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Kevin Fischer is an award-winning veteran broadcaster who has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for nearly three decades.
Kevin, who is a legislative aide to state Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, “INTERchange,” on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, in Franklin.
Culinary no-no #78
By Kevin Fischer
Sunday, Sep 28 2008, 08:05 PM
In Amarillo, Texas, they call it the Big Texan Challenge. No one asks, “Where’s the beef?" at the Big Texan restaurant where your four and a half pound steak is free, if…..
I’ll let Lindsay explain.
.
Joey Chestnut, the guy who wolfed down the July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest title met the Big Texan Challenge easily, in 8 minutes 52 seconds.
Even though this gluttony generates customers, revenue, and publicity, I’m not a big fan of this gimmick.
I mean, why even attempt this foolishness? Seems to me like an Indian casino, the odds are clearly with the house. Even if you win, what’s the reward? A stomachache a case of Alka-Seltzer couldn’t fix?
Suppose you’re a restaurant patron. Do you really want to be sitting next to some poor slob built like a Sumo wrestler making a hog of himself? There’s also the high risk that he’ll do what Luis Gutierrez did in the bubbler line back in the first grade after a lunch of hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.
Let’s head north from Amarillo to Franklin, Wisconsin.
Franklin is not the culinary Mecca of southeastern Wisconsin. It took the Brewers over a quarter century to return to the playoffs. It may take longer than that for Franklin to secure a 4-star restaurant.
There are some bright spots, however, one of them being Gus’ Mexican Cantina. My wife and I have had nothing but very nice experiences there. Gus’ has a very good menu and service and the place has a great atmosphere. We’ve had the opportunity to meet Gus, a delightful guy.
So, where’s this week’s no-no?
A la the Big Texan, but to a lesser degree, Gus’ offers the Burrito Challenge. From their website:
“If You Think You Can Eat A 36” Burrito It's On The House! Plus The Rewards Of A Gift Card, A ‘Gus' Cantina’ Polo, And A Picture on Gus' Wall Of Fame.
This is a 40 minute challenge where you will endure a 36 inch Burrito hand made by Gus Himself. If FInished Gus will provide you with a Polo, Gift Card for the next time you come, A Picture on the Challenge Wall and Gus' will also pay for the Burrito.”
Gus, Gus, Gus.
You’re too nice of a guy with too nice of a place.
Now as Culinary no-no’s go, this isn’t one of the most egregious. I don’t expect a dining experience at Gus’ to become silly and stupid. It’s just that this kind of stunt is unnecessary.Don’t need it, Gus.
CULINARY NO-NO BONUS: Breast milk in your ice cream?
