On Monday night Josh, Danni, Art, and I headed up to Brooklyn Park for the Girvan Grille Ghost Wing Challenge tournament of champions. As you know we’ve been up there several times before to eat the ghost wings and have always enjoyed the restaurant, the staff, and especially these unique hot wings.

Last night was no different. Art, Josh and I hauled major ass fighting heavy Vikings related traffic and rain to make it to the front door of Girvan just before the event was to begin at 7. I had already asked Danni to make sure they didn’t start without us and as we arrived, to high-fives from the staff, they said that there was no way that they’d start without us :)

We sat down at a huge “U” shaped table as they rolled in carts filled with covered plates of wings. We were told to wait until the music started and then just go to town. After the initial shock of the music starting and something I’ve been waiting to do for weeks began, I made my way through my first plate of 10. As I made my way through the first plate, I was amazed that a Girvan staffer seated across from me was already moving for his third plate of 10. Figuring that there was no way I’d win it at that point, I slowed way down, switched gears, and just went after my goal of 20 in 10 minutes. As I was eating, Josh and Danni both finished up with 10 each. Art, however, was the best of the South Metro crew as he took down 22 of these bad boys. Not fucking bad for a bunch of never-have-beens ;-)

After I finished up (~8 minutes and 20 wings) my arms were tingling from my elbows up through my ring and pinky fingers. My lower jaw felt like it was vibrating/pulsating on high. I was sweating, pouring snot, and my face and lips were on fire. My head was spinning and the only thing I really remember was Art proclaiming, “I’m lightheaded!”

After waiting in line in the bathroom, I washed up and headed back to the table to watch the results count go down. The winner and runner up were 28 and 27 respectively. Quite a bit less than I expected based on how many plates they moved through but apparently not all of their wings were eaten to completion. The Girvan staff expected the winner to only eat 23 and being that Art was 4th with 22, apparently they underestimated the group they amassed.

After a few beers and a great Vikes/Packers game we headed home. Within a half hour I was on the floor, writhing in pain with serious stomach cramps that nearly caused me to pass out because the pain was so intense. After several glasses of milk I went back to bed only to find myself in a cold sweat, on the ground, wondering if I’d have to go to the ER. My wife ran a scalding bath that kept the pain at bay and let me sleep. After my wife asked if I was snoring, I went back to bed and was able to make it the rest of the night without any more issues. Fearing the worst that never came this morning I was really dreading the infamous “day two”. Thankfully the two mind numbing bouts the night before were all I really had.

Anyway, an absolutely amazing night and one that I am certain I will never do again (I will eat the wings but I will never, ever, do so competitively!) If you enjoy hot foods or even just great wings, I highly suggest you give the challenge a go. It’s a fun time and it brings together a great group of people for a really fun night.

Related posts:

1. Girvan Grille’s Ghost Wings: Brooklyn Park, MN
2. Ghost Wing Challenge Preparation: Grilled Hot Wings
3. Ghost Wing Challenge Prep, Babe’s: Lakeville, MN
4. Jen and Troy’s Wedding at Edinburgh USA: Brooklyn Park, MN
5. Park Tavern Lounge and Lanes: St. Louis Park, MN