Attention those with asbestos tongues, cast iron stomachs and fireproof beeholes: The Root Cafe will host the second annual Little Rock Hot Pepper Eating Contest on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. A dozen gluttons for punishment will square off to chew and swallow a number of hot peppers grown by Doug Smith (no, not that Doug Smith) at Dunbar Gardens, including such soul-destroyers as the Trinidad Scorpion, the Bhut Jolokia (A.K.A. — the Ghost Pepper), and the world record holder for hotness, the Carolina Reaper. What? No Guatemalan Insanity Pepper?

The event is free and open to the public. Would-be contestants can register at the Root Cafe for a $10 registration fee. If you actually don’t chicken out and show up for the contest, the sawbuck will be returned to you. Cash and other prizes for the winners. Johnny Cash says: watch out for that fiery ring the next day.


For more info, contact the Root Cafe at (501)414-0423 or theroot@therootcafe.com.