Coondogs stuffing

The Plain Dealer

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The Right Stuffing
Expert advice for packing it away on Turkey Day
Sunday, November 21, 2004

This is the week when social eaters get competitive.

Turkey Day brings with it the opportunity to give thanks -- and to give your father, brother or mother-in-law a spanking in an eating contest.

Even if you get winded just watching football or have to take a breather halfway through carving the bird, you still can capture immeasurable glory by winning a Thanksgiving eating competition.

Here's some advice from those in the know . . .

From David "Coondog" O'Karma, competitive eater from Cuyahoga Falls:

"One simple rule, it's real easy: Forget you have a brain. If you even think you have a brain, forget it. You'd be surprised how much food you can put in your stomach if you keep on eating after you're full. I know that sounds crazy. It is crazy.

"Go for the turkey first, then the potatoes, the green beans and the beets. Then the buns; dunk them in water, beer, wine, whatever.

"You're going to surprise a lot of people at the dinner table."

From Eddie "The Geek" Vidmar, competitive eater from Akron:

"Pace is the key. You don't want to eat too fast, and you don't want to eat too slow so your brain catches up and says, I'm full.'

"Save the best for first, even if it means going for the pumpkin pie first.

"Why limit yourself to just one big dinner? Eat all day long. Graze."

From Mike George, Hawken grad and winner of the Battle of the Bone wing-eating contest at Washington University in St. Louis:

"Treat it like a marathon, not a short sprint. Even eight minutes is an eternity in an eating competition.

"Skip breakfast, have a decent-size meal the day before and go out and enjoy yourself.

"If you can go out and one-up your brother-in-law or sister or father . . . it's one more family tradition."

-- John Campanelli