Before hazarding a taste of the fabled Habanero hamburger - billed as the world's hottest burger - Prince of Wales Pub owner Jack Curry requires customers to sign a form releasing him from any "damage, bodily injury or loss of services" eating the burger might bring on.
It's just that kind of hype that's been driving locals to the San Mateo pub all week in an attempt to capture a trophy for their company for downing the most of the flaming burger. Last night, Electronic Arts was crowned the "Hottest Company" after its employees ate an impressive 55 burgers this week. The final numbers have yet to be verified, however.
The contest started Monday and ended 10 p.m. Friday. Regulars at Prince of Wales know that Curry's been serving up his spicy concoction since 1992, however. The hamburger, which is served year-round and comes in a veggie version, has a loyal following. One local holds the dubious title of having eaten 400 of Curry's Habanero burgers.
So how hot is the world's hottest burger? The Habanero pepper clocks in 500,000 scoville units - which measures the spice factor. By comparison, the Jalapeno has just 5,000 scoville units.
Only about two-thirds of those brave enough to order the burger have the tolerance to finish it, Curry said.
Electronic Arts employee Ken Felton said he's been curious about the hamburger for a long time and finally downed one Friday. Even though he likes spicy food, Felton said he wouldn't order one again.
"If I want something spicy, I'll go for something that's flavorful too, like Indian," he said.
The Habanero's spice factor is so high that it just wipes out all taste, said Jason Gillis, team captain for RSA Security.
Unlike wasabi, which clears the sinuses, the Habanero has the type of burn that sticks to the tongue, said RSA Security employee Peter Yee.
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"It's fun in a masochistic way," Gillis said.
Self-described wimp Daisy Wise said she didn't take any for the RSA Security team, but enjoyed watching others give it a go. First-timers are particularly entertaining, Wise said.
"They start sweating and turning red," she said.
Curry coats his burgers in a special sauce comprised of Habanero sauce, horseradish and chili oil. Those who just want to test the waters can order a "firecracker" - a cracker with a dash of the sauce on it.
One long-time customer yesterday said he ordered one just to see if his stomach could take it. After having 12 feet of his intestines removed three years ago - in an unrelated incident - he said he just wanted to see if his body could handle it.
"I've still got it," he said.
Over the past week, Gillis ate four Habanero burgers for the sake of his team. His co-worker David Rutstein ate three. If the company didn't win the three-foot trophy, Gillis said there would've been "some serious trouble."
Although both Gillis and Rutstein regularly order the Habanero hamburger at the Prince of Wales, they said they won't be ordering any more for awhile.
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