And once again a thrill-packed Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest comes to a close with Joey Chestnut winning! The Mustard Belt remains in the U.S. for another year!

It was an amazing contest with Chestnut and Kobayashi tied after regulation time expired. In the first ever 5-dog "Eat Off" tiebreaker, Chestnut came through with an impressive display of speed and chomping prowess. A crestfallen Kobayashi was left speechless and found his defeat hard to swallow. Fortunately there were no controversial "reversals" this year.

Hot Dog bloggers are already speculating that the regulation time change from 12 minutes to 10 may have been a factor. Like a long-distance runner, Kobayashi's pace may have been disrupted by the time change. Chestnut is more of a sprinter in his competitive eating, and thus more able to adjust to contest variances.

We just watched it, also. It was certainly thrilling, especially the OT round.

I realized that each of them ate more hotdogs in regulation (59) than I eat in a year. And, I like hot dogs!

I probably eat 70-80 a year. I like Nathan's and Hebrew National brands and try to keep some in the freezer. I had some Sabrett's but I had to order them from NYC and it was too expensive to justify.

59 in 10 minutes. Wow. I'd be looking for a rest room after 8 or 9 of them.

How did Sonya Thomas do this year?? I know she ate 37 in 2005 (of course, this was under the 12-minute rule). Not bad for a woman who tips the scales at 98 lbs.

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How did Sonya Thomas do this year??

She was never a factor. Other than her introduction there was no other mention of her, which is odd because the emcees always make a big deal over "the black widow". But that would have taken away from the hype over Chestnut vs. Kobayashi - the rematch!

I just can't watch the contest. When they start dunking them into water, that's it. Turns my tummy. I'm going to make chili dogs tonight for dinner, now if that isn't fine dining, I don't know what is

When I make chili dogs I always pile cheese, hot peppers, and onions on top and then broil them to melt the cheese. It usually ends up being a knife and fork meal.

My youngest son should enter these contests, he can eat with the best of 'em. I worry more about the soaring grocery pricing than the fuel pricing these days.

Cheers, Neil

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I worry more about the soaring grocery pricing than the fuel pricing these days.

There will always be money for hot dogs!

I think Kobayashi was the one who started the thing with eating the meat and then dunking the buns and sucking them down. I sort of wish Nathan's would change the rules and require them to be eaten in the bun. At least it is more dignified to watch.

I'll bet he can, Neil. He's like 6'5", right.

6'4" last I checked but it changes frequently. He's a big one, a little over 300 lbs.

His mother made a big pan of lasagna for the family and she, I and my oldest son headed out for a while after we ate some. The pan would have fed 12 people. She intended to freeze the leftover portion after the remainder cooled and we got back. While we were out she said, "Uh oh, Timmy will be home from school before we get home. Guess we won't have much left over." My eldest chimed in and said "Mom there is no way that boy can eat that whole pan of lasagna." So, I bet him $10. that there would be an empty pan when we got home. Made myself a ten spot with that bet. If there is something good to eat around, it's not going to last long at my house.

Cheers, Neil

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When I make chili dogs I always pile cheese, hot peppers, and onions on top and then broil them to melt the cheese. It usually ends up being a knife and fork meal.

Dave, that sounds like my chili dogs too. And then add slaw on top of that. I think I need a bib sometimes.

Dwayne

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And then add slaw on top of that.

Nice touch! I'll have to try that.

I don't know how you do it Neil, between gas and groceries-yikes.

Dwayne, my meal was just like that. Chili dogs with onions, jalapenos, cheese with slaw and fries on the side. I'll bet they won't be serving that on the Holiday

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I'll bet they won't be serving that on the Holiday

The Chili they have on the Holiday is actually pretty good. It has (in the past) had grilled onions in it. Put some cheese on it..and there ya go.

I'm looking forward to my traditional Holiday lunch - a corned beef on rye, slaw, and pickles, then two slices of that great Carnival pizza. All washed down with a Foster's oil can.

I like Princess's pizza better, but the corned beef on rye sounds like a winner!

The Princess pizza is good too. They are more generous with the toppings. Both Princess and Carnival have significantly better pizza than the other cruise lines. It's all in the crust with me. I like to hang to the side and wait until they pull hot pizzas out and start to slice them. That is the time to pounce!