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Scarf, but don’t barf prime rib contest in Irvine
June 16th, 2009, 12:06 pm · 15 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Gulliver’s Restaurant in Irvine is hosting a Prime Rib Eating Contest on Wednesday night. For $29, the challenge is to scarf as much as you can in 30 minutes without vomiting!
The competition starts at 6:30 p.m. with a 32-ounce boneless prime rib.
“If a contestant throws up or regurgitates, he or she will automatically be disqualified.”
Gulliver’s, which has been around for 39 years, slow-cooks its prime rib for four to five hours prior to serving it.
Arnold Lim, manager at Gulliver’s, said 20 people are already signed up for the contest, and he’s looking for more.
Just remember: “No barfing,” he said.
Lim said most regulars can eat a 32-ounce prime rib in 15 minutes. He expects the winner to “down at least two or more” servings during the contest.
Normally, the restaurant sells a 16-ounce prime rib for $28.95. So, being a contestant — you’re actually getting a better deal, joked Lim, who came up with the idea for the prime rib eating contest.
So what do you get if you win?
1st place: $400 cash, overnight stay at Radisson Newport Beach Hotel, two Angels tickets and dinner for two at Gulliver’s.
2nd place: $200 cash and gift card for Burke Williams
3rd place: $100 cash and two Angels tickets.
Think you’re up for the challenge?
If so, competitors must be 18 years old or older, and must register with the restaurant prior to the competition. Lim said he has room for about 10 to 15 more contestants. For more contest details, go here.
Gulliver’s is at 18482 MacArthur Blvd. in Irvine. Phone: 949-833-8411. More O.C. dining information can be found at restaurant listings.
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Will there be a corkage fee? I’ll have two helpings, but I need my Zin to wash it down…
I hear that Kevin!!!
There’s something about combining quantity and quality that seems wrong. Fine dining should be an experience and not a competition to see how much and how fast someone can eat.
Last time I was at Gullivers (a few years ago), it was the comically bad. One of the worst dining experience I’ve ever had.
Gullivers is a low low rent version of Five Crowns. Nasty sloppy.
All you can eat cheap beef is absolutely Gulliver’s style.
If you want that sort of faux British environment, drive the extra 10 minutes to Five Crowns. Their prime Rib is much better meat, all their sides are dramatically better, the staff costumes, the interior, the seating (try the side by side booths), the training, the garden, the waiting area, it all blows away Gullivers.
Only downside to Five Crowns is the parking. I hate valet, and the street is sometimes full.
Sorry you did not enjoy it. Tell the owner, he can fix it. I and my family have been having monthly lunches there for over 20 years.
I have also eaten many times at Five Crowns both are equal however Gullivers has a more relaxed feel and Five Crowns never really has any good seating.
I also think the bar at Gullivers is nicer.
I think your casual comfort at Gulliver’s, and regular patronage has blinded you to the decline. I’ve been to Guliiver’s several times in the past 25 years, and it’s been a steady decline in the atmosphere and food.
It was never “great” food, but now it’s a sloppy theme restaurant that lives on airport traffic, local business customers (of which there are fewer now because of the exodus south) and friendly past clients (nostalgia). Sorry.
Every year for my dad’s birthday he always requested we take him to Gulliver’s. I always thought it was the prime rib. Then I caught the ‘ol man checking out the waitresses outfits and it all made sense. We all did still enjoy the dinners, especially the mashed potatoes.
G. thinks so highly of their cooking that they’d knowingly serve food wiith the expectation that some of it will be regurgitated.
Stay Classy!
I’m ready, no knives or forks, just bare hands.
My husband is challenging me to do it. I think I will. I haven’t eaten anything today, maybe i’ll go there really hungry and scarf the whole thing down. I could use an extra $400.00…..LOL
Thinking of prime rib makes me hungry for some! I love Five Crowns, never been to Gulliver’s but I think it’s worth a shot. I used to go to Five Crowns every year for my hubby’s birthday but he stopped requesting it when their prices went up.
Is the register going to post the video/pictures of the event last night? I know someone was covering it for the register.
Yes, Craig. We have video. Will post soon..It’s being edited…I have not seen it yet, but I hear it is pretty good.
wish i would have know of this earlier. i guess thats what happens when i miss out on reading the Maven’s blog for one day.
Actually, you should have red wine with red meat - I suggest a nice pinot noir or a merlot