Grits, Eggs, Bacon & Toast (photo by Dawn M. Turner, courtesy of morguefile.com)

Grits are one of the American South's most recognizable foods, but it was Chicagoan Patrick Bertoletti who took home the $4,000 first prize in the Louisiana Downs Grits-Eating Championship. A chef who sports a Mohawk haircut, Mr. Bertoletti consumed 21 pounds of grits in 10 minutes, outpacing Timothy “Eater X” Janus of New York City, who ate 20 pounds for a second place finish.

Southerners can take heart that one of their own may soon claim the coveted title as they have some excellent prospects. In fourth place was Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas, of Alexandria, Virginia, who downed 18.5 pounds of grits in 10 minutes. Finishing fifth was Hall “Hoover” Hunt, of Orange Park, Florida, who ate 15 pounds of grits.

To read full coverage of the event in the Shreveport Times go to: Chicagoan wins La. Downs grits-eating championship