michaelcolson.com » food

Hot Dog Eating Contest

michael — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:09:53 +0000

Today ESPN had complete coverage of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, NY. I couldn’t help but notice that the commentary was very serious. At one point a comment was made about a competitors mask and there was concern expressed over the constriction of his jaw by the mask. Seriously? Has the “sport” of competitive eating come to this level?

It was fitting however that on Independence Day, the American Joey Chestnut would go on to defeat his Japanese competitor Kobayashi in a dramatic “five dog eat off.” ESPN would also go on to claim that Joey winning the Mustard Belt was in fact one of the greatest moments in sports.

Good Eats in Shelbyville

michael — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:42:41 +0000

If you ever find yourself in Shelbyville, Kentucky apart from asking yourself why you are there, you should check out some of the local dining establishments.

Claudia Sanders (wife of Col. Sanders of KFC fame) restaurant is an excellent place to go for traditional southern cuisine. I had my first ‘hot brown’ which is a native Kentucky dish that consisted of turkey, ham, sauce, with cheese on top, baked in a small casserole dish.

The other local favorite has to be the Science Hill Inn. This establishment is really more than just a restaurant, contained within the walls are multiple shops and an indoor courtyard where the locals are busy conversing and playing cards. The restaurant within the Science Hill Inn serves traditional southern dishes (shrimp and grits) and the staff are dressed in maid/butler type outfits that feel authentic to the time period of the dining room.

Kentucky Family Dinner

michael — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:14:17 +0000

After consulting the restaurant ‘ban list’ I arrived at the Kobe restaurant. Kobe is your typical hibachi/sushi place with seating for eight around a large grill. Since I was dining alone I was placed with a group of seven others who were at Kobe to celebrate a birthday.

On two separate occasions, by two separate people, without hearing each other; I was asked if I went to Shelby County High School, because I looked familiar. I found that to be a little odd, but after the second questioning one of the other group members spoke up. This gentlemen was introduced as a retired Kentucky Highway Patrol Officer and with a studious look on his face he glared at me and said “I’ve seen him before, on those pictures at the post office.”

A good meal was had by all and some good conversations circled the table. At my time of departure I was told to have a safe trip home and sent off like any other member of the family.