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Big burritos one hot job

By Tyler Orton The Tri-City News Tri-City firefighters are facing some hot stuff - and full stomachs - for a cause this weekend.

By Tyler Orton

The Tri-City News

Tri-City firefighters are facing some hot stuff - and full stomachs - for a cause this weekend.

In one of their most fiery competitions yet, Taco Del Mar in Port Coquitlam is hosting a five-pound burrito eating challenge tomorrow (Saturday).

The contest runs from 1 to 2 p.m. at the restaurant, located at 113-2020 Oxford Connector, and $1 from every burrito sold from Jan. 20 to 22 goes towards the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.

Taco Del Mar manager Ayrien Setiaputra said although the contest is part of the restaurant's fourth birthday celebration, she thought donating some of the proceeds was the perfect way to give back to the community.

"It's going to a very good cause. It's something that's visible and can be used by everybody in the Tri-City community," she said.

And if the firefighters' challenge doesn't sound great, consider this: Two people are needed to roll the five-pound burrito, which is approximately four times the size of a standard burrito at the fast food outlet.

Setiaputra said 40 customers competed in last year's challenge but only three managed to scarf down the hefty dish within 30 minutes to finish the challenge. The winners were rewarded with refunds for their massive meals and their pictures now adorn the store's walls.

The rules are changing somewhat this year. Firefighters from Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody will be eating as much as they can in 20 minutes before a weigh-in will determine the winner based on who ate the most.

"I would say if they eat four pounds in 20 minutes, then that's what surprises me," Setiaputra said. "The Port Moody firefighters are really excited to do it but I think the Port Coquitlam firefighters are a little afraid."

She said last year's winners shared some advice with her: "Don't skip breakfast. You have to let you're stomach grow."

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