New Valley Taco King John Curran, of Seymour Pop Warner Football
SEYMOUR — There’s a new taco king in the Valley.
John Curran, representing Seymour Pop Warner Football, took the prestigious title Thursday (May 5) during Hot Tamale’s 7th annual Cinco de Mayo taco-eating contest. Curran managed to scarf down 10 soft tacos, stuffed with beef and shredded cheese, in a matter of five minutes and five seconds, in honor of the day.
Curran and Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis’ Chief of Staff Rory Burke, actually tied for first, eating 10 tacos apiece. The tie was broken, however, by seeing who could down a beer the fastest. And it was Curran who bested Burke by just a sip.
The tie-breaker beer chug between Seymour Chief of Staff Rory Burke and John Curran.
The contest made its triumphant return after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. A standing-room only crowd gathered outside Hot Tamale’s in the Seybridge Plaza, as seven brave contestants took their seats under a big white tent to partake in the frenzied food feast.
The raucous event, which found spectators armed with margaritas and munching on nachos, will once again benefit TEAM, Inc’s Meals on Wheels program. According to TEAM President/CEO David Morgan, the program provides nutritious meals delivered directly to the doorsteps of homebound Valley seniors. The 2019 event raised more than $5,000.
Morgan said last year alone, 105,000 meals were delivered to more than 400 Valley seniors. He expressed his gratitude to Hot Tamale’s, the contestants and others for lending a helping hand. Each contestant raised $250 to enter the contest, which will go towards meals.
Under the big white tent, and with the “Rocky” music blaring in the background, Hot Tamale’s Owner Robert Volpaccio readied the countdown clock. Each contestant was presented with a large tin piled high with soft tacos, along with pitchers of water to help the tacos slide down their throats a little smoother.
The contestants scarfed down one taco after another, some dipping them in water and others taking giant gulps of water in between. But in the end, it was Curran and Burke who emerged on top. And then it was a Corona Extra that ultimately crowned Curran the victor.
Curran said someone volunteered him to enter the contest, and all he did to prepare was skip breakfast.
Curran takes the title from the previous Valley Taco King, former Selectman Rob VanEgghen, who back in 2019, chocked back 13 tacos with ease. VanEgghen was a no-show this year.
In addition to Curran and Burke, the other contestants who participated in this year’s gluttonous food fest were Seymour Police Chief John Bucherati; Seymour Police Inspector Joe Matusovich; 2018’s taco-eating champ. Hector Ortiz, of Oak Management; Andrew Rivera of People’s United Bank and Rich ‘The Inhaler’ Carlson.
Bucherati said he’s never taken part in any sort of eating contest before, nor has he ever desired to, but said he’d do anything for a good cause. He skipped lunch to prepare for the event.
“It’s a good event, and the money goes to a good cause and the boss (Drugonis) told me I had to be here,” Bucherati quipped.
Seymour Police Chief John Bucherati and Seymour Police Inspector Joe Matusovich.
