Martorano's Masters Meatball Eating Championship

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2011 MARTORANO'S MASTERS MEATBALL EATING CHAMPIONSHIP

"The Notorious B.O.B." Bob Shoudt continued his late-season surge to capture his second win of the season in the final MLE contest of 2011. Shoudt hopped a plane to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida and ate a world record 52 Martorano's meatballs to win the $1,500 first-place prize along with the prized Martorano's Masters/Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood championship guitar!

#7-ranked Adrian Morgan racked up another impressive MLE finish after eating 48 Martorano's meatballs to finish in second place. Newcomer Kevin "LA Beast" Strahle turned heads after eating 31 to finish in third and win $500.

For the third consecutive year, Celebrity Cook Steve Martorano prepared his world-class meatballs as Major League Eaters and local amateurs engaged in the 10-minute fine dining (forks were mandatory!) Martorano's Masters Meatball Eating Championship.

Martorano, a South Philly native, invited all Eagles fans to the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood for the contest. Little did he know that Shoudt would hear the invitation from the Philly 'burbs and capture the title on behalf of ailing Philly fans everywhere. An undercard event was held prior to the Martorano's Masters that tickets to Sunday's Eagles-Dolphins game awarded to the winner.

In addition to the Martorano's Masters, a full-on fan experience was available for fans to take in, complete with games, a band, a DJ, and more.

FULL RESULTS 1-Bob Shoudt - 52 Martorano's meatballs in 10 minutes ($1,500) 2-Adrian Morgan - 48 ($750) 3-Kevin Strahle - 31 ($500) T4-Yasir Salem - 24 ($125) T4-Mike Katz - 24 ($125) 6-Andrew Kogutkiewicz - 21 T7-Sean Brockert - 15 T7-Bruce Ollis - 15 9-Michael Parish - 11 DQ-Stephen Picollo

This contest took place at 5:00pm from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL. located at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314.

About Steve Martorano and Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen

Steve Martorano's humble beginnings were as a club DJ in the '70s before opening his one-man operation, a sandwich delivery business which he ran from his apartment (and later from his mother's basement). His creations became so popular in South Philly, that Martorano opened his first outside venture - a take-out restaurant in a strip mall serving pizza, sandwiches and pasta dishes. Again, increasing demand moved him to a larger, free-standing sit down restaurant.

In 1993, Steve moved to Fort Lauderdale and began to build his culinary empire. First, Cafe Martorano's on Oakland Park Boulevard became a worldwide sensation. Then, in 2007, Martorano opened his chic Las Vegas location at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino to rave reviews. Most recently, in 2010, Martorano and restaurant partner Buddy Morton debuted Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The 7,400-square-foot ultimate dining experience featuring a state-of-the-art exhibition kitchen, nightly DJ and Rat Pack nostalgia became an instant hit with hip locals and celebrities, alike. Its star-studded celebrity opening was featured internationally on TV in print and online. Signature dishes such as Linguine and Fresh Clams, Orecchiette with Hot and Sweet Sausage, Fusilli Pollo, Bucatini Amatriciana and, of course, Martorano's world-famous meatballs continue his tradition of innovative culinary creations combined with stellar service and ambience.

Over the course of two decades, Steve Martorano has achieved the remarkable accomplishment of raising the bar for the entire restaurant industry. This "Italian Guy from the Neighborhood" has taken the craft of cooking to new levels through persistence and hard work. For more information and restaurant menus, please visit www.cafemartorano.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino invites you to PLAYHARD! Play, stay, dine, and shop at South Florida's ultimate entertainment destination. Over 90 tables offer Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold'em Bonus Poker, Casino War and Let it Ride on a nearly three-acre casino floor. Additionally, 2,500 slots include the Native-American Casino linked Multi-Area Progressive Jackpots and Mega Jackpots. Separate high-limit rooms for table games and slots, in addition to a non-smoking room, are available for guests to enjoy. Loyal Player's Club members also have access to the exclusive VIP Plum Lounge and VIP Chef's Table show kitchen. The Poker Room at Seminole Paradise hosts various games and tournaments of Limit and No Limit Texas Hold 'em, 7-Card Stud and two dollar and four dollar limit Omaha Hi Lo games. Located inside the casino is Hard Rock Cafe -Hollywood, part of Hard Rock's 136 globally recognized rock 'n' roll themed restaurants. The Green Lodging Certified by the State of Florida, AAA Four Diamond-rated resort showcases 500 luxurious guest rooms, 17 restaurants and lounges, 40,000 square feet of meeting room space, the Body Rock Spa, 22 boutique shops, 12 nightclubs, the 400-seat Paradise Live theater and the 5,500–seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. Located on State Road 7 (U.S. 441) in Hollywood, Florida. Take I-95, exit Stirling Rd. and travel west to 1 Seminole Way. For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK, 1 800-937-0010 or visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com or www.facebook.com/seminolehardrock.

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