Man vs. Food is recording at Steve's Gyros and the Westside Market in Cleveland today. update Man vs. Food is recording at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on February 25.

February 24, 2010 at 12:40 pm by ojrifkin · More posts about:Cleveland, Man vs. Food | Permalink * Comments (58)

58 Comments »

  1. Erik the Red said (Registered January 9, 2006)

    February 24, 2010 @ 8:06 pm

    OJ- why do you continue with such a focus on Man v. Food? It really is curious to me. I think that most people who visit the site would agree that way too much attention is given to this TV show that is not about competitive eating. I realize there are food challenges on the show, but no one here really cares to read about or comment on a TV show that no one has any involvement with. I think the topics most people want to read about and comment about are ones that relate to eating contests, eaters, and events that we can be involved in as eaters or fans. Over 200 posts about M v. F in the last two years is just a waste of your time here in my opinion; I gloss over every one. I appreaciate your efforts to follow CE but this topic is the only one that really just annoys me.

  2. Anonymous said

    February 24, 2010 @ 10:47 pm

    I love Man vs Food! Keep posting about it OJ.

  3. beautifulbrian said

    February 25, 2010 @ 2:19 am

    Erik although i rarely comment on here like i used to due to the NOT WANTED vibes i have recieved in the past and present, i agree with you 100% . What is your fixation with man vs food?. After viewing George and Rich Shea on Man vs Food in Miami you really have to wonder what the hell is going on .There must be a connection somewhere . It is a total waste of time hyping and promoting a fat idiot like Adam Richman and his lame attempts at eating challenges. As a comparison i viewed a youtube video of Jerry Lee Lewis doing some wild shit with the piano singing “whole lotta shakin goin on” back in the day which prompted a comment from a viewer. “Now thats the f@@n king of rock and roll, Same applies to Furious Pete after he completed the eagle diner challenge a youtube comment appeared. “Now thats man vs food” . As Erik stated, we have no involvement in the show so who cares? We can cook up the same shit Richman is eating and eat it ourselves. Whats the big freakin deal? . This statement should also apply to other eaters such as myself that have been shut out or blackballed from the media in favor of several others that have appeared on a consistent basis. I realize im straying off topic and i dont intend to engage in a debate between myself and a bunch of anonymous assholes that cant wait to get their digs in me for leaving this comment , but man vs food gets enough hype through their own sponsors unless OJ RIfkin is getting a piece of the action which is the only logical choice one would assume. If that is not the case then he is either a fool or more of an ass kissing asshole than i thought he was. On another note i just want to say one thing to you OJ Rifkin. During the first 4yrs of your site’s existence you spent the majority of the time hyping my website and kept up to date with my updates. Just look at the archives through the years if any of you dont believe me. I have to admit it was greatly appreciated . Your decision to drop it like a hot potato was out of spite and bitterness because i was displeased with some of the nasty comments about me that were allowed to appear on this site. Fans of this site that stress the fact that i owe you an apology for referring to it as eatfeces , should realize that even if i refrained from using that name ever again, it wouldnt change things one bit. You are set in your ways and refuse to let bygones be bygones. Its ok OJ you are doing a fine job. See if you could find another restaurant in Bismark ND that is sponsoring another 6lb burger challenge offering a tea shirt to the first lucky patron that finishes it within an hour or the next 20 remotes that adam richman has planned for in the U,S, or foreign soil such as Japan, Thailand and Israel. That truly warms my heart that someone other than myself thinks your hype of Man vs Food is pointless and unentertaining ,. Thank you Erik

  4. anonymous said

    February 25, 2010 @ 5:58 am

    I beg to differ with the above comments. Man vs food is still about eating and that is why it is on this site. There is not much news to report about actual contests right now, so whats wrong with what is posted? If you don’t like it, then do not read it. Adam Richman does a great job. His personality fits the show and it is safe to say that most pro eaters would not be able to draw the attention he does. Keep posting OJ – it is your site!

  5. A-Bomb said (Registered May 7, 2009)

    February 25, 2010 @ 7:49 am

    Erik, you said “OJ- why do you continue with such a focus on Man v. Food? It really is curious to me.” Uh, maybe because OJ wants to post about it. Here’s a simple solution for you & Brian – don’t read about it.

    You also said people want to read about “events that we can be involved in as eaters or fans.” Man v Food is an event and people that watch are fans of it, so according to your criteria it should be on this site. And Man v Food postings might bring more people into this side show or whatever. Is that a bad thing?

