The Clinton Station Diner can be found at an Interstate off-ramp in rural New Jersey, near the Pennsylvania border. On a recent rainy day I ventured there because the 24-hour diner, which brews fresh coffee every 20 minutes, is also home of the Mt. Olympus: a 50-pound hamburger.
Yes, that's right: 50 pounds of beef on a homemade bun with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and more calories than you could ever imagine.
If five people can eat the burger in three hours or less it is free, plus the stuffed customers split a $1,000 prize. Otherwise, they have to pay the $159.95 bill.
Has anybody ever accomplished the feat?
"Not yet," said diner owner Mike Zambas. "They are trying though."
Having never participated in an eating contest or anything of the sort, I was not about to try this alone.
So I sought the advice of King George.
No, he isn't some British monarch; just a guy from Jersey who really likes food.
George Van Laar has always been a big eater. He blames it on his grandmother who used to always say: "'Come on Georgie, eat what's put in front of you.' And I always did."
But he didn't get into it "professionally" until a 1999 hot dog eating competition. After an epic battle of chewing, swallowing and trying to prevent regurgitation -- or "reversal of fortune" as it's called by those in the business -- Van Laar emerged a champion, winning a pair of World Series tickets.
The king was born.
He now shows up at events wearing a royal crown and occasionally a red cape.
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