Take on the Thurmanator

First, let me say that my food challenge was NOT 4/20 assisted. However, I like to be timely on my blog and recognize holidays with a related posts whenever possible. Even Senator Chuck Schumer recognized the unofficial American holiday of 4/20 on the Senate floor today (true story). If its good enough for Chuck, and as its 4:20pm on 4/20, I wanted to update everyone on last weekend’s attempt to take on the Thurmanator.

Before explaining the Thurmanator, I should probably provide some background on Thurman’s Cafe. In Columbus, Ohio, the “most iconic” restaurant comes down to an argument about 2-3 restaurants. However, no one argues that Thurman’s Cafe is definitely among the 2-3 in the argument. Thurman’s has been a huge part of the Columbus culinary experience since its opening in 1942. Its probably the most popular bar and restaurant in the German Village neighborhood. It’s a down to earth, throw back tavern that specializes in American food, particularly burgers. It can be a wait to get a table. But, when you do get the table, it’s always worth the wait

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Now, their most famous burger is the Thurmanator. The Thurmanator is about 3-4 pounds of burger overload. “Man v. Food” featured the Thurmanator food challenge on an episode in 2008. Well, if I am going to live in this area, seems like I should have the Thurmanator experience. So, for the benefit of my readers, I decided to take on the Thurmanator. I give you the Thurmanator…

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In summary, its about 3-4 pounds of food including burger, fries, and pickle spear. There are two 3/4 pound burger patties, a load of ham, bacon, eggs, lots of cheese, onions, and the usual burger toppings. The challenge has no time limit. To succeed, you are simply required to eat the burger, fries, and pickle spear in one sitting. Although I felt as if I was capable of doing it, I still trained for it. On the preceding days to this challenge, I would drink massive quantities of water with my lunch and breakfast. I was trying to expand and condition my stomach. The challenge occurred around 2:30pm. Naturally, I had very little to eat on day of challenge. Then, it was time to take on the Thurmanator…

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There is no way to look good while you are getting this done. The Thurmanator is way too big to eat intact. You have to take it apart layer by layer to eat it. You get toppings all over your hands, but you must ignore and forge on. Its important to keep a good pace so your brain doesn’t realize what you are doing right away. I did it in 14 minutes and 5 seconds. About 2.5 pounds into it, I did hit a bit of a wall. But, being the classy guy that I am, I took a drink of water, burped, and it felt better. I am happy that I did it, but I can not say it was all fun. It took training, focus, determination, and extreme gluttony. I am sure glad its over.

While I will not take on the Thurmanator again, I hope to visit Thurman’s Café again in the future. It is a defining establishment for the German Village neighborhood of Columbus. I want to thank our host, Victor, who took very good care of us during the challenge. You do not have to do the Thurmanator. But, if you want the full Columbus restaurant scene, you have to do Thurman’s Café. Have a great day. PT

Thank you for reading “Take on the Thurmanator” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

Here is another Columbus restaurant worth visiting https://travelingwithpt.com/ringside-cafe-defining-hole-in-the-wall/

More on Thurman’s Cafe https://thethurmancafe.com/