• Sandwich Sports

The legend of Joey Chestnut continues to grow as he claimed his 14th Nathan's Hotdog Eating Championship last weekend by eating 76 Hotdogs and Buns in 10 minutes.  He broke his previous World Record of 75 in a unparalleled display of sandwich eating dominance. 

The next closest competitor was Geoffrey Esper in 2nd place, finishing with an impressive total of 50 Hotdogs and Buns.  However, we feel it's fair to say that Chestnut blew away his competition and it wasn't even close.  In the world of Competive Eating, we may never see this level of excellence again, so we should enjoy it while we can.

Currently, Joey Chestnut holds 46 World Records in 46 different disciplines, which is a World Record for World Records.¹  In order to fully understand the Chestnut phenomenon, we have to take a look at his current slate of achievements.

Joey Chestnut's List of World Records¹

• Sandwich Sports
• Sports Rank

In celebration of the 4th of July and the 245th Birthday of America, we have created a list honoring the last 50 plus years of Nathan's World Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. 

Over the last week, we have been searching for an easy-to-read list of previous contest winners to no avail, so we decided to create our own.

All-Time List of Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Champions

• Sandwich Sports

Joey Chestnut, the reigning champ of Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, broke his own world record by swallowing 76 hotdogs and buns in 10 minutes.  In an incredible display of eating skill, Chestnut won 2021's Eating Contest with exceptional ease, as the 2nd place contestant finished with 50 hotdogs, followed by the 3rd place finisher with 44.  It was one of the most lopsided victories in the history of any sport.  

In the other Main Event, Michelle Lesco, currently ranked ninth overall, was named the Women's Champion after eating 30 and 3/4 hotdogs and buns. 

A Hotdog Eating Dynasty

Chestnut, who won his first Nathan's Hot Dog competition in 2007, has been crowned champion 14 of the past 15 years.  It's an unfathomable feat in the world of competitive eating, where preperation and health are the keys to victory.  Including this current record-breaking performance, Joey Chestnut has broken his own Hot Dog Eating World Record 8 times.

Legend Becomes Commentator

Miki Sudo, the winner of Nathan's last seven Women's competitions, did not compete this year as she's expecting her first child later this month.  Sudo, who set the women's record in 2020 when she ate 48.5 hot dogs and buns, will still attend the festivities by doing commentary for ESPN sports. 

Held every July 4th in Coney Island (Brooklyn, New York City), this year's men and women's events were televised on ESPN and ESPN3, respectively. 

As always, it must be noted that only entrants currently under contract by MLE (Major League Eating) can compete in the contest.

• Sandwich Holidays

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) designates July as National Hot Dog Month.  There are many promotions for hot dog give-aways and two for one specials that month.  

When Is National Hot Dog Month?  

Sometimes it is difficult to remember this special Sandwich Holiday, so we have created a table that lists every National Hot Dog Month for the next 25 years!  

National Dog Month Dates (for the next 25 years)

• Sandwich Rock
• Profile

We have been trying to figure out the meaning of Tanita Tikaram's song, Hot Pork Sandwiches, for a while now.  Is she cooking the sandwiches?  Or is it an analogy for something else?  We were hoping that by analyzing the song further, it would gives us some clues.

Who are Sandwiches For?

In the chorus, she sings the line, "Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?"  It's clear that she talking to someone, maybe a small gathering at her home with family or friends.  Then again, it might be an outdoor patio barbecue, or even the yearly family picnic. Wherever it may be, it must be a group setting, that much is clear.  

On the other hand, maybe she was cooking for herself, made too many, and now she's trying to give them away to random strangers on the street.  However, that part is unlikely.  In any event, it would really help to know who the Hot Pork Sandwiches are for, since it would help us interpret the song so much better.  So many questions and so few answers.

Hot Pork Sandwiches

One thing is certain, this is one of our Top 5 Favorite Sandwich Songs.  It's one of those songs we can play over and over, and not get bored.  Have a listen to it below.

Tanita Tikaram and Hot Pork Sandwiches (1990)



The Lyrics

Here are the lyrics to the song:

We don't talk about our better selves
As it is, I survive and survive so well

Yes, why'know it, hovering on the edge of life is so exciting
Baby, you can take me home
Because dinner is, dinner served alone

Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

And in the darkness of the avenue
Boys in sharp suits and smiles
Girls with their recipe for romance
Are wide-eyed to the child

And as the stars shine brightly over them
Love will blossom once again
It's hot, got that sizzle
It's sizzle, sizzle, sizzle 'til then

Taking home new apprentice
Clearer bubble always very hard to do
Because dinner is, dinner served for two

Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

Now, who wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

And every mother, father and son
Chant little lullaby
For one and all to see
What life should be

Waiting for the chance to hear your life has changed
When baby you can take me home
Because dinner is, dinner served alone

Now I wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled

Now, I wants hot pork sandwiches?
Wrapped in foil
Corners are laced with gristle
I trust it's been freshly boiled
Yes, I trust it's been freshly boiled, boiled