It was a beautiful Wednesday night. The kind of early spring night that makes you crave a delicious grilled hamburger and a cold draft beer (or coke depending on your age, or Pepsi if your like me and enjoy the undeniable sweetness that comes in a blue can.) Add that to the fact that it was my sister's boyfriend's birthday and the only reasonable thing I could do was strap on my sling and travel, one armed to the world famous Thurman's Cafe in German Village. Now if you've never heard of this burger joint you are either a. a vegetarian, b. live under a rock or c. clearly never watch the best show on cable tv, "man vs, food". It is a local burger restaurant famous for their 3/4th a pound "Thurman burgers." And these are not your average burgers-there all all sorts of tasty and super-healthy toppings. For those who are extra ambitious there is also the lofty "Thurmanator" which consists of 2 huge patties instead of one. The birthday boy ordered this treat and when they brought it out i thought we were going to watch him code right there. THAT is what you call a delicious heart attack on a plate.
Anyways our burgers arrived after a short wait and a plate of French fries later and my stomach growled at the sight. I tentatively picked up the monster and tried to take a bite as lady-like as you possibly can when you only have one functioning arm. While I lost some valuable topping I was impressive in the skilled and efficient way i managed to cram that beef and bun in my mouth.
I started to slow down (understandably so ) with 1/4 of the burger to go and began having daydreams about take home boxes when i looked across the table to see my sister nonchalantly polishing off HER burger like it was a day in the park. NO way was i going to let my baby sister out-eat me! Invigorated I showed the finals bites down and chased the last of it down with my last sips of water. SUCCESS!
I was able to successfully beat food in my very own food standoff! It was now all so clear why people are competitive eaters- the rush of adrenaline, the glory! It was like a runner's high with out the health for your heart. And thats when I knew that my karma had returned.
No one choked on the large portions of food. No one threw up. No one passed out or had a heart attack and i found the inner strength to complete the challenge. Clearly the only explanation is that my good luck has returned. I mean, lets be real here- if I'd have been wearing that manatee necklace there is just no telling what might have happened. Certainly there would have been rain instead of the wonderful sunshine and warm weather we've had. In fact, i'd like to think that the nice weather we've had is entirely due to me and my brand new good karma- so for those of you basking in the (literally) warm glow of my success feel free to send cash, checks, or ice cream my way and I promise to put in a good word for you next time mother nature and I have a chat.
