Beurito

I don't know why I invited public comment on whether we should study for our midterms or go to the burrito-eating contest at Chois' Tacos in Shinchon.

After all, the general consensus of the commentary was predictable. And we really did have to study. Plus, what is this, a democracy? No, it is not.

We went anyway. We spent all morning studying and it seemed like a good idea to get out of the house for a bit and enjoy the lovely autumn weather. Also, we had to pick up a few items at the supermarket in Shinchon.

The event was held right on the sidewalk. This led to small crowds blocking the whole sidewalk and spilling out into the street, blocking traffic. There were about as many foreigners in attendance (both competing and observing) as there were Koreans.

This is Thomas Choi himself, announcing the rules and regulations in both Korean and English.


The rules are pretty simple. The first one to eat the whole burrito, and then clearly say "Chois' Tacos!", wins. The contestants were divided into two groups, with the winner of each group moving on to the final round.

The burritos and a log book are laid out on the plastic tables.


The contestants are seated. They are settling their minds.


The contest is about to start. The Chois' Tacos workers have their cell phone cameras ready. Also, look at the hair on that guy!


And they're off! I love this guy in the hat leaning in from the street to watch.


I think that guy on the left won. I'm not sure. (If you zoom in on the picture, you'll see a lot of burrito stuck to his face.) The guy with the big hair looks disappointed.


Here we go with the second set of contestants.


This guy's strategy was to get as much of the burrito into his mouth as possible, and worry about swallowing it later.


The young woman appeared to be eating slowly and daintily, but she ended up coming in a close second.


This guy was not having a good time. Erma says he's a Finn. She's good at knowing stuff like that.


We didn't stick around to watch the grand finale and see the winner crowned. By the way, the prize? Coupons for free burritos.

I'll let you know how did on our midterms in the next few days. If we did poorly, you (and you know who you are) can all feel very very guilty.