Please use the container provided as necessary.
October 9, 2024 1:51 PM Subscribe
Holy cow! 40 years ago today: I ate the 72 oz steak at the Big Texan in Amarillo, Texas "First, as time passed, the steak was getting cold and the juices started to solidify. Second, my jaw was getting really tired and chewing became more difficult. I started cutting the remainder of the steak into 1 inch by 1-inch chunks. I starting chewing them, taking a swig of beer to quickly wash it down, but I was running out of time..."
Katina Eats Kilos, World famous 72oz Big Texan steak challenge
"Jwebby eats the 72 ounce Steak in 6 minutes and 28 seconds, for the second fastest time in Big Texan history!"
Big Texan Steak Challenge | Man v. Food
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele stopped by The Big Texan while filming Will & Harper. Ferrell attemped the challenge dressed like Sherlock Holmes. Unfortunately the crowd was transphobic. “I wished I’d walked in and said, ‘No. This is going to be terrible. Let’s just go.’”
The 72 oz Steak RulesWatch woman break ‘Big Texan’ 72 oz. steak record, eats 3 steaks in 20 minutes flat "Molly Schuyler, weighing in at 124 pounds, ate not one, not two but three 72 oz. steaks in 20 minutes flat....That’s more than 13 pounds of steak, not counting the sides."
The meal consists of shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, with roll, butter, and of course the 72 oz. steakThe Big Texan 72 oz. Steak Facts and Stats
- The entire meal must be completed in one hour. If any of the meal is not consumed (swallowed)…YOU LOSE!
- Before the time starts, you will be allowed to cut into the steak, and take one bite. If the steak tastes good and is cooked to your satisfaction, we will start the time upon your acceptable approval. The time will not stop, and the contest is on, so make SURE before you say “yes.”
- Once you have started you are not allowed to stand up, leave your table, or have anyone else TOUCH the meal.
- You will be disqualified if anyone assists you in cutting, preparing or eating your meal. This is YOUR contest.
- You don’t have to eat the fat, but we will judge this.
- Should you become ill, the contest is over… YOU LOSE! (Please use the container provided as necessary.)
- You are required to pay the full amount up front; if you win we will refund 100%.
- You must sit at a table that we assign.
- If you do not win the steak challenge, you are welcome to take the leftovers with you.
- No consumption or sharing of the leftovers is allowed in the restaurant once the contest is over.
- If you fail to complete the challenge, you must pay the full $72 (today’s price) dollars.
- Nearly 4800 people have succeeded in eating the 72 oz. steak (since 1960).
- Almost 30,000 people have attempted to consume the free 72 oz. steak (since 1960).
- Approximately two women each year successfully eat the steak of the 4 or 5 who try. About 50% of the women who try are successful.
- Richard LaFeare chomped his way through 2 steaks on the “Donny & Marie Osmond Show” in 2000.
- Frank Pastore, who was a professional pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, ate the complete steak dinner in 9 and 1/2 minutes.
- The oldest person to eat the steak was a 69-year-old grandmother; the youngest, an 11-year old boy.
- Klondike Bill, a professional wrestler, consumed two complete dinners in the one-hour time limit back in the 1960s.
Katina Eats Kilos, World famous 72oz Big Texan steak challenge
"Jwebby eats the 72 ounce Steak in 6 minutes and 28 seconds, for the second fastest time in Big Texan history!"
Big Texan Steak Challenge | Man v. Food
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele stopped by The Big Texan while filming Will & Harper. Ferrell attemped the challenge dressed like Sherlock Holmes. Unfortunately the crowd was transphobic. “I wished I’d walked in and said, ‘No. This is going to be terrible. Let’s just go.’”
Quite possibly the most American of all things ever in America.
posted by gottabefunky at 2:02 PM on October 9 [7 favorites]
posted by gottabefunky at 2:02 PM on October 9 [7 favorites]
I love watching Katina Eats Kilos demolish these challenges, especially since I, as a 180lb dude, once found myself struggling to breathe on the way home from eating a 32oz bone-in ribeye, with a crab cake, spinach and half a bottle of wine.
posted by bashos_frog at 2:04 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
posted by bashos_frog at 2:04 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
There is like a desperately sad alternate universe version of these eating challenges where I, nearly two decades ago, could have drank essentially any amount of anything and then wobbled home and gone back to work in the morning. Those days are long gone.
