The 5pm Dining blog is torn on the subject of competitive eating.
The sheer gluttony required always seems obscene. On the other hand, there is something almost heroic about people pushing their bodies way past what their instincts, common sense and medical advice are telling them.
Whatever your view, fans of man versus chow challenges should saunter down to Edinburgh’s VDeep where celebrity chef, comedian and restaurateur, Hardeep Singh Kohli, is hosting a series of competitive eating events designed to find Scotland’s chilli champions.
Go home or go hotter
Dubbed the Deep Heat Chilli Challenge, the wing-eating competition will involve four rounds – Let the burn begin; Go home or go hotter; The almost final fling wing and Wings of mass destruction.
Each stage will see the spice level ramped up. The final round will involve contestants scoffing chicken wings which have been liberally seasoned with the world’s spiciest chilli, the legendary Ghost chilli.
Taking place at Edinburgh’s craft beer and curry bar – VDeep – on Wednesday 15th July, nine teams will go head-to-head with just one contender crowned the hot wing king or queen.
Compered by Kohli, an evening of all-you-can-eat curry will be available to spectators.
Chilli champion
Putting out a rallying call to Scotland’s undiscovered chilli champions, Kohli said:
‘When it comes to sport, Scotland are medal winners in anything that involves sitting down – eating is no exception.
‘Kicking off with hot wings, the Deep Heat Chilli Challenge embodies the spirit and the spectacle of competitive eating. Expect tears, triumph and even our very own VDeep chilli cheerleaders.’
The chilli wings competition will be the first in a series of challenges. Chilli Challenges will take place every quarter thereafter and include: a vindaloo eating contest; a raw chilli eating contest and a chilli pakora eating contest.
Tickets for the first Deep Heat Chilli Challenge are priced at £15 per person and can be booked directly from VDeep.
The first Deep Heat Chilli Challenge will take place on Wednesday 15th July at 7pm – 9.30pm.
Earlier this year, we had a chat with Hardeep about his new restaurant.