Sylvester's Burgers Big One Challenge

80 ounces of beef?  No problem!

Sylvester's Burgers Big One Challenge
Los Osos, CA

Sylvester's Burgers are nothing short of amazing...just like the establishment, which boasts a large variety of unique burger combinations which is almost dwarfed by other menu categories such as sadnwiches, hot dogs and respectable breakfast offerings.

At the heart of Sylvester's is customer loyalty largely due to a friendly staff that administers promotions such as a free birthday burger if you agree to be photographed in one of many ridonkulous pieces of headgear for their Facebook page.  I chose the Hana Burger, complete with bacon, pineapple, Swiss, teriyaki glaze and, of course, Sylvester Sauce.  Sorry, colon.

Once a year, megafans and just plain hungry folks congregate for the Big One Challenge.  Like most food contests, the rules are simple.  The feat?  Seemingly impossible: be the first to consume a 5-pound burger and all its trimming and win $1000.

Luckily, you can practice for the event by ordering the Big One at any time for $32.95.  Attempting to eat it (solo) will get your mug forever posted on their wall.  Finish it and you'll become the proud owner of a Sylvester's t-shirt.  Finish it under 30 minutes and the burger is free.  Start practicing now.

The "I Can't Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown!" Tour

A culinary wonderland!

The "I Can't Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown!" Tour
San Francisco, CA

I've been on this tour not once, not twice, but FOUR TIMES!  Obsessed much?  Why, yes.

If you love to eat, and you love to eat, this tour is definitely for you. Celebrity chef and author Shirley Fong-Torres takes you on a magical 3-hour tour of Chinatown, where, in addition to learning about Chinese food history, you'll eat, shop, eat, drink, and eat your way through restaurants, tea shops, markets and bakeries.  Then, just when your stomach is at capacity, the tour will conclude with a gianormous Chinese banquet where Chef Shirley encourages you to try dishes you'd never had before (chicken feet, anyone?).

With all of the knowledge of local cuisine you can imagine, coupled with high-energy delivery, Chef Shirley will leave you with a lasting impression of the local neighborhood and some fond memories of the first time you took your first spoonful of rice congee.  Now, excuse me while I hunt down some Peking Duck...

Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend - 02/11/12 - 02/12/12

What hangovers look like...the night before.

Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend

Lodi, CA

If ever there were an event perfect for entrepreneurial types looking to earn some extra cash as designated drivers, this would be it.

Wine & Chocolate Weekend celebrates the underrated bounty that is Lodi wine country. Throngs of people will descend upon 40 different wineries, barrel tasting and snacking on chocolates along with savory (and mostly meaty) appetizers for those with less of a sweet tooth.  Each winery will pull out all the stops, attempting to outdo each other with live bands, photo booths and amazing giveaways.

Speaking of giveaways, at participating wineries you'll have a chance to win prizes such as a "Wine Country Getaway" if you unwrap the Golden Ticket a la Charlie Bucket.  Don't worry, you won't have to bring Grandpa along.