But I cannot understand or imagine this much eating. I would be sweating and dying.
If no one else is gonna do it, I will link the SNL Burger Challenge skit.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 2:08 PM on October 9 [5 favorites]
But I cannot understand or imagine this much eating. I would be sweating and dying.
If no one else is gonna do it, I will link the SNL Burger Challenge skit.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 2:08 PM on October 9 [5 favorites]
One of my buddies and I drove cross-country when I moved to the Bay Area in 1995. We started seeing signs for The Big Texan in southeast Missouri, several states away. By the time we got to Amarillo we'd seen tons more signs, so we had to stop. We'd already done the math on how many bites per minute it would take to eat the steak and decided to pass. We had gigantic but relatively normal-sized steaks instead. (We also had rattlesnake, but it was very small pieces fried in lots of batter so it just tasted like fried food.)
posted by kirkaracha at 2:10 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
posted by kirkaracha at 2:10 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
These people do not seem to place as high a value on regular pooping as I do. I admit I'm a vegetarian, but I have no problem with not-me's consuming whatever food they want. But, man, I love pooping regularly.
posted by atomicstone at 2:10 PM on October 9 [7 favorites]
posted by atomicstone at 2:10 PM on October 9 [7 favorites]
You're allowed to poop even if you eat meat.
posted by phunniemee at 2:12 PM on October 9 [35 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 2:12 PM on October 9 [35 favorites]
I've never felt the need to eat there, but the restaurant itself is kind of fun in a kitchy roadside trap kind of way. It's got those weird death holographic pictures, a silly shooting gallery with laser guns, a candy store, and all the regular roadside kitstch (like the Fortune Teller thing from the movie Big - Zoltar maybe) and a beer garden with a bunch of cats.
It's worth a stop once if you have to go to the bathroom.
posted by The_Vegetables at 2:13 PM on October 9 [3 favorites]
It's worth a stop once if you have to go to the bathroom.
posted by The_Vegetables at 2:13 PM on October 9 [3 favorites]
And the Polaroids of past winners are fun if you like to see fashion through the years.
Also the kitschy stuff is on one side and the sit down restaurant on the other, so they don't mind if you don't eat.
posted by The_Vegetables at 2:15 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
Also the kitschy stuff is on one side and the sit down restaurant on the other, so they don't mind if you don't eat.
posted by The_Vegetables at 2:15 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
This reminds me of a steakhouse in Morris Plains, NJ called Arthur's that had an astounding deal on a 24oz steak. I recall that it wasn't the greatest cut of meat but they prepped and cooked it with such skill that it tasted like a more expensive cut. They also had a 48oz steak which I never had the nerve to try. Arthur's appears to still be in business and still has the 24oz steak on the menu, but it looks like it's a better cut - it's labeled as 'Delmonico', but I know that doesn't always mean much.
posted by plinth at 2:29 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
posted by plinth at 2:29 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
Do they just let you order the giant steak for $72? Because that seems like a decent deal for like a 6-person shareable serving of steak.
posted by Jon_Evil at 2:33 PM on October 9 [11 favorites]
posted by Jon_Evil at 2:33 PM on October 9 [11 favorites]
Do they just let you order the giant steak for $72? Because that seems like a decent deal for like a 6-person shareable serving of steak.
No, but per the menu there's a tomahawk ribeye that's 48-56 ounces per order for $85.72. So, less meat, more money. (They also have mountain oysters. "If you think it’s seafood, go with the shrimp.")
Their take-out menu has 72oz Family for $200. (I assume that's a steak.)
posted by kirkaracha at 2:55 PM on October 9 [3 favorites]
No, but per the menu there's a tomahawk ribeye that's 48-56 ounces per order for $85.72. So, less meat, more money. (They also have mountain oysters. "If you think it’s seafood, go with the shrimp.")
Their take-out menu has 72oz Family for $200. (I assume that's a steak.)
posted by kirkaracha at 2:55 PM on October 9 [3 favorites]
There was a time when this theme was not exactly uncommon. There was a steakhouse in my home town in Illinois that had such a deal in the 1970s, and likewise one in the Denver area that I remember visiting around that time. But then steakhouses were more common then, it feels like. Something is universal about the challenge "eat enough meat to feed 10 people in an hour or less, and get it for free" though I suppose this place might have been the origin, and all the others its imitators.
posted by Aardvark Cheeselog at 2:55 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
posted by Aardvark Cheeselog at 2:55 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
I've eaten there twice. First time, the steak was spectacular (I paid the $72, didn't hurry, and was glad to had leftovers). Second time, not so special.
