Imbibing German beer is a requirement during Oktoberfest partying. For the carnivores in Taipei, meaty German sausages can be a delightful match with the smooth brew.
Michael Wendel, a master baker originally from Germany, is always keen on introducing Taiwan to his selection of authentic German sausages, such as bratwurst, thuringer and weisswurst. So to complement the celebration of Oktoberfest Taipei and the Germany National Day, Wendel is organizing a sausage eating contest.
It is his twist on the Coney Island hot dog-eating contest, where Japan’s Takeru Kobayashi became a celebrity in 2011, after wolfing down 50 hot dogs in one sitting.
Photo courtesy of Wendel’s
Wendel’s version of the contest will focus on quality over quantity, said Kathryn Yen (嚴若寧), publicity manager for Wendel’s German Bakery & Bistro.
“Our competition is not trying to set any world record for eating. The important thing is to enjoy the delicious sausages made in the traditional German way, with authentic country-style cured meat, cereals and spices,” Yen said.
The contest charges an entry fee of NT$200 and is open to 15 participants. The winner is the one who eats the most sausages in five minutes. The top three finishers will win a cash award, with NT$5,000 going to the winner.
Photo courtesy of Wendel’s
This is the second time Wendel’s has organized the event, and the competition this year will be a feast on the Cervelat Sausage — a regional German-Swiss-French variety made with beef, bacon, pork rind and spices.
Last year, the event drew four females and eleven males. This year, three ladies and ten gents have signed up so far.
Yen said last year’s event had a boisterous party atmosphere, because most participants came with their families and friends to cheer them on.
Photo courtesy of Wendel’s
Wendel’s will provide water to wash down the sausages, and a doctor will be on hand to provide emergency treatment if necessary. For beer connoisseurs, Wendel’s has Erdinger, Krombacher and other renowned German beers on the restaurant menu during Oktoberfest, which runs from Oct. 4 to Oct. 20.
Warning: Excessive consumption of alcohol can damage your health.
So you want to be the next Takeru Kobayashi?
Compiled by Enru Lin
Staff reporter
Wendel’s sausage eating contest may be about quality over quantity, but there has to be a winner, and why shouldn’t it be you? Pick up that cash prize with five tips from the six-time hot dog-eating champion.
1. Before the big event, increase water intake every day to stretch out your stomach.
2. Grab the dogs two at a time. It worked for Noah, and it can work for you.
3. Eat at the same pace as your rivals in the beginning, then accelerate your way to the finish.
4. Work out often: Kobayashi goes to the gym three times a week.
5. Shake it out: Whenever you feel full, jump up and from side to side to squish down your food ball.
Compiled from NY Daily News, J-Collabo.org and Examiner.com
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