Salt + Smoke Showdown 2026

Our annual Eating Challenge, henceforth known as Anuj Bhargava Day.

Do you get Déjà vu?

Another year, another eating challenge, and yet the same two finishing in first and second. You have to admire the consistency.

This years eating challenge, henceforth known as Anuj Bhargava Day, took place at Salt + Smoke in Downtown St. Louis so our intrepid gorgers could walk those calories off on the way back to the office. No postprandial somnolence (post-lunch dip) for these engineers!

Of course, not everyone was there to test their eating mettle. Some just came for good food, good conversation, and to witness history. But of the 6 who partook in the festivities, Seth Maton came in first (by a long shot), finishing at 3 minutes and 21 seconds. Conner Sands came in second, finishing at 4 minutes and 20 seconds, and Jack Kellet came in third, finishing at 4 minutes and 25 seconds. What did they consume exactly in those record times? Well, how about the 3-meat combo plate with 4oz of brisket, pulled pork and turkey and a side of baked beans and potato salad. I just got stomach cramps from typing that out.

While the eating challenge has changed locations a few times over the years, it is still one of McClure Engineering’s time-honored traditions thanks to Anuj’s advocacy of the joys of speed eating. Not one to shy away from creating a true challenge for his colleagues, he always seems to organize it on the Friday before our last weigh in for the Biggest Loser contest. Coincidence? I’ll let you decide.