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 2:57 PM on October 9 [5 favorites]
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 2:57 PM on October 9 [5 favorites]
I don't think Instagram lets you share a specific photo link externally, so I implore you all to swipe through.
posted by phunniemee at 2:59 PM on October 9 [11 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 2:59 PM on October 9 [11 favorites]
Chet Ripley vs the Old '96er, 1988. (Side note, Annette Bening's film debut!)
posted by Pickman's Next Top Model at 3:00 PM on October 9 [4 favorites]
posted by Pickman's Next Top Model at 3:00 PM on October 9 [4 favorites]
Beardmeatsfood did the same amount, plus sides, but in Germany. Not required, but the fellow finishes off the meal with dessert.
Also did a 100 ounce challenge
posted by BWA at 3:07 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
Also did a 100 ounce challenge
posted by BWA at 3:07 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
I wonder how many contestants have died in the following 18 months.
I once saw a televised hot dog eating contest between a Japanese eating champion and a very large brown bear from a zoo, I think.
You could tell the bear was on its game because it did this trick of bouncing back and forth between its front and rear paws while it was still in the cage before the actual eating started. It was fascinating and quite charming, but I don’t think I would have been willing to be anywhere near a bear that acting like that before they opened the cage.
When the bell rang, the human just tore into the hot dogs (2 dozen or more, as I recall), and the bear ambled up and just dawdled, looking around and taking it all in, and I was all 'c'mon bear, get with the program!'.
When the bear finally deigned to take a bite, its lips did this weird thing when it closed its mouth. They formed a deep ripple from its nose to the hinge of tts jaw, and then in a matter of seconds the hot dogs were all just gone as the bear unhurriedly raised a huge paw and scooped them into its mouth, chomped a couple of times and then looked around for more.
Meanwhile, the representative of our species was a little over half through his pile and then abruptly started throwing up.
I had a lot of sympathy with him when he complained, mildly enough, about having to 'compete against a huge bear', and I thought ‘you did as well as anybody could've, pal, but 'Oh God, pride of man, broken in the dust again''.
posted by jamjam at 3:08 PM on October 9 [24 favorites]
I once saw a televised hot dog eating contest between a Japanese eating champion and a very large brown bear from a zoo, I think.
You could tell the bear was on its game because it did this trick of bouncing back and forth between its front and rear paws while it was still in the cage before the actual eating started. It was fascinating and quite charming, but I don’t think I would have been willing to be anywhere near a bear that acting like that before they opened the cage.
When the bell rang, the human just tore into the hot dogs (2 dozen or more, as I recall), and the bear ambled up and just dawdled, looking around and taking it all in, and I was all 'c'mon bear, get with the program!'.
When the bear finally deigned to take a bite, its lips did this weird thing when it closed its mouth. They formed a deep ripple from its nose to the hinge of tts jaw, and then in a matter of seconds the hot dogs were all just gone as the bear unhurriedly raised a huge paw and scooped them into its mouth, chomped a couple of times and then looked around for more.
Meanwhile, the representative of our species was a little over half through his pile and then abruptly started throwing up.
I had a lot of sympathy with him when he complained, mildly enough, about having to 'compete against a huge bear', and I thought ‘you did as well as anybody could've, pal, but 'Oh God, pride of man, broken in the dust again''.
posted by jamjam at 3:08 PM on October 9 [24 favorites]
Good god. I once tried to finish a 2lb hamburger on a time limit. I literally fell asleep when I got down to the last few bites.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:13 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:13 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
Wait. There was a Donnie and Marie show in 2000?
posted by 2N2222 at 3:28 PM on October 9 [11 favorites]
posted by 2N2222 at 3:28 PM on October 9 [11 favorites]
Dang, I used "steaky" as a tag but forgot the 16 pound Sir Loin-A-Lot Homer Does a Food Challenge at a Steak Restaurant.
posted by kirkaracha at 3:28 PM on October 9 [3 favorites]
posted by kirkaracha at 3:28 PM on October 9 [3 favorites]
"Molly Schuyler, weighing in at 124 pounds, ate not one, not two but three 72 oz. steaks in 20 minutes flat....That’s more than 13 pounds of steak, not counting the sides."
there was a moment she was 10% steak by weight.
