This past weekend , we threw the most epic summer grillroom - off in recent Chicago memory . Maybe you were there . predict Taste of Summer , it have an open - flame rival from seven of the Windy City ’s top grill chow slingers unfurling everything from Korean BBQ steak to a whole freaking roast pig . Not to refer live music from Lowdown Brass Band , a professional arm wrestler , and perhaps the craziest laden child creation in the history of mankind . And we ’re here to give you the Cliff Notes on just how spectacular this throwdown was .
First off , we invited 7 of the finest grill maestro in the city to prepare up 8 of their finest dishes for us , so you better consider we also take a pro photog with us to beguile it . banquet your eyes :
The Fear No Fries Station
Oh , and did we mention the most bonkers loaded tike place in recorded human chronicle ? Because at the Tums “ Fear No Fries ” place , there was totally that too .
Toppings included Francis Bacon , caramelize onions , jalapenos , shredded cheddar , chili , and nacho cheese , plus condiments such as catsup , earthnut aioli sauce , spread , sullen cream , and Sriracha cetchup . Ca n’t decide ? How about ALL OF THEM ? ? ? We did it , and lived to secernate ( while encountering great deal of jealous feeling along the way ) . earnestly face at that affair up there .
The Secret to Arm Wrestling Expertise
And because no party is perfect without a professional subdivision wrestler ( or at least the form of party we shake off ) , we tree 6 - foot-2 in , 285 - pound pro branch wrestler Kent Damore ( ranked # 1 in the Midwest ) to get the lowdown on the play . After hold him onOver the Topstyle , of course . Here ’s what we see :
1 . It ’s not always the biggest fashion plate who are the best arm matman . It ’s all about articulatio radiocarpea strength , lightsomeness , and technique . Damore , for lesson , does n’t work bench press ( although you would n’t be intimate it by looking at him . )
2 . It ’s not all about dominating your antagonist into submission ( although that is part of the fun , Damore admits ) . The good part of the gig , for him , is the camaraderie with the guy rope . “ You detest a guy for 30 secondment ” during the match ( and yes , there is often “ a stack of trash talk on the mesa ” ) , he say , but then you ’ll get drinks with your opponent after and talk about what you did right or wrong .
3 . It ’s not as bare as just pushing down your opponent ’s arm . Although arm wrestling may see like just the same thing over and over again , there are in fact dozen of subtle proficiency and move best utilized depending on your opponent and specialty . ( Damore ’s favorite , for example , is something called “ The Crunch ” , which we did n’t really feel like seeing a demo of , at least not on us . )
4 . There is no one master tip to winning at weapon system wrestling . alternatively , it ’s about endurance , “ being very creative ” and use subtle , Bromus secalinus - like moves and counter moves . Damore does have one simple crown for newbies , however . “ Remember to breathe , ” he says . “ A lot of people forget to breathe when they ’re arm wrestling . ”
And to top it off , this party posted some seriously strike stats . Check it :
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
And what ’s a party without the mass ? punctuate our speech : grill party citizenry are the best kind of party people . It ’s the thoroughgoing mixture between raucous tailgaters and friendly backyard grillers . Here ’s a selection of our favorite pics :
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
Thrillist/Colleen Durkin
