The IFOCE should have learned along time ago that you should never snatch the food bowl away from a dog-You might get bitten. Some might say that the Chowhound should be careful and not bite the hand that feeds; They may also be wondering when they got their last meal from that same hand." The buzz in the local competitive eating community seems to be the Chowhound's Rabid appearance at Ben's Deli for the final of the 7th Annual Matzo Ball Championship in NYC. After wondering if the Chowhound needed to see the Vet, the question still remains "What was that all about? Unfortunately, the Chowhound took a few shots at other eaters and apologizes for his excessive barking. The Hound has returned from a short stay in Obedience School and will make personal apologies where warranted. The dog, however, was protesting his removal from the finals even though he was a top qualifier. Also, the hound stands in unity with another top qualifier, Gentleman Joe Menchetti, who was also tossed. The context and nature of the Chowhound's comments to other Professional Eaters, was that they should not participate in the Finals and reject the contract and servitude they are under by the promotional Company IFOCE. Because the Hound is a pack animal, he was hoping that some of the other eaters might have joined him. However, there is a chance that some of the other Finalist, did not actually know all the circumstances regarding Gentleman Joe and Chowhound's exile. To those eaters the Chowhound sends his sincere apologies. The incident ended with the Chowhound shaking the hand of Ben's owner, Ronnie Dragoon who promised not to allow IFOCE to insert the infamous #7 clause in next year's waiver. Also, Ben's PR guy Scott Singer apologized and explained to the Chowhound that they did not understand the full implications of the infamous 7th Clause; realizing that the Hounds anger and disappointment was understandable and justified. Ben's also provided the hound with some compensation (No details necessary).

So, you ask, what was all that barking about..?

This is the deal. Ben's got involved with a promotional company called the IFOCE which masquerades as an eaters organization (Shea Communications) which allowed the IFOCE to add a clause (which amounts to a very restrictive Membership Agreement) to the Standard Liability Waiver. The Standard Liability Waiver and the one year Membership Agreement clause (which significantly limits when and where you can compete and severely limits many of the Eaters rights) are two entirely different items that are rarely combined. A Membership Agreement should never be snuck into a Standard Liability Waiver. Ben's and IFOCE may claim that the Chowhound actually signed this unusual document. The fact of the matter, is that the Standard Waiver Form first appeared on Ben's website without the clause. If the Chowhound did unknowingly sign the Changed Standard Liability Waiver it was because it was added after they initially posted the info on promotional materials. No where on Ben's website (or any other location) does it say that the contest is an IFOCE sanctioned event and you must be an IFOCE member in order to participate in the finals.

More evidence:

In addition, Gentleman Joe, one of IFOCE's more notable exiles, would have never signed an agreement with the IFOCE. They are notorious enemies. Why didn't the IFOCE, who must have known that Menchetti was participating in two of their so called sanctioned qualifying events, notify Menchetti that he was not eligible? Why didn't they notify the Chowhound who participated in 3 qualifiers that he was signing a waiver with this clause added in at the 12th hour ..? Remember, this clause was added after the contest was announced in early December. Even if what occurred is not technically illegal it's certainly unethical. There is no doubt that the voluntary appearance of Menchetti & Chapman during the qualifies significantly added to the quality of the event. By the way IFOCE, if you did promote this event where were the spectators?

On a more positive note, the Hound made a very brief appearance on the CBS Morning News program where he was briefly seen shivering outside while doing what a hound does best: Shoving chicken wings in his mouth. (Yes, they were cold and hard)

The Hound's early AM appearance on Friday January 30th on "Fox & Friends" was a much warmer event. Gentleman Joe again served as Judge, MC and Special Guest during this one minute Chicken Wing Eating competition/demo. Also in attendance was Chef Armand from the Long Island Gourmet TV Show and author of the best Seller “Wings Across America.” Bill “The Bulldozer Johnson”, not one for missing a free breakfast, also lined up with the Chowhound. The fourth contestant in the one minute chicken wing contest/demo) was the owner of the Peter Pan Dinner who went by the name, you guessed right,” Peter Pan.” Mr. Pan (name to be revealed in later update) was no slacker. Both Peter Pan & Bulldozer finished right behind the Chowhound. Chef Armand finished fourth, showing why he is a skilled chef and not a Competitive Eater.