posted by Ziabatsu at 3:55 PM on October 9 [35 favorites]
there was a moment she was 10% steak by weight.
posted by Ziabatsu at 3:55 PM on October 9 [35 favorites]
Watch woman break ‘Big Texan’ 72 oz. steak record, eats 3 steaks in 20 minutes flat "Molly Schuyler, weighing in at 124 pounds, ate not one, not two but three 72 oz. steaks in 20 minutes flat....That’s more than 13 pounds of steak, not counting the sides
When you think about it the utter viciousness of the “technique” on display at the start here is implied with stats like those, but it’s something else to see it in action.
posted by atoxyl at 3:56 PM on October 9
When you think about it the utter viciousness of the “technique” on display at the start here is implied with stats like those, but it’s something else to see it in action.
posted by atoxyl at 3:56 PM on October 9
Molly Schuyler is an American competitive eater. In 2013, she signed with the competitive eating organization All Pro Eating.[1] She has stated that she "usually swallows her food whole."[2]
posted by atoxyl at 3:58 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
posted by atoxyl at 3:58 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
Good links and stories. In my younger days, I honestly think I could have done eaten the steak, the shrimp, and the roll (with butter!) within the hour - but I simply would not have been able to eat the salad.
But still - $72 for all of that ain't a bad deal at all.
posted by davidmsc at 4:15 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
But still - $72 for all of that ain't a bad deal at all.
posted by davidmsc at 4:15 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
phunnimee, that's cool! I've been to the Cadillacs - loved it!
posted by davidmsc at 4:17 PM on October 9
posted by davidmsc at 4:17 PM on October 9
Is it 72 ounces before or after cooking?
I'm an inattentive eater and I once absentmindedly ate the entirety of a tri tip that had been a little over 64 ounces prior to grilling while I watched an episode of Batman: The Animated Series, so I feel if the 72 ounces is the pre-cooking weight I'd have a solid chance of accomplishing this.
And for the record, I have enviable poops.
posted by Parasite Unseen at 4:17 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
I'm an inattentive eater and I once absentmindedly ate the entirety of a tri tip that had been a little over 64 ounces prior to grilling while I watched an episode of Batman: The Animated Series, so I feel if the 72 ounces is the pre-cooking weight I'd have a solid chance of accomplishing this.
And for the record, I have enviable poops.
posted by Parasite Unseen at 4:17 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
There was a place in Orlando that my dad threatened to try this are. (It was a "6 lb challenge" if I remember correctly and not too far from Lee & Ricks where we would eat cheap oysters) But my mom waved him off of that with a warning that she wasn't going to deal with the aftermath.
I still think he coulda done it. :)
posted by drewbage1847 at 4:19 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
I still think he coulda done it. :)
posted by drewbage1847 at 4:19 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
The best burger place in my neighborhood (until it sadly closed two years ago) was called Zippy’s Giant Burgers. They had a challenge that involved eating a King Lou Lou (a quadruple cheeseburger crowned with a mini cheeseburger) plus a shake, fries, onion rings, and tater tots, all within some time limit.
The first time I ever went to Zippy’s was in 2011, shortly after they moved to their then-new location. I happened to arrive just as another customer was finishing the King Lou Lou Challenge—in about half the time of the previous record-holder. Apparently this guy went around to every restaurant in the region with similar challenges, and demolished all of them. His record was never beaten in all the remaining years of the King Lou Lou Challenge.
posted by mbrubeck at 4:36 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
The first time I ever went to Zippy’s was in 2011, shortly after they moved to their then-new location. I happened to arrive just as another customer was finishing the King Lou Lou Challenge—in about half the time of the previous record-holder. Apparently this guy went around to every restaurant in the region with similar challenges, and demolished all of them. His record was never beaten in all the remaining years of the King Lou Lou Challenge.
posted by mbrubeck at 4:36 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
Sayler’s Old Country Kitchen in Portland, Oré. claims to have offered their 72-ounce steak challenge since 1948. They also have it on the regular menu for $72.
posted by Just the one swan, actually at 4:37 PM on October 9
posted by Just the one swan, actually at 4:37 PM on October 9
One of the many reasons I don't eat steak very often is that meat seems occupy a null space in my stomach and I feel like I can always eat more. I wouldn't want to test that against 72 ounces for that reason and so many others.
