The Chowhound made an unplanned appearance at J.R. Steakhouse in Rocky Point, New York the first week in April. As fans will recall, the Hound decimated the 76 oz. steak in 21 minutes in November of 2003, one of the best times ever at this Steak House. J&R’s steak house currently boasts the World Record by multi-title holder, Eddie “Cookie” Jarvis, 7 Miutes 30 seconds. This effort eclipsed the previous record of 9 minutes 30 seconds by Frank Pastore (who was a pitcher for the Cincinati Reds) at the Big Texan steak house in Amarillo. J&R’s 2nd location in Rocky Point, NY.   This is where the hungry hound wandered in for what he thought was a free lunch. The fact of the matter is that the Chowhound happened to be in the area on a separate matter and caught a whiff of the steak house and like most good Hound dogs he followed his nose.

At first, the Hound thought he would simply inquire about the Steak Challenge; but not actually do it. However, the lure of making it to the bulletin board with Polaroid pictures, which had the heading “Bragging Rights” was too powerful. There was no reflection on the part of the Chowhound whether or not this act was advisable, especially considering that the Hound had consumed breakfast and dinner the day before. However, Nothing was going to stand in the way of a free lunch. 52 minutes and a whole lot of regret later, the Chowhound finished the 76 oz. Monster. Although I was pleased that I completed the task under 1 hour and got my stupid picture on the “Bragging Rights” bulletin board, along with not being in the dog house from my wife for blowing $50 (the price of not eating the steak), I quickly realized that there really isn't such thing as a “Free Lunch”. The many difficult trips to the bathroom and the nearly 5lbs of steak that had taken residence in my inhospitable stomach reminded me of that fact.

My advise to anybody who wants to take the Steak Challenge is to never do it on the spur of the moment and to bring friends and family for moral support. When it's just you and the 76 oz. Monster it can be a lonely and difficult experience.