    Guys, get over it or shut your pie holes.

  6. SPBBBBMBBB said

    February 25, 2010 @ 7:54 am

    I think Man VS Food actually helps give CE, eating contests, etc., and gets us more fans, and overall interest. However, I’d like to see him incorporate more CE personalities into the different areas shows. Wouldn’t it be cool to have “Man VS Food VS Eaters”?

  7. A-Bomb said (Registered May 7, 2009)

    February 25, 2010 @ 8:22 am

    That “pie hole” part is my opinion. Just as Erik posted is his opinion, and Brian too. And just as OJ can posted whatever OJ wants to post on a site run by — shocker — OJ Rifkin. Not run by Erik. Not run by Brian.

  8. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    February 25, 2010 @ 9:00 am

    If this were my site I wouldn’t hype Man vs Food at all. But freedom of choice is each person’s right.

    When I see the words, Man vs Food, I just glance at the thread topic to get the gist of it and move on. I doubt I burn even one calorie or spend more than a few seconds doing that.

  9. beautifulbrian said

    February 25, 2010 @ 10:29 am

    it really boils down to involvement more than anything else or at least thats how i feel. If i was part of the show or maybe contacted by sponosrs to participate in some aspect i might feel different. And if anyone should be bitter its me, for i auditoned for the show . Expect the next post to read from of course “anonymous” “Well Brian i auditioned for the show i didnt get the part and im not bitter”. Well thats all fine and dandy for you but you know what who the f— cares. If you enjoy going through the rest of your life taking rejection in stride with “its all good” attitude then to each his own. From a personal standpoint i think people who accept that stance are fools. Im not like that. Just like Joey or Sonya who sometimes pout when they lose, the same applies to me ,. I dont enjoy being rejected. . Remember if we are not involved then who cares. Of course most of you will refer to me as bitter, selfish but thats how i feel. I know some of you engage in that sportsmanlike attidude rooting for the other party rah rah rah sort of thing but after awhile it gets played out and its human nature for someone to think Hey what have you done for me lately? Well you know what has been done for me lately? Sh—-. Shhh on rye to sound more appetizing. Erik more power to you. Continue to speak your mind , Maybe others should start doing the same but it would sure sound better if you started with your real identity.

  10. Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)

    February 25, 2010 @ 12:41 pm

    Erik is able to speak his mind without putting others down in the process. He didn’t resort to name-calling. He projects a mature attitude, and he is very welcome here.

    Uh, I mean, I’m sure OJ feels that way, whoever he or she is.

  11. Mega Munch said

    February 25, 2010 @ 1:04 pm

    I agree that there are a lot of Man v Food updates on here (maybe too many), but I disagree that the show isn’t relevant to the Eat Feats mission, which is to report anything and everything happening in the world of competitive eating and eating challenges. The eating challenges news, which Man v. Food certainly fits into, is my favorite part of Eat Feats.

  12. Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)

    February 25, 2010 @ 3:50 pm

    It might just seem like it’s alot, because it’s the only consistent thing happening in CE right now. It’s certainly newsworthy for CE although I havent watched the show regularly. I actually read OJ’s articles about the shows, more than the shows themselves.

    What I do notice is that non-eaters LOVE MvF and I think it is an important vehicle for normalizing what we do and making us less sideshow. In the end it will cause more of the food industry to offer challenges, and in turn possibly be interested in putting up money for a real competition. Seeing that the Sheas were involved in the live event gives me confidence that they are aware of this and I’m sure they will surprise us with something in the future.

    I find myself getting twinges of jealousy when I watch the show. I wonder how I would approach the food and if I could say things as funny and mug for the camera like Adam Richman. In the end I think the success of the show is that he’s very likable and is identifiable as a ‘New York Character’.

    Adding to Adams challenge is that he has to stop every few minutes and update the viewers and talk about what’s going on with his body. I’m sure this makes alot of the challenges harder, especially when he has to interupt the valuable first few minutes. I think it’s important that he not always be able to complete the task.

    I think BB can feel good about himself that he tried out for this gig. I wish I had the balls to look into it back when they announced it.