posted by mollweide at 4:38 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
posted by mollweide at 4:38 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
If this sort of challenge interests you, EatFeats seems to have a reasonably well maintained list. I haven't spot checked it for accuracy but the database of challenges is being actively updated.
posted by Bryant at 4:55 PM on October 9
posted by Bryant at 4:55 PM on October 9
A friend who ventured a bit into the amateur (not pro!) eating contest world said the key is to stay hydrated. The sudden influx of massive amounts of salt is extraordinary and that's apparently what wipes a lot of people out
posted by treepour at 5:23 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
posted by treepour at 5:23 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
One year for my birthday I treated myself to dinner at a local highly-rated steak house. The food was well worth it, but even a 12 oz steak (plus salad, fries, and a beer) was enough to leave me groaning and puffing as I waddled out. I cannot imagine eating a 72 oz steak in one sitting; even as an American that seems criminally excessive.
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:27 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:27 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
The situation may well have fallen into the past, but when I was at the Big Texan, you weren't allowed to get up from the table once you started, and while their knives were good enough to for ordinary eating, they weren't *really* sharp. You'd be well advised to bring your own knife.
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 5:35 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 5:35 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
When we went here, the 72 oz. steak eating table was on a large platform. So anybody trying it was basically onstage. We were there for a successful attempt, and either my boyfriend or his son heard the guy in the bathroom talking about it afterward. He was saying he didn't find it difficult but it was just so BORING to eat that much food after a while.
posted by queensissy at 5:45 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
posted by queensissy at 5:45 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
When I was a teenager I participated in a charity eating contest at a fair where all of the different food items available were assigned point values. Loving fair food I figured I'd give it a try. I didn't get sick but did feel like complete crap, and determined I would stick to reasonable amounts of food moving forward.
posted by calamari kid at 6:29 PM on October 9
posted by calamari kid at 6:29 PM on October 9
With the time limit that does seem like it would be a problem. If you had a couple hours you'd have a chance to enjoy the experience but the time limit would make it a slog for anyone not just slamming it down.
One of the local steak places has a 50 oz steak as a two person meal for C$170 including sides which I've been tempted to try just for the experience both of such a ridiculously large steak and as a shared story. Per oz it's a moderate deal, their normal size steaks are 4-7 dollars an ounce. And I'd probably have at least two steak meals afterwards from the left overs. Really the only thing stopping me is that's the sort of thing one should do on vacation. Feels weird to do it in your own town.
posted by Mitheral at 6:29 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
One of the local steak places has a 50 oz steak as a two person meal for C$170 including sides which I've been tempted to try just for the experience both of such a ridiculously large steak and as a shared story. Per oz it's a moderate deal, their normal size steaks are 4-7 dollars an ounce. And I'd probably have at least two steak meals afterwards from the left overs. Really the only thing stopping me is that's the sort of thing one should do on vacation. Feels weird to do it in your own town.
posted by Mitheral at 6:29 PM on October 9 [2 favorites]
A steak dinner as a special event (or celebration of a special event) in my own town doesn't seem like a problem at all to me. What makes it feel "weird" to you?
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:54 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:54 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
I spent a summer working in Pampa, and then another month of so in Dalhart. So went through the panhandle a bunch. And those billboards were everywhere...
Was never tempted to give it a try.
posted by Windopaene at 7:25 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
Was never tempted to give it a try.
posted by Windopaene at 7:25 PM on October 9 [1 favorite]
I ate an 800 gram (28 ounce) steak in Argentina once. The meat was exquisite and perfectly cooked. I don't regret it but I wouldn't do it again. My sweat smelled like beef for two days.
posted by the duck by the oboe at 7:41 PM on October 9 [4 favorites]
posted by the duck by the oboe at 7:41 PM on October 9 [4 favorites]
I've been through Amarillo 5-6 times but only stopped once. We went to Waffle House which seems like a healthier choice.
posted by downtohisturtles at 8:11 PM on October 9
posted by downtohisturtles at 8:11 PM on October 9
In case anyone is interested, I checked a selection of a couple dozen Minnesota locations from the EatFeats list. Most were closed permanently. … Emphatically not because I am interested in partaking.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 10:45 PM on October 9
Reminds me of one of the episode of "The Regular Show"
posted by boilermonster at 12:20 AM on October 10
posted by boilermonster at 12:20 AM on October 10
I'm like: could I eat 2kg of beef? I am actually pretty sure I could. I am a big eater, I have easily demolished about a third of that and still managed sides and dessert, I have cast-iron stomach and am rarely upset. Do I want to do that? Absolutely not. I can't believe the sense of accomplishment would justify the effort and discomfort, never mind the risk of being on the hook for a large sum after all.
