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In 1986 a Washington University student casually strolled into the annual garlic-eating contest at Saleem’s, “Where Garlic is King,” and inhaled 15 entire roasted heads of garlic in seven minutes. The contest actually lasts ten minutes, but after seven, none of the competitors was interested in continuing.
Since then, reported restaurant owner Salim Hanna, “no one has even come close to 10 heads.” This triumphant young lady, the Sonya Thomas of roasted garlic, if you will, did not go unpunished for her dominance.
“On the day after the contest,” said Hanna, “she told me she sat by herself in the classroom at school. She smelled so bad she went into the corner so she would not bother anyone, and she was alone.”
“But,” he added, “she said that she felt fantastic, she had energy. And then she became addicted to the garlic, and she came back to the restaurant once a week after that, to eat a couple of heads of roasted garlic.”
There are so many morals to this story. Garlic is good for you, but not your social life. Women can do anything men can do, including smelling bad and alienating people. And Saleem’s can alter your destiny.
At the Travel Channel, they get it. That’s why they’re sending the crew from “Food Paradise” to film a segment for the show’s garlic-themed episode to Saleem’s West this Saturday night, July 21.
On the docket: this year’s garlic-eating contest. All 20 spots for competitors have already been filled, said Hanna. Once again, eaters have 10 minutes to shove as many heads of roasted garlic as they can into their gullets, and once again, they probably won’t need it – the body quails well before the mind does.
Hanna is publicizing a special one-night-only prix fixe menu of Lebanese delights for the occasion. Diners – who may well find themselves on TV when the show airs – may order a meal of unlimited roasted garlic; a garlic-potato appetizer dip; beef or chicken shawarma, or Chicken Safina with rice and garlic-butter sauce, or lamb kebob, or a falafel/tabbouli combo for the vegetarians.
Special garlicky mixed drinks are available, too, said Hanna. The “Bloody Miracle” is made with vodka, tomato mix, and fresh-squeezed garlic. The Martini with Pickle features pickled garlic submerged in the gin.
As an aperitif, Hanna recommends traditional Arak, an anise-flavored Arabian liqueur. At 100 proof, Arak can clear your decks. Have one while watching the belly dancers gyrate around the tables.
Lovers of Saleem’s brand of fun have watched the restaurant over its 38-year history. It began in 1974 on South Grand Boulevard, moved to the U. City Loop in ’82, and trucked out west to Winchester in ’08. Now, Salim’s son Simon Hanna is the executive chef.
Garlic has always been at the center of the Saleem’s experience.
“If I have a cold or I feel one coming on I eat a couple of raw cloves blended with lemon and olive oil in a blender,” said Hanna. “We give it to everybody who works here in the winter, too. If they come in sniffling, and they eat the garlic, they feel the difference immediately. You can breathe easier. Garlic kills on contact, you know.”
“The germs,” he added with a laugh, “I mean, it kills the germs on contact, not the people.”
In honor of the TV taping and the garlic-eating contest, Saleem’s is offering free roasted garlic to all diners through the end of July.
Saleem’s West
14560 Manchester, Suite 9
Saturday, July 21, after 5 p.m., Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise” filming
Reservations not accepted (get in line, bub)
636-207-1368
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