Roadtrip Rationale: Hot Dog Eating Competition (PDX)

We're sure that like Seattlest, you woke up early on the morning of the 4th of July just to catch Kobayashi defending his title (Kobayashi's our hero). That victory then proved to be inspiration for a day filled with eating, but other than casual conversations, it's been hard to find other people to really discuss the virtues of competitive eating, why Seattle can't call itself world-class without a competition of its own (Dick's cheeseburgers anyone?), or the genius of the "Kobayashi shake." Turns out we've been looking in the wrong spot, since Portland is where the action is.

Three days after Kobayashi's record-breaking performance, Portland gained their own hot dog related spot in the record books. Franz bakery displayed the crowned champion of hot dogs, measuring over 100 feet in length (bun included). Impressive stuff, and we hand our neighbors to the south a belated congratulations.

Now onto why you should make the trek down there this weekend. In further hot dog related madness, Zach's Shack is hosting a hot dog eating competition Saturday. There's a bit of a conflict regarding when the competition starts, some sites saying 2:30pm, others saying 4pm, but Seattlest is of the mind that the former is time for registration, while the latter is the competition proper.

Seattle, we have to admit we're a bit disappointed. Between Cyberdogs, Shorty's, and the various carts on the sidewalk late at night, we know there's some local appreciation for the frankfurter, but it apparently doesn't work up our competitive spirit. We're fine with making the trip down to Portland this time, but Seattle, it's time for us to show the world the extent of our gluttony. What's it gonna take?

3rd Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest
Zach's Shack, 4811 SE Hawthorne, Portland, OR
July 15th, 4pm