If this is your thing though, more power to you.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 1:38 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
If this is your thing though, more power to you.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 1:38 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
Big Texan had shadow boxes with small sample of different kinds of barbed wired. There are a lot of different kinds of barbs wire.
A restaurant on Long Island had a wings eating challenge with a bottle of Pepto Bismol thrown in.
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 6:24 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
A restaurant on Long Island had a wings eating challenge with a bottle of Pepto Bismol thrown in.
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 6:24 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
Getting the meat sweats just thinking about it. Not sure that I'd even try A.O. (after Ozempic) and kind of relieved about that.
posted by Halloween Jack at 6:36 AM on October 10
posted by Halloween Jack at 6:36 AM on October 10
Like davidmsc, I would have tried this back in the day. I was a huge meat eater, and also drank alcohol, which seems to help. I was also a bit bonkers.
Now as a vegan teetotaler... I'd be with Countess Elena and check out the cornbread.
posted by doctornemo at 7:02 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
Now as a vegan teetotaler... I'd be with Countess Elena and check out the cornbread.
posted by doctornemo at 7:02 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
I almost gagged when he described pushing chunks of meat down his throat with his finger. I have never understood the attraction of competitive eating of any kind. Food is to be enjoyed.
posted by tiny frying pan at 7:07 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
posted by tiny frying pan at 7:07 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
I used to live in Amarillo, and had several friends who worked there.
Every one of them was a serious non-fan of the 72 ounce steak thing because so many of the people trying it did, in fact, overstuff themselves and vomit which really puts the rest of the dining room off their meals.
No one local to Amarillo eats there, it's purely for the tourists.
My brother was tending bar once when a person came through with a tiger and the tiger tried the contest. They decided he won even though all he ate was the steak and shrimp cocktail because tiger.
posted by sotonohito at 9:18 AM on October 10 [7 favorites]
Every one of them was a serious non-fan of the 72 ounce steak thing because so many of the people trying it did, in fact, overstuff themselves and vomit which really puts the rest of the dining room off their meals.
No one local to Amarillo eats there, it's purely for the tourists.
My brother was tending bar once when a person came through with a tiger and the tiger tried the contest. They decided he won even though all he ate was the steak and shrimp cocktail because tiger.
posted by sotonohito at 9:18 AM on October 10 [7 favorites]
My brother was tending bar once when a person came through with a tiger and the tiger tried the contest. They decided he won even though all he ate was the steak and shrimp cocktail because tiger.
Yeah who wants to be the one to tell the tiger to pay up?
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 9:46 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
Yeah who wants to be the one to tell the tiger to pay up?
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 9:46 AM on October 10 [1 favorite]
Does anyone know what cut the 72 ounce steak is? I feel like this actually makes a bit of a difference.
posted by snofoam at 10:08 AM on October 10
posted by snofoam at 10:08 AM on October 10
Based on my half-assed web search, it's probably top sirloin.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:13 AM on October 10
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:13 AM on October 10
What even? Is there an Amarillo-based butcher specializing in 72-oz. sirloin steak cuts, teaching their children so the hallowed art can be continued?
posted by riverlife at 11:56 AM on October 10
posted by riverlife at 11:56 AM on October 10
…there's a tomahawk ribeye that's 48-56 ounces per order…
I wonder how much of that weight is bone?
posted by TedW at 12:12 PM on October 10 [1 favorite]
I wonder how much of that weight is bone?
posted by TedW at 12:12 PM on October 10 [1 favorite]
Top sirloin is what I would call rump I think - yeah that's about the only primal with a cross section where you can take a slice that weighs so much, is tender enough to eat as a steak, and wouldn't be unfeasibly thick to cook on a grill.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 8:25 PM on October 10
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 8:25 PM on October 10
I always felt this was a job for a 15 year old boy in the middle of a growth spurt, and no one else.
posted by emjaybee at 9:37 PM on October 10 [5 favorites]
posted by emjaybee at 9:37 PM on October 10 [5 favorites]
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My dad and uncle once fasted for 24 hours to attempt the Big Texan Challenge. Once they got there, they immediately agreed on hamburgers instead.
posted by Countess Elena at 1:58 PM on October 9 [4 favorites]