  13. beautifulbrian said

    February 25, 2010 @ 4:51 pm

    Excuse me Rhonda for resorting to name calling. I didnt know there was a watch your language sign on this site before entering. Notice i did use the censor key on my keypad so as to not frighten or deter future fans of this magnificent site from coming back. I have no complaints with the casting director. They were very courteous made you feel at home and provided loads of refreshments in the waiting room before the audition. I realize i way over my head going up against seasonsed pros in the broadcasting booth but i gave it my best shot. Lets give a big shout out to my main man EL Toro who used his sharp pointed fangs to capture the gummy bear title yesterday morning . Watch the video on BB.com

  14. "Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)

    February 25, 2010 @ 8:16 pm

    “McFly”, the last time I checked a good portion of this website has eating challenges. I said ,first and foremost, that the Shea’s being part of the Mvf superbowl steak eat was suspect but don’t act like a food challenge series does not have any props on this site.

  15. anonmyous said

    February 25, 2010 @ 9:33 pm

    Sheas being part of the MVF suspect? They have been part of it since the show aired. Wake up and smell the coffee. They cannot stop anyone from doing challenges any longer. IFOCE members are doing it . The chain reaction has finally begun.

  16. Gentleman Joe said (Registered December 8, 2005)

    February 25, 2010 @ 10:34 pm

    MvF is relevant because it is the consistent face of CE to the general public.

    When talking w/ fans in the past they would mention Kobayashi. Later on they might mention ‘that tiny asian girl’. These days they mention MvF.

    I’m sure the Shea’s hopped on because they realize this & want to co-opt it as they did Wing Bowl in the past.

  17. SPBBBBMBBB said

    February 26, 2010 @ 7:49 am

    Joe is right, and if I was the Sheas’s I’d do the same thing

  18. Mega Munch said

    February 26, 2010 @ 9:02 am

    Yeah, why were the Sheas a part of the MVF live episode??? What was in it for them? Did they get paid for their appearance? And if they got paid for their appearance, why did the producers go with the Sheas instead of countless other talking heads who could have done what they did (and not called me “Dan Shoffner”).

    You can’t say they were chosen because they have lots of TV experience and that they’re good at what they do, because if I’m being honest (sorry George and Rich), they don’t deliver the smoothest onscreen commentary (it seems a little contrived and jittery at times when they’re forced to go “off script”). It also seems like having some younger guys do the commentary (late 20s, early/mid 30s) would have been a better idea. I’m sure there are no shortage of aspiring comics who are comfortable performing under pressure would have done the job for free and been a lot more entertaining.

  19. "Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)

    February 26, 2010 @ 11:59 am

    I wonder which local eating challenge he will do?
    Steve’s gyros sucks, as compared to Gyro George (Harvard Ave.) or Best Steak and Gyros (18th and Euclid) and none of these places have a challenge.
    The Westside Market is awesome in its own right but no challenge there either.

  20. ojrifkin said (Registered July 27, 2005)

    February 26, 2010 @ 12:11 pm

    Melt’s grilled cheese challenge appears to be the NE Ohio challenge with the most publicity.

  21. Erik the Red said (Registered January 9, 2006)

    February 26, 2010 @ 12:48 pm

    It’s okay to disagree with me. My original comments really stemmed from the fact that hardly anyone ever comments on the M v F posts here – and comments on this site are really what gives it it’s luster and community feel. At least I am glad to start the conversation that looks like many have an opinion.

    I do agree with GJoe and Steak – M v F is very relevant to non-eaters. But there is just something that rubs me the wrong way. Probably there is some envy mixed with my feelings. But am I alone in thinking that M v F is stealing our audience not growing it? Richman has become one of the most well known eaters but he is not a competive eater and denounces the mention of it. The show is stealing an opportunity and a huge audience that should belong to an eating organization, eaters, or at least one eater – Richman does not fall in to or support any of those categories. I guess that makes me resent the attention it gets here a bit.

  22. Anonymous said

    February 26, 2010 @ 2:14 pm

    Besides Juliet and Ben Monson, who are the other contenders for rookie of the year ?

  23. "Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)

    February 26, 2010 @ 3:45 pm

    Melt does spend alot of dough on advertising but who the hell wants to eat 3.5 pounds of cheese?
    I’d like to see MVF do the Cleats challenge (5 pounds of stuff (beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, slaw, and onions) on a 2 pound loaf of italian bread) at least you win a $100 bottle of champagne instead of a t shirt at Melt.

  24. anonymous said

    February 26, 2010 @ 3:47 pm

    Megamunch why dont address all of those questions to the sheas in a nice email especially the part about getting paid. See if you get an answer. Oh you’ll get an answer all right about the time when hell freezes over. Your a riot alice a regular riot

  25. spraymucus said (Registered July 1, 2009)

    February 26, 2010 @ 5:41 pm

    Anonymous said
    February 26, 2010 @ 2:14 pm

    Besides Juliet and Ben Monson, who are the other contenders for rookie of the year ?

    ————

    juliet was a rookie in 07… wouldn’t matter, Monson is gonna get ROY with a bullet.

  26. beautifulbrian said

    February 26, 2010 @ 5:56 pm

    Erik is it ok to agree with you? You spent more time on that last post giving praise for those that disagree with you rather than the one person that did agree with you which is me

  27. Anonymous said

    February 26, 2010 @ 7:11 pm

    Just because you are jealous of Ben getting ROY you don’t have to shoot the guy. Shit!

  28. "Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)

    February 26, 2010 @ 8:04 pm

    I’m seeing some “abuse room” transfers in the near future.

  29. Ann said

    February 26, 2010 @ 9:49 pm

    I find that over time Rich is better at speaking than George.

    Rich doesn’t stumble with his words and George talks to much nonsense.Also George shakes alot

    Rich is the better speaker

  30. beautifulbrian said

    February 26, 2010 @ 9:55 pm

    This is my third post which is way over my usual limit posting on this website but you happened to catch me at a snowed in moment which alots me more free time than i usually have. On the MvF issue. I wont deny i watch the show from time to time and it only becomes entertaining when you are stuffing food in your face . Im sure when you rent a fitness cd you do more than just sit on the couch and watch it. On that note if you are watching MvF without a roast beef or burger in your hand , then what is the point of torturing yourself. Same applies when you are watching a porn flick. The show does have its moments but he is annoying to watch without food in hand especially when he tells some chick sitting at a table I think im in love with you

  31. Love the sheas said

    February 26, 2010 @ 10:26 pm

    George Shea is the best in the business. He has a touch of parkinson disease which he cant help . That might account for the trembling in his hand. Rich tries to come off as a parody of other sports announcers . Its obvious he spends time trying to perfect that image. George Shea also happens to ba or at least once was a very handsome man. When he did his thing in the late 1990’s with Nathans the women had a huge crush on him . The amazing thing about the sheas is that they never went to broadcasting school or took acting lessons. What you see is pure natural talent

  32. Ann said

    February 27, 2010 @ 8:55 am

    Thanks for clearing that up .I didn’t know George had this condition.They both do nice work.I just happen to think Rich is becoming the better announcer as time goes on.

    I like his introductions.There is a respect to the eaters .George is all over the place.

    Still nobody is better than this duo.Rich is just better of the Two in my opinion only.

  33. "Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)

    February 27, 2010 @ 10:19 am

    Yo BB, might I suggest snowman building or igloo construction. You are going bananas. Dont you EVER compare watching a mediocre show like MVF to the wonderful world of porn. Please?

  34. beautifulbrian said

    February 27, 2010 @ 11:40 am

    You need a member of the opposite sex (or same sex yuccch) by your side while watching a porn flick the same way you need food very close by while watching MVF. How can i build a snowman if i cant get out the door?

  35. "Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)

    February 27, 2010 @ 1:28 pm

    Who knows. This winter is fuckin depressing. My poor Acura is buried in 3 feet of snow. I cant even get mad at you Brian. Merry Christmas.

  36. Anonymous said

    February 27, 2010 @ 4:54 pm

    Rich is okay, but rather boring. George brings life and energy to a competitive eating event. I think he’s in a class by himself.

  37. anonymous said

    February 27, 2010 @ 5:59 pm

    Tiny needs to go on SPBBB Mad as hell tv asap.

  38. Picalo said

    February 27, 2010 @ 11:44 pm

    I agree with Ann.

    Rich is the better of the Two.George goes to far to the left.GOD and lucifer is getting old and they agree.

    George needs more poetry in motion.

  39. anonymous said

    February 28, 2010 @ 12:19 am

    SPECIAL BULLETIN GAVONNE WAS RELEASED FROM PRISON LAST MONTH WITHOUT JILL BEING MADE AWARE OF THIS. IF YOU GET ANY FACEBOOK FRIEND REQUESTS FROM FEMALES YOU NEVER HEARD OF DO NOT ACCEPT OR CONFIRM THEM AS A FRIEND. SOUNDS LIKE THE MOVIE CAPE FEAR

  40. Ann said

    February 28, 2010 @ 8:09 am

    Rich and George are still One and Two and nobody can top that

  41. Chief O'hara said

    February 28, 2010 @ 8:11 am

    Begora what is this world coming to? I think he escaped and took riddler penguin and joker with him to wreck havoc on gotham city. There is only one man that can handle this job . Get on the batphone immediately.

