Better pack the antacids

Some people travel to see history, others go for the beauty of nature, while some, like me, go for the food.

As many of you know, I am not exactly a miniscule individual so food is definitely a favorite pastime of mine.

Recently, I set out on a potentially dangerous mission -- to beat the hamburger record at Eddie's Sandwich Shop.

The current record is 31, so I had a steep slope to climb.

Unfortunately, I was unable to conquer the mountain of burgers, but made it through 24-and-a-half before they enacted a revolt on my stomach, so I did make it to their Wall of Fame.

I've known people who have attempted to visit each of the 50 states just to say they did.

If I am lucky enough to make it to, and have, a retirement, I not only want to do the same thing, but attempt an eating challenge in each of them as well.

I was browsing the Internet a couple of months ago and came across http://eatfeats.com, which lists upcoming and ongoing eating contests and challenges for all 50 states Washington D.C and Canada.

On the site, one can search for contests involving just about anything including wings, pizza, hot dogs, burgers and even sushi and Ramen noodles.

Some of the listings even include team challenges.

The biggest one I have come across so far is a 54-by-54-inch square pizza (168 slices) at Big Mama's and Papa's Pizzeria in Los Angeles. For this challenge, five people are allowed to attack the gigantic Italian pie and will be awarded $1,000 if it is finished in less than two hours.

According to the pizzeria's web site (36pizza.com/?page=42), it is the largest deliverable pizza in the world and is available for a scant $199.99 plus tax for a plain cheese pizza with extra toppings available for $14.99 each. This monster is listed to serve between 50-70 people, meaning it would create quite a party, and obviously a 24-hour advance notice is required.

There is also a video link available (http://www.youtube.com/user/54pizza) which shows the pizza being made and the challenge being attempted. The pizza is so large they actually have to take it out of the oven and turn it around midway through in order to cook it all. From what I take, the challenge has never been successfully completed.

Personally, I think it would be fun to travel the country, attempting these unique eating challenges with friends and family.

Other than Eddie's, there are two other eating challenges locally, both in Terre Haute.

La Familia Di Jeshua offers "The DON," which is a 10-pound, two-meat topped, 28-inch pizza that two people have one hour to finish eating. Those who finish off "The DON" will walk away with a cash prize.

If pizza isn't your thing, Sam's Steakhouse offers a 48-ounce Top Sirloin steak that is free if eaten in less than 20 minutes.

I have yet to make it to Terre Haute to attempt these eating feats, but before long, I just might have to take a stab at the steak challenge.

In my experience, food always brings people together, whether it be a couple of friends sharing a meal, or more than 100 gathering for a party, pigging out and having tons of fun.

Now when it comes to taking on one of these eating challenges, I think author Mark Twain said it best in that "Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside."