Simpson Takes Tamales at Berryhill Baja Grill

Rookie Chip Simpson won the the Berryhill Baja Grill tamales-eating contest in Houston over the weekend, beating eating veteran Rich LeFevre and rookie powerhouse Patrick Bertoletti.

Pat Bertoletti had consumed a record-shattering 48 3.5-ounce beef tamales (out of the husk) when he met with a tragic reversal of fortune.

Chip Simpson, who trailed Bertoletti throughout the contest, won his first title with a total of 41 tamales in 12 minutes. He also took home his first major cash purse, $2500.

Tim Janus placed second with 38 tamales, earning $1000, and Rich LeFevre came in third with 36 tamales to win $500.

The tamales were said to be extremely large and rich and many eaters said that with such a filling and flavorful tamales a shorter sprint might have been in order.

Texas champion Levi Oliver failed to place in this event.