contest as a part of their weekend’s Cinco De Mayo celebrations.
“I just try and shake up the food scene a little bit,” mentioned Jeremey Chater, host and co-organizer of the afternoon’s occasion.
“I want to create more events, more than just going to a restaurant to dine.”
Contestants stuffed their faces with as many “Al pastor” tacos as potential within the 10-minute time slot, whereas placing forth their greatest efforts to not “repel.” As a printed handout for members acknowledged: in the event you vomit, you’re out.
Richard Banman, a second-place contender in a contest look a number of years again, had an optimistic method previous to chowing down on the flavorful Mexican avenue meals.
“The odds are pretty good I’m going to enjoy tacos. Whether I’m going to win or not, I’m not sure,” he mentioned.
Richard Banman having fun with his tacos as he makes an attempt to safe a first-place end.
As a good race got here to an in depth, an additional 30 seconds was added onto the 10-minute timer to permit contestants to complete chewing earlier than counting what number of plates have been completed. Each plate contained 5 tacos.
Unfortunately for Banman, he’ll have to attend one other 12 months to be topped champion.
A closing rely was accomplished and Antojo had a winner.
“I feel vindicated,” mentioned Brad LeBlanc, the occasion’s champion, as he wiped his arms clear of any stays of the pineapple-and-pork tacos.
“I came here in 2019, lost by about half a taco, so I made sure I put my ‘A game’ up for it. So I’m happy with the verdict.”
The 45-year-old from Bedford, N.S., consumed 14 and a half tacos in 10 minutes. He says he ate over 17 throughout his second-place end a number of years again however mentioned those from this 12 months went down a bit slower, as they “were a little fuller.”
Contestants compete to see who can eat essentially the most tacos in 10 minutes. LeBlanc stood for the whole thing of the occasion.
“I think from doing it before, it can mentally psych you out. It helps to just know what it takes to win,” mentioned LeBlanc when requested how he upheld the psychological power all through the 10-minute consuming contest.
“And also doing a hard-ass workout beforehand to build up my appetite.”
Lia Beveridge, deputy normal supervisor on the restaurant, mentioned it was their first taco-eating contest since 2019.
“We used to do it for Cinco De Mayo every year,” she mentioned, including it was a super time to deliver again the occasion, with the weekend of the Mexican vacation aligning with the restaurant’s first Sunday opening of the 12 months.
“It was definitely a success.”
She mentioned the competitors even attracted individuals from outdoors of the town.
“One gentleman had been visiting from New Mexico and saw that it was up, and he wanted to do it, so he came in and that was our third-place winner.”
The winner of the competitors obtained a bundle of prizes together with a $50 reward card, Antojo merchandise, and a Corona hammock.
Cinco De Mayo is an annual celebration that takes place on May 5 to honour Mexico’s victory over invading troops from France throughout the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It’s thought-about a vacation within the state of Puebla, Mexico, however is broadly handled in different nations as an event to have fun Mexican tradition and heritage.
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