A 30-Pound Burrito Is Calling Your Name. Will You Answer?

A 30-Pound Burrito Is Calling Your Name. Will You Answer?
The Gran Chingon at Don Chingon
The 30-pound Gran Chingon, which means “huge badass”. (Photo courtresy of Don Chingon)

“Any bathroom breaks or discharge of bodily fluids of any kind will result in forfeit.”

According to Victor Robey, owner of the taqueria Don Chingon (216 Flatbush Avenue, between Bergen and Dean Streets), that’s one of the rules you have to adhere to should you enter “The Gran Chingon Challenge.”

And with a challenge comes a reward. Should you succeed in eating this 30-pound burrito-of-awesomeness, you will be awarded with 10% ownership of the taqueria.

To make a comparison, a 30-lb burrito is roughly the size of a two or three-year-old child (child sizes may vary).

It shouldn’t surprise you that Don Chingon loosely translates to “Mr. Badass.” Or that the burrito in question translates to “huge badass.” The restaurant opened earlier this year, but has really made a name for itself with this challenge.

In addition to the rule about bathroom breaks, bodily fluids, and discharge, here are some of the other rules you need to be aware of:

  • The challenge costs $150 to enter.
  • You have one hour to finish, and touching the burrito will start the clock.
  • You are also required to drink one Ghost Pepper Margarita.
  • Don Chingon will not accept any responsibility for death or illness.

We spoke with owner Victor Robey to ask him some other questions about the challenge, as well as for tips for those entering.

PSS: How did you dream up this contest?

Victor Robey: The idea of the challenge was created along with the restaurant. Our restaurant does everything badass.

I grew up watching the Food Network, and also Man v. Food. I wanted to do the best eating challenge ever.

Matt Stonie ate 62 hot dogs and Miki Sudo ate 38 hot dogs in this year’s Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest. Do you think eating a 30-pound burrito is harder than winning the hot dog eating contest?

I think our 30-pound burrito is definitely tougher. With our burrito, you have so many more textures — the meat, rice, beans, salsa, and cheese.

How do you recommend handling the Ghost Pepper Margarita during the challenge?

The ghost pepper margarita is extremely spicy. I consider the ghost pepper as a cherry on top. They definitely should slam it at the end.

So someone who wins this really will become part owner?

Yes. I think 10% ownership is reasonable if you win the challenge.

In an article by Gersh Kuntzman of the Daily News, Major League Eating has not come out in support for the event. “Obviously, it’s an interesting competition because it is so outrageous — no one can eat 30 pounds of anything in one sitting,” said George Shea, the MLE chairman. “We would never sanction any such event because there are no safety measures in place.”

You can also watch a video of Kuntzman attempting to complete the challenge.

Don Chingon requires that you make a reservation 24 hours in advance should you choose to accept the challenge. There will only be one challenger per day, which officially begins on Monday, October 19.

You may also enter the contest as a team of four or two, although you will not win 10% ownership of the taqueria if you succeed. Robey tells us that a successful duo would each win $500 as well as a $500 gift certificate to Don Chingon.

So let’s be honest. There’s a slight chance you may not make it through. Don Chingon will not let you leave empty handed. There’s no need to hang your head in shame as you walk out the doors with a Don Chingon t-shirt and a doggie bag that will feed every canine in the Slope.

And their owners.

And their owners’ friends.

You’ll still be Mr. Badass in their eyes.