Esther's 10 Minute Big Burrito Challenge

Esther's Mexican Food on Palm Avenue opened three months ago, and has a challenge for food lovers: eat a burrito more than a foot long in 10 minutes or less and get a free drink and your picture on the Wall of Champs. The picture may also be posted on the restaurant's Facebook page.

46 of 60 who have tried thus far did not finish in time.

So far, the fastest time is held by a customer named Shawn, who finished his burrito in just under five minutes and appropriately wore a Superman shirt the day he took the challenge.

"His strategy was to stand up and eat. He didn't even sit down," said Efrain Mercado, the family restaurant's cook.

"Most people finish it in nine or 10 minutes, I mean it's 14 inches" he said. "People usually make it through the first half fine, but get to the second part and have trouble."

The Surf and Turf is made up of half a pound of carne asada, shrimp, rice, sour cream, salsa and guacamole.

Jorge Santos lives down the street from Esther's, took the challenge Tuesday with his two sons and the shop owners watching, and finished his burrito with only seconds left.

Before he began, Santos said a small prayer, then dug in, quickly drinking a glass of water to the side. He has had the Surf and Turf before but not for the challenge, and typically doesn't eat it all in one sitting. Tuesday was his first time in an eating contest, and he said he had a good time, but his jaw has been broken over the course of two decades of boxing and it started to bother him towards the end.

"That can make it hard to eat cause you get tired," Santos said. "I would have finished quicker but my sons kept making me laugh."