The Depot Tavern hosts Diamond Dog eating contest

Photo via First Ave's Facebook page

The Depot Tavern's Diamond Dog Eating Contest big winners Femme Eat All, Le Tenia, Pigflesh, and the Veterinarian.

​With all that was going on in the Twin Cities this weekend for the 4th of the July there was another first of hopefully a yearly holiday tradition going on in downtown Minneapolis. First Avenue's new restaurant "The Depot Tavern" held it's grand opening with it's bright new neon sign glowing with pride on 7th Street. Taking a nod from New York's yearly 4th of July tradition, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest the action was on the inside for the Depot's first annual "Diamond Dog Eating Contest". On hand judges Sean Tillman, Mark Mallman, Bobby Kahn, and DJ Jonathan Ackerman along with host Ian Rans of "Drinking with Ian" fame watched with scrutiny as the maiden voyage contestants tried their best to gobble down as many of the frightening bacon-wrapped dogs in a pretzel bun as they could in 10 minutes.

Unlike the controversy at Nathan's this year things remained "Minnesota Nice" at the event. First Avenue booking person and organizer of the event, Sonia Grover, was enthused by the turnout. "It was a great way to kick things off at the Depot. Everyone had a lot of fun except perhaps the couple contestants that ended up puking."

The packed house at the Depot Tavern cheered on with amazement as winner Brendan Holloway, who appropriately goes by the nickname "Pigflesh" took home first place with a new record and incredible 6 Diamond Dogs. Without divulging too much of his technique, it was heard he had had a light breakfast that day.

With another taste of big apple flavor, Brooklynite and First Avenue mainstay Craig Finn helped things along in the ribbon cutting before his band, the Hold Steady's sold-out show in the Mainroom that night making for another historic night at the Ave.