Video of the 3lb Triple Undisputed being eaten in 1:40 can be found Here

Enjoy. Not for the squimish.

gp60004 wrote:Video of the 3lb Triple Undisputed being eaten in 1:40 can be found Here

Enjoy. Not for the squimish.

This is probably going to be a controversial thing to say but this makes me a little sad. Watching those guys in 'competitive eating' mode -- getting absolutely zero enjoyment out of what they're eating -- seems so contrary to what I consider to be the true spirit of Wiener and Still Champion. This is a place that distinguishes itself through the care and quality of the food it serves -- both of which seem completely irrelevant to these guys. I realize that they couldn't have 'just gone anywhere' to do this but for all intents and purposes, they could have. I suppose this day had to come but WaSC is so much more than this and I hope people keep that in mind.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:This is probably going to be a controversial thing to say but this makes me a little sad. Watching those guys in 'competitive eating' mode -- getting absolutely zero enjoyment out of what they're eating -- seems so contrary to what I consider to be the true spirit of Wiener and Still Champion.

While I understand your point, i think this is a little like saying that someone doing a "speed ascent" of Everest is not getting the most out of the experience because he doesn't take the time to enjoy the view. I suppose enjoyment is a relative term.

There is certainly something about this competition that's revolting (literally, as in the manually suppressed "reversal of fortune"), but on the other hand, it's the only competitive sporting event that I pay any attention to and it is, certainly, an effective marketing tool for WaSC. As I am myself what I like to think of as an effective marketing tool, I don't have any problem with that, and in the increasingly competitive hamburger landscape, a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do. As ronnie sez, though, there's a lot of fine chow at WaSC that you don't have to eat like a starving wolf.

Suggestion: I noticed the winning contestant regularly throwing back of the head to clear the tubes for more burger. I'd recommend eating from a standing position, the better to execute the Kobayashi Quiver.

ronnie_suburban wrote:Watching those guys in 'competitive eating' mode -- getting absolutely zero enjoyment out of what they're eating -- seems so contrary to what I consider to be the true spirit of Wiener and Still Champion. This is a place that distinguishes itself through the care and quality of the food it serves -- both of which seem completely irrelevant to these guys.

I agree with this completely. FWIW, I've seen a number of other guys eat the Triple Undisputed - not like the professional speed-eaters in the video - who've been trying to eat it quickly, usually in the 10 - 15 minute range - who do actually savor the flavors as they wolf it down.

I'm suspecting there might be a video up on these types in the next week or two. (Yeah, I'm having fun with my video editing software.)

David Hammond wrote:. . . but on the other hand, it's the only competitive sporting event that I pay any attention to and it is, certainly, an effective marketing tool for WaSC. As I am myself what I like to think of as an effective marketing tool, I don't have any problem with that, and in the increasingly competitive hamburger landscape, a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do.

Yeah, too bad being great at what one does -- as Gus is -- isn't enough.

=R=

I can't decide if I'm more disturbed by watching him house that burger, or at how excited I got when I recognized the Mexican Cheerleader shirt he's wearing.

More on topic, I see the National Corndog Day countdown clock on the WASC site. Will there be similar discounts/festivities as last year? I wasn't able to make it in the past but I wouldn't mind an excuse to make the hike up to Evanston for a dipping dog.

My friend Steve decided to take the plunge and try to eat the 911 last night. The amateur record was around 11 minutes, so that was his goal. Happy to report that he pulled it off in just under 11 minutes. Gus and I were taking pictures, and I will post a few of mine on here soon. A customer came in and looked over in quiet astonishment as Steve was just digging in. "Just a snack," I told him as he was looking our way. Amazingly (to me at least), he never said a word to us, as if a 3 pound burger was no big deal.

Ronnie - My friend agrees with you that competitive eating takes all the fun out of eating. He did this challenge for other reasons, and actually took as much time as he could to enjoy it (if that's possible) but still wanting to beat the 11 minute mark.

Thanks to Gus and his grill guy for a fun time last night. Definitely worth the trip to Evanston, one of the best in Chicagoland.

This year I decided to defy our long-standing tradition of ignoring Valentine's Day by arranging a romantic lunch at WASC. Gus was very accommodating and seemed amused by the themed tablecloth, napkins, and votive candles I dropped off. We arrived today to find our usual table nicely appointed. I took some pics of that (but not of the food, I have never been able to restrain myself from falling face-first into my cheddarburger).

That's adorable!

Long overdue, i took my first visit here last night prior to the Cracker (acoustic) concert at SPACE.


Wow, thats an outstanding burger. Merkts cheddar is likely what god puts on all His sandwiches

skess wrote:More on topic, I see the National Corndog Day countdown clock on the WASC site. Will there be similar discounts/festivities as last year? I wasn't able to make it in the past but I wouldn't mind an excuse to make the hike up to Evanston for a dipping dog.