  42. SPBBBBMBBB said

    February 28, 2010 @ 8:37 am

    Erik, I see your point…but, the average person doesn’t even notice him saying “I’m not a competitive eater”. I get asked by lots of people if I’ve ever competed against him! Like I said before, I just wish he’d embrace CE, and have more of us on the show. I hope the Sheas suggested that to the producers when they made their Super Bowl appearance. What would be wrong with “Men VS Food”?

    As far as anyone saying George is nothing but great, they’re wrong! George is a crazed genius….Rich is simply clever. The lines may get old to us, but, most people haven’t heard them for 8 years like me, or other vets. I would like to hear more new lines, but if it’s works….don’t expect them to fix it!

  43. Ann said

    February 28, 2010 @ 11:38 am

    You are right Super Paul.Both are great at what they do.Rich is growing and getting better in the business of speaking.George has the lines memorized to a tee but could use a changeup.

  44. Anonymous said

    February 28, 2010 @ 4:53 pm

    Rich could use the changeup. Goerge is the master. Rich has a ways to go. George makes things exciting. Rich makes me yawn.

  45. "Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)

    February 28, 2010 @ 4:53 pm

    “Councler”

  46. beautifulbrian said

    February 28, 2010 @ 5:16 pm

    I think as a courtesy call the producers of Man vs Food should offer all the individuals that took time off from work to auditon for the show a guest spot in one or more of the episodes but then again none of them had the decency to call or email informing us as to who was chosen so its cpncievable not to expect much from any of them

  47. Mick said

    February 28, 2010 @ 7:47 pm

    I would like to see BB in a episode just to spice it up with Rich the Master announcing

  48. Anonymous said

    February 28, 2010 @ 7:56 pm

    If they allowed Juliet to compete on MvF she would steal the show, as the best female eater of all time. That’s opportunity knocking! No other woman can touch her!

  49. amanamoungus said

    March 1, 2010 @ 7:22 am

    Juliet would probably cheat on camera

  50. Cory said

    March 1, 2010 @ 8:16 am

    I dont think the show would allow floor debris.Sonya would be the logical fit.She has proven in every way.Juliet has yet to beat Sonya.

  51. Mega Munch said

    March 1, 2010 @ 9:28 am

    Wow, I didn’t know George had Parkinson’s. With that in mind, and so people don’t think I’m a total douche, when I said the Shea’s performances appeared “jittery at times” I didn’t mean physically. I think most people got that, but I just wanted to clear that up.

  52. anonymous said

    March 1, 2010 @ 10:38 am

    Mega if you check out old footage of George you can tell the difference .One hand seems to shake noticebly now . Nothing new he had it for some time maybe 8yrs possibly more?

  53. Picalo said

    March 1, 2010 @ 11:09 pm

    I would like to see a voters poll for best announcer

  54. "Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)

    March 2, 2010 @ 10:55 am

    Arnie!

  55. Mega Munch said

    March 2, 2010 @ 1:26 pm

    The best contest I ever saw announced also happened to be the first IFOCE contest I ever saw and it was also a rare two-emcee event.

    It was the Philips Seafood Crabcake Eating Contest in Baltimore in April 2006. Ryan Nerz was emceeing alongside Eddie Dunn. Ryan played the role of the typical outspoken IFOCE emcee (he’s always great) and Eddie, who actually used to be a performer in the comedy troupe, Upright Citizens Brigade, played the quiet type who parroted Ryan’s commentary in a way that’s hard to describe, but very funny and entertaining.

    Urban Honking (thanks Liz) had a good write up from the day: http://www.urbanhonking.com/digest/archives/2006/05/crab_cake_compe_1.html

    Here’s a little bit about Eddie Dunn, including a mention of his IFOCE stint: http://newyork.ucbtheatre.com/performers/2173

  56. Anonymous said

    March 2, 2010 @ 4:07 pm

    I remember that. Juliet kicked ass.

  57. Dumb said

    March 2, 2010 @ 4:49 pm

    Hey Anony 4:07 Juliet hadn’t even entered CE at that time. Sonya broke her 12 minute record of 41 in 12 minutes and ate 47 in 10 minutes in Balto that year.

  58. Anonymous said

    March 2, 2010 @ 6:08 pm

    I think you have it backwards. Your getting the too mixed up.

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