Bringing Shame to the Family Name

Yeah, I know I suck…Last week, I participated in a wasabi eating contest. I was pretty convinced that I could win the contest, proving once and for all I do possess amazing digestive properties when it comes to certain horseradishes. The contest was pretty straightforward. Each contestant (there were 3 of us, me (the American), a Canadian, and a Japanese guy) was given a soupspoon full of straight Wasabi (the creamy pre-processed kind from the tube.) We were given 2 minutes to eat and digest it, with no liquid aids. Then we were given another spoonful. This continued until one of us cried for “mercy”. Which in all honesty, should have been the Japanese guy, because after 2 spoonfuls, he turned a pasty shade of white, his eyes turned red and glassy, and he looked awful…Damn that Japanese pride…cuz, he kept going for more. After 4 spoonfuls, I knew I could only do one more…or I might puke, and the Canadian had a look of placid enjoyment on his face. I decided, to martyr myself for the Japanese guy (who at 4 spoonfuls, had visible sweats and shakes…he looked like a food poisoning victim.) Call me a bleeding heart or just a plain sucker. But after 4 heaping spoonfuls of wasabi, I called it quits…bringing shame to my own family (Dad, I’m sorry I couldn’t win this one for you.) The Japanese guy, immediately bowed out…Leaving the Canadian to take victory.

As a side note: After eating all of that wasabi, I managed to not get too sick, just a slight chest pain for about 2 hours. Proving to myself, once and for all that my digestive system is actually quite stellar. Next up: a contest for who can eat the spiciest curry…