The Roethlisburger                                        Mikey and Big Bob and Christina                                           The Challenge

AICE recently received an urgent request from Christina Gumola of Pittsburgh, Pa. who called the radio station 96.1 KISS FM and won the opportunity to compete against four other female eaters to see who could finish two Roethlisburger Sandwiches for Pittsburgh Steeler tickets. Christiana was seeking advise on the best way to approach this monster of a sandwich which has become almost as popular as it's names sake, Steeler quarter back Ben Roethlisburger. Instead of listing all the things that comprise a "Roethlisburger" the picture that Christina sent AICE says it all. Not only did Christina win, but she beat the next eater by a large margin. Not only do we congratulate Christina for her decisive victory, but we also congratulate her spirit and enthusiasm. We hope that continue to enter more contests. Remember, Christiana, the third best eater in the world is a 99lb 5' 5" woman named Sonya Thomas...

Letter from Christina Gulamo:

The contest occurred on Pittsburgh radio station 96.1 Kiss fm during the "Morning Freak Show" with Mikey and Big Bob, www.kissfm961.com. They were playing a game called Escape the Dial Tone to register five female contestants for the First Annual Roethlisburger eating contest. If Mikey and Big Bob liked your reason for wanting to enter the contest they would keep you on the phone, if they didn't like your reason, they hung up on you. My reason was that I could support Heinz Field Concessions; I could eat all of the hot dog's and drink all of the beers that I wanted because I could afford it being that the game was the day after Christmas and I would have gift money! They asked if I would be able to eat two Roethlisburgers. I immediately answered yes stating that I know I could eat them the fastest and win! There was no doubt about it, when I set my mind to something I will do it!! Well, I got picked first therefore qualifying to go to the radio station the next day on Wednesday December 15, 2004 for the contest!

I got to the station at 7:45 am with my Steeler sweatshirt on for support and an appetite to eat a horse, or should I say two Roethlis burgers, which may be more than a horse!!! Right before it was time to start the contest, I poured my bottled water into a cup to dip the buns in it so it would go down easier. When they said, “go” I ripped all of the meat, sausage, eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise, etc. out of the bun of the first burger. I ripped pieces off the bun, dipped them in water and swallowed them without chewing. I did the same to the second Roethlis burger, tore everything out of the middle adding to my other goody pile and finished the second bun-, which was actually the easy part! Now it was time for the heavy stuff. I kept a steady, fast pace while taking small sips of water to help everything go down when I swallowed. After some serious eating I got into the swing of things where I was holding down a conversation with a girl who was watching without missing a beat of my delicious Roethlis burgers! After all of the beef and meat were gone, I only had to finish the egg, lettuce, tomatoes, and the other light things that were really easy to swallow. I waited until we got back on live air (after the commercials) to finish my last bite since I was so far ahead- I thought it would make for some interesting radio!

I am proud to say that I became the winner of the First Annual Roethlis burger eating contest with 96.1 Kiss fm!!! Everyone said that there was no way that anyone could eat two of them-especially in a hurry. Like I said when I'm determined to do something, I'll do it, they could have brought in a few more if they would have liked-they were pretty tasty!!! My husband has to work the day of the game so I knew that my mom and her friend would absolutely love to go! I ate like no other so I could assure that they were going to be attending the game! They were so ecstatic that I won and gave them the tickets. I'd definitely do it all again because they love going to the games!!

Jeff Trebac owner of Peppi's Sandwich Shop in the North Side of Pittsburgh dreamed up the "Roethlis burger" to salute #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Ben Roethlisberger. Each burger weighed in at 23 oz and are $7 each due to Bens jersey number. The Roethlis burger is in high demand and people are coming far and wide to try them. Well I got my feel for them real quick! I'd suggest that anyone who has not eaten a Roethlis burger to try one! One bit of advice- take your time and bring your appetite!!

One more thing, “Pittsburgh’s goin’ to the Super bowl-HERE WE GO!”

                              Christina using technique