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Chef Manny Barella Crushes El Jefe Challenge at Fire On the Mountain

How many super hot wings could you eat in a few minutes?
Written By: author avatar Linnea Covington
author avatar Linnea Covington
Linnea Covington is a regional managing editor of DiningOut, covering Denver, New York City, and Phoenix. She comes to us with a long background in food, restaurant and drinks journalism. Over the last two decades she's written for tons of national publications including Denver Post, Washington Post, Forbes Travel Guide, 5280 Magazine, New York Magazine, New York Times, Time Out New York and more. Follow on Instagram: @linneacovington https://muckrack.com/linnea-covington
Could you house these extra-spicy hot wings? | Photo by Kevin Fox
Could you house these extra-spicy hot wings? | Photo by Kevin Fox

In November we wrote about the most epic food challenges around town. You know, giant burritos, a super hot wing, massive pizza, and other foods you need to finish in a set amount of time.

By why simply write about the fun when you have willing eaters to try the goods themselves? That’s where Top Chef contestant Manny Barella and our social media manager Max Sutton-Vermeulen come in. The two decided to tackle some of these dishes head on. First up, Fire On the Mountain for the El Jefe wing challenge. Watch the fun, and the tears, below.

Each of the boys had to take on 15 of the El Jefe wings and attempt to finish in under three minutes. No blue cheese, ranch, or celery, and you only get one napkin. 

As you saw, one of our challengers killed it and took home swag and got his picture on the wall. The other, well let’s just say he has sworn off of super spicy wings for the time being.

What food competition should we head to next? After all, it’s will be months before the Chicken Fight! Wingapalooza eating competition comes around.

The clam before the pain at Fire On the Mountain. | Photo by Kevin Fox hot wing
The clam before the pain at Fire On the Mountain. | Photo by Kevin Fox

Try the El Jefe challenge for yourself at either of the two Fire On the Mountain locations. 3801 W. 32nd Ave., Denver; 300 S. Logan, Unit 102, Denver, fotmdenver.com

author avatar
Linnea Covington Managing Editor Denver
Linnea Covington is a regional managing editor of DiningOut, covering Denver, New York City, and Phoenix. She comes to us with a long background in food, restaurant and drinks journalism. Over the last two decades she's written for tons of national publications including Denver Post, Washington Post, Forbes Travel Guide, 5280 Magazine, New York Magazine, New York Times, Time Out New York and more. Follow on Instagram: @linneacovington https://muckrack.com/linnea-covington

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