With the popularity of Sean Evans’ online talk show Hot Ones, spicy sauces are more a part of the zeitgeist than ever. It’s the perfect time for the return of the TN Hot Sauce Expo on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, in East Park. The two-day expo will feature 40 of the top hot sauce manufacturers in the country, including some of the sauces featured on Hot Ones.
In addition to sampling scorching sauces, attendees will also be able to meet the personalities behind the brand — definitely a deranged bunch of purveyors who love to inflict pain on their customers. The centerpiece of the East Park layout will be The Stage of DOOM, where brave eaters will be able to take part in insane food challenges with names like "The Donuts of Death Challenge," "The Slaytanic Burrito Challenge" and my personal favorite, "The Hot Diggity Dog Ziggity Boom Challenge. "
The biggest, and possibly most damaging, challenge will be the attempt to break the Guinness record for eating the most Carolina Reaper peppers on Sunday at 4 p.m. The challenge offers a $1,000 prize and is sponsored by PuckerButt Pepper Company, founded by the man who developed the Carolina Reaper, Ed Currie. I interviewed Currie for a story a few years back, and that dude’s a little crazy, just like anyone who tries to break that record.
If you’re interested in entering any of the competitions, check out the full schedule and entry information at the festival website. In between challenges on the main stage, there will be wrestling matches (because of course there will be). Ticket packages range from $10 general admission to a $100 VIP level that includes open bar and all sorts of perks. Buy yours here.
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This coming Sunday, The Iberian Pig in the Gulch is offering an interesting alternative to watching the Titans potentially drop to 0-3 with the Rioja Wine Festival from 1 to 5 p.m. To celebrate the annual Rioja grape harvest, they’re throwing an unlimited food and drink party featuring wine, cocktails, charcuterie, tapas and more for just $75! If you don’t want to drink, you can still get all you can eat for $55.
There will also be live entertainment, as if all that food and drink isn’t entertaining enough. Grab your prepaid reservation in advance at the event website. Anybody want my tickets to the Packers game?
Finally, mark your calendar for the Third Annual Light the Morning Benefit Brunch on Friday at Sadie’s. The event will benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and feature a special meet-and-greet with longtime advocate Charles Esten. Say what you want about the effect that the ABC nighttime soap Nashville had on the community, but country music singer Esten has been a tireless advocate for the city ever since the show began airing way back in 2012. If there’s a ribbon to be cut or a cause that needs a celebrity backer, Esten is quick to show up, usually with guitar in hand!
The event includes an extensive Mediterranean brunch buffet plus inspirational stories from those affected by these insidious diseases. Tickets are $100 and are available via Open Table.
