Grace Lichaa, a 31-year-old manager at the Capital Area Food Bank, became the first local winner of the Food Network’s cooking challenge “Chopped” last week.

Because, for some sick reason, we’re unable to turn away from the story of competitive eater Joey Chestnut downing two gallons of Ben’s Chili Bowl chili over the weekend, here’s video of an interview with Mr. Chestnut after he won.

Hey, I’m a man of my word. Also, I may have just thrown up a little bit. Who’s up for lunch?

Last week, Ben’s Chili Bowl was closed for some plumbing repairs. Given the nature of the repair work, though, it’s probably a good thing that the venerable old U Street joint simply settled for providing the material for this weekend’s World Chili-Eating Championship, instead of serving as host.

It’s our understanding that Mayor Vince Gray will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first sidewalk cafe in Washington in front of The Chesapeake Room on Barracks Row this morning.

The female competitive eaters are so much better in Alexandria: Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas defeated all comers yesterday in the newly-formed Nathan’s Famous Women’s Hot Dog Eating World Championship, earning herself the handsome trophy and a pink belt.

With a tip of the cap to Dan Steinberg, here’s your video introduction to the University of Maryland’s latest athletic triumph: the school’s new competitive eating team.