Yes we're doing the National Corndog day event but I would not recommend coming that day. It gets crowded, no seats, long lines.

ronnie_suburban wrote:Watching those guys in 'competitive eating' mode -- getting absolutely zero enjoyment out of what they're eating

FWIW after they ate the 911s, they did eat their jumbo chili cheese fries , country fried bacon and country fried gyro at a normal pace and they did seem to enjoy it

gp60004 wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:Watching those guys in 'competitive eating' mode -- getting absolutely zero enjoyment out of what they're eating

FWIW after they ate the 911s, they did eat their jumbo chili cheese fries , country fried bacon and country fried gyro at a normal pace and they did seem to enjoy it

Now, that is impressive.

=R=

I brought two of my coworkers over to Wiener and Still Champion yesterday for their first experience and had a hell of a meal, including a few off-menu items.

First, the fried goodies:

fried jalapenos @ wiener and still champion


chili bombs @ wiener and still champion



fried gyros @ wiener and still champion


dipping dog + big dipper @ wiener and still champion


Not pictured: fried pickles and a half dozen dipping sauces. Beth had never had the chili bombs before, and she's hooked -- they've replaced the standard dipping dog as her favorite item on the menu. I've had the fried jalapenos twice now and they continue to impress me. They're great on their own, but I think they'd be outstanding on a burger. One sad note: the big dipper (aka the Ed Fisher) pictured above may be the last one Gus sells... his supplier has stopped making the polish sausage he uses for it

And now two items that were new to me:

argentine steak sandwich @ wiener and still champion


luther burger @ wiener and still champion



The argentine steak sandwich is really great. The chimichurri and gus's marinade are really fabulous. The luther burger is a work in progress, and it's an interesting sandwich. I actually liked it a lot, but it feels very much like a breakfast burger, sort of like a McGriddle. One of my coworkers thinks he'd prefer to have the doughnut-bun ungrilled, but I'm not so sure.. I think it might throw the balance even more to the sweet side. I think this might be an ideal burger to try the fried jalapenos on, and it might be a great burger to put a fried egg on.

In any case, we had a great time and Wiener and Still Champion has two new big, big fans.

nice report and pics gleam,

the argentine steak sandwich looks really good, and may require me to make my first trip to this place someday.

gotta be honest, none of the other items pictured really do alot for me though, especailly that donut sandwich & deep fried gyros.

jimswside wrote:nice report and pics gleam,

the argentine steak sandwich looks really good, and may require me to make my first trip to this place someday.

gotta be honest, none of the other items pictured really do alot for me though, especailly that donut sandwich & deep fried gyros.

If you do go and want the argentine sandwich, give gus/gp60004 a heads up a few days in advance, so he can get and marinate the meat.

gleam wrote:
If you do go and want the argentine sandwich, give gus/gp60004 a heads up a few days in advance, so he can get and marinate the meat.

thanks for that tip, it looks perfectly cooked & delicious.

jimswside wrote:gotta be honest, none of the other items pictured really do alot for me though, especailly that donut sandwich & deep fried gyros.

There's a write-up of Gus' Luther Burger from two years ago starting here.

nr706 wrote:

jimswside wrote:gotta be honest, none of the other items pictured really do alot for me though, especailly that donut sandwich & deep fried gyros.

There's a write-up of Gus' Luther Burger from two years ago starting here.

for sure the burgers this place produce have long tempted mne to shlep up there.

just saying the deep fried stuff wasnt blowing my mind

Yes, On the steak sandwich its best to let me know ahead of time.

Also, I am doing a new dippin sauce every week. So when it's all said and done, 52 different sauces by years end. This weeks sauce is BLT.

gleam wrote:The argentine steak sandwich is really great. The chimichurri and gus's marinade are really fabulous.

I popped in to WaSC today for lunch and lucked into Gus's Argentine steak sandwich. Tasty, properly cooked steak and an excellent chimichurri. Came with lettuce, tomato, and diced onions as well. This was a very good sandwich. Next time, I might ask to have the onions grilled, or maybe have a slice of cheese added.

gp60004 wrote:Also, I am doing a new dippin sauce every week. So when it's all said and done, 52 different sauces by years end. This weeks sauce is BLT.

The perfectly crispy fries and creative dipping sauces remain WaSC's featured attractions for me. The BLT sauce tastes like a BLT, with mayo, without the bread, spun through a blender. Really fantastic condiment. Get it while you can.

I've been there several times now, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why there isn't a line out the door. Keep up the good work, Gus.

--Rich

Playn around with youtube. Here is a Vid of Ram4's friend Steve eyeing the 3lb Burger.

From today's Roadfood Newsletter:

"Note from the world of hot dogs: Chicagoans seeking a place to celebrate National Corndog Day (3/20/10) should check out Evanston's Wiener and Still Champion (http://www.wienerandstillchampion.com) which will be serving Dippin' Dogs for $1.25 each all day."

Your never too young for french fries

gp60004 wrote:Your never too young for french fries

. . . nor too old!

Had some tremendous food at WaSC last week . . .


Chorizo Bombs
New item, which is kind of a riff on the Chili Bombs (pictured upthread). These batter-encased nuggets of chorizo and cheese were very tasty, though I think I like the chili bombs better because of the way the chili and the corn batter go together.



Double Cheddar Burger with Fries
Simply outstanding char-burger topped with a battered and deep-fried slice of Canadian Bacon. The burger had a beautiful crispy char on the outside but was still nicely pink inside. The fries were phenomenal as always and I could barely stop eating them long after I was full. I liked the experimental Canadian Bacon topping but really didn't think the burger needed it, though it was a fun and tasty bit of excess. I appreciated Gus putting a second piece in the basket, just so we could taste it unadorned.

Great food, as always!

=R=

Man, I wish I lived closer to Evanston

The original plan for today was for my friends to meet me downtown after work, and we'd pile into my car and head over to Kuma's for lunch - I was feeling the itch after not having ventured there for almost a year and a half.

Upon being told there was a 2-1/2 hour wait for a table for five, I quickly conjured up a Plan B. I called WaSC to make sure they'd still be open for their abbreviated holiday by the time we made it up to Evanston. They would be, so off we went.

My wife and I were the only ones familiar with Gus' body of work, so I helped guide my friends into an afternoon of deep-fried wonderment. The Mrs. and I went with Dippin' Dogs, I ordered pickle chips and Chili Bombs for us to all share, and it brought a tear of joy to my eye to see a friend of mine who was an avowed vegetarian two years ago make his way to the counter and order up a Bacon Dog.

My wife got her dog with her standby, the magnificent Garlic Aioli, which I think would also make a great skin conditioner, and a possible aphrodisiac when dabbed behind the ears. I channeled my innermost patriot and ordered the 4th of July Sauce, which Gus somehow managed to put in the cup in red, white, and blue (-ish) stripes. We all curiously sampled the blue, which was a tasty sweet and savory combo that none of us could put our fingers on. I then followed the instructions to combine it all together, and the combo was fantastic on the end of my dog.

The end result of the afternoon: 5 souls deeply satisfied (and somewhat bloated), 3 new converts to Gus' magical command of the deep fryer (as one of my friends put it: "My life is now divided into my time before Chili Bombs, and my time after Chili Bombs"), and the revelation that a blueberry-onion-balsamic reduction, ketchup, and garlic aioli on the end of the corn dog can blow one's mind. So long as Gus' place is open, Kuma's can wait for another day.

Also wanted to take a moment to congratulate Gus on his 5th anniversary of taking the helm at WaSC, and making it what it is.

I went to WaSC last night to get a couple of hot dogs and say hi to Gus. Much to my delight it was also Wiener Wednesday, where a hot dog and fries costs $1.50 after 3:00. The hot dogs were perfect, nice and hot with a little snap, the buns were steamed right, and the fries were on the crispy side like I asked for. And to top it all off, Gus now has the robot from Lost in Space cooling the restaurant on these hot and humid summer days!

It's been a while since I've been to WaSC, so I stopped in today for lunch. My cheeseburger and fries were their normal delicious selves. I passed on any deep fried items (except the fries) but I did try the chili garlic dipping sauce, which seemed to be a combination of ketchup and sriracha with maybe some extra garlic. I really liked this sauce quite a bit and prefer it to some of the other mayo-based sauces that Gus offers.

WaSC is still firing on all cylinders and turning out one of the best burgers on the north side. It was good to see a steady stream of customers there today.

stevez wrote:It's been a while since I've been to WaSC, so I stopped in today for lunch. My cheeseburger and fries were their normal delicious selves.
....
WaSC is still firing on all cylinders and turning out one of the best burgers on the north side. It was good to see a steady stream of customers there today.

Hadnt been in a little while either - but made it there twice in the past week. I agree with Steve, the cheeseburger and fries remain terrific.. there are several terrific options in Evanston, but Id still say they remain the best in town.

I did try a couple of the fried items - my first-ever shot at the deep-fried-gyros, which were quite excellent! They were good by themselves, but were greatly enhanced by dipping in the Mediterranean Sauce they came with. Its going to be a very difficult call between the deep-fried-gyros and the country-fried-bacon - theyre both terrifically good.

Also, Gus was kind enough to add on a couple of samples of "new stuff" that he's working on - with a bbq theme There were deep-fried-bbqbeans (as in the bbq side), which were decent. There was also deep-fried-pulled-pork, which I liked a lot. (Like good bbq, it didnt even need the sauce on the side much There are so many awesome deep-fried items on the menu now... but really, the cheeseburger-and-fries by themselves are always hard to resist.

c8w