After knocking out the competition at OnMilwaukee.com's Bothday event at the Irish Pub late last month, Alex Kaczkowski won the chance to eat with the big boys at Bastille Days this weekend.
Jimmy John's Freaky Fast Sandwich Making and Eating Contest hits the festival this Saturday to pit three of the fastest sandwich makers in town against three World Class Major Eaters. Eaters include the No. 2 eater in the world, Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti plus Kaczkowski, who recently won our local amateur competition.
OnMilwaukee.com recently caught up with Kaczkowski to find out how he take so many sandwiches down so freakin' fast.
OnMilwaukee.com: When did you first realize you were a pretty decent competitive eater?
Alex Kaczkowski: I've always known, but the first true display of my sheer eating dominance was the Summer Solstice burrito-eating contest. It was technically my tenth meal that morning (the first nine served in longneck bottles) so I'm confident my full potential has yet to be seen.
OMC: Are you more into Speed or Quantity?
AK: I'm more into personality
OMC: Who are your role models in the competitive eating industry?
AK: I find that if I focus on role models, I lose focus on my own eating. All I need to do is eat the most/fastest I can all of the time-and that means dinner too. No one's plate is safe. In fact, my girlfriend might be malnourished thanks to my new career.
OMC: What is your day job?
AK: I work in an accounting department. Honestly, I crunch numbers all day and hope to keep my sanity. I have, however, learned to sleep sitting up with my eyes open.
OMC: If you could compete against Kobayashi Maru, what food would you have the best chance to win with?
AK: Does freezing Skol Vodka and lemonade make it a food?
OMC: Is competing with your shirt off a "secret weapon"?
AK: Well, let's be honest... it's no secret why it's a weapon. Honestly, how can an opponent win if they can't look away?
OMC: What is your favorite Jimmy Johns sub?
AK: The Gargantuan, hands down. However, the lettuce-wrapped Unwich is a healthy alternative...I mean...if you're into that.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
