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Taking the Challenge

Branson’s Tijuana Willie’s has an amazing fresh-Mex menu, but one dish in particular kindled our interest. We sent one brave iron-belly to try it out.

Photo by Kevin O'Riley

Anthony finished, but paid the price.

The Challenger: Tijuana Willie’s Fresh-Mex Grille (2001 State Hwy 248, Branson,  417-336-5050)

The Challenged: Anthony Foster, Branson Vacation Magazine advertising designer

The Challenge: Eat a bowl of Hell-Fire Chili, which is made with ghost chilis (the world’s hottest pepper). Finish the chili in 15 minutes and then wait five additional minutes before drinking anything. Winners get their photo on the wall of fame, a free T-shirt and the chili for free.

Spicy food and I have always been on good terms. So when I was asked to eat super-hot Hell-Fire chili in 15 minutes with no food or drink support, I thought; “Sure, what the heck. How bad can it be, right?” Wrong!

I should have known that something was amiss when the owner of Tijuana Willie’s repeatedly tried to talk me out of attempting the chili challenge. Certain things were said, like “hottest peppers in the world” or “I’m not stupid enough to try it” or “people have felt the effects for a week.” Even after a trash can was placed at my table and I signed a waiver that warned me about possible death, I didn’t get the full impact of what this chili was. After all, I like spicy food.

I found out, once I was three bites in, that I should have heeded the warnings that were thrown in my face. Hell-Fire chili is not spicy; it is volcanic death in a bowl. Shortly after the fifth bite, I couldn’t feel my tongue. My nose was a constant flow, and tears were running down my cheeks. They were tears of unimaginable pain and suffering. I understood why the trash can was there on the third-to-last bite, when the acid-burning rock that was in my stomach made a bid for an escape.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering if I finished. Of course! I then immediately drank a full bottle of Pepto, made a co-worker drive my car back to the office and abruptly prayed to the porcelain god. So, we’ll call it a tie between me and the dreaded Hell-Fire chili. For those who think they could easily do it, I have two words: Try it!