CONFESSIONALS
Montana Sparkman
Ali Torbati
21 | Long Beach, CA
21 | Los Angeles, CA
“As the smoke cleared, reality began to set in. Bodies
“I wiped the crust from my eyes, barely able to gain
lay sprawled lifeless around me. My chin, drip-
focus in the hazy room. Unable to remember what had
ping with the fat of Applewood Thick Cut strips.
happened last night, I licked my fingertips to confirm
What had I done? Was the full pork belly too much
what I suspected had occurred — a bacon feast. After
for the crowd that had gathered? Every stomach
six months clean, I couldn’t resist the sweet and sa-
here, in this room, full to the brim. Nothing in life
vory goodness any longer. Even the strongest among
could be as satisfying as these last few minutes. My
us sometimes fall. Resolved my family would never
name is Montana Sparkman and I am a Baconholic.”
take me back, I turned to Yelp to find my