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People line up for samples and fun.
Hats, hot sauce and sun!
ese are the folks who attended the Second Annual California Hot Sauce Expo at Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach, the weekend of July 16 to 17. Attendees were serious about the spice, lined up at the booths to sample and buy. Listening to live music, eating at food trucks, and laying out blankets for a family picnic - not so much.
Besides collecting free samples, the entertainment here was eating competitions, watching people crazier than you su er. e consequences of participation were so dire and the glory was so eeting that even the winners winced and had tears of regret. Watching a team sport, you can identify with a whole city’s triumph over another city. Here the enjoyment is like watching Jerry Springer contestants who do things you know not to do, and who get no reward for winning.
“Besides collecting free samples, the entertainment here was eating competitions, watching people crazier than you su er.”
The Burrito from Hell Competition
Rock legend Steven Tyler was quoted in the Los Angeles Times
as saying, “no great story ever started with the words, ‘I had a salad last night.’” So at least the contestants have bragging rights. You could use your hands in this competition but other events showcased a line of ten guys eating face down on a paper plate like a dog. Even though they were in a hurry they also had to be careful - the food stings your lips and cheeks and could damage your vision if it gets in your eyes. Listening to the announced mixture of ingredients reminded me of childhood science projects, or an eating torture scene from e Tin Drum. ere was one sauce element that drew gasps of respect from the crowd: e Carolina Reaper – hottest of the hot.
Liquor quenches the thirst and builds courage and some vendors came ready to oblige the crowd. On the stage, Haagen Dazs had donated mini –ice creams. But the speed eaters could
Hot sauce and T-shirts make for good souvenirs.
14 Winter 2016 - 2017
www.edibleorangecounty.com