How Hungry? Illinois Bar & Grill Dares You to Russell’s Shoe

Nestled with the heart of downtown Pekin just a few blocks from the Illinois river and a block from the courthouse awaits perhaps the best food challenge in the Land of Lincoln. Russell’s Big Shoe Challenge can be attempted at Asher’s Bar & Grill.

The website foodchallenges rates Russell’s Big Shoe Challenge as one of just two 5 star eating challenges in Illinois. (the other is a deep dish pizza challenge in Chicago) You’ll have 75 minutes to inhale a mountain of a horseshoe. If you’re a big enough boy and enough Illinois to tackle it, here’s what you’ll have to consume.

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A 5 pound double tenderloin bedded on Texas toast, hand cut fries piled on top with white cheddar cheese sauce smothered over all of it. Sure, you’re hungry reading this but can you jam all that in your belly within those 75 minutes? Few can.

Should you conquer Russell’s Big Shoe Challenge your meal won’t be paid for (unless someone watching covers you..-and Hey! stranger things have happened.) What you will get is a commemorative t-shirt, a gift card and your picture on the Big Shoe Wall. Which may not sound like much, but you don’t do it for the gift card, t-shirt or pic. You do it for the glory!....and Russell’s respect. Get to Pekin and see if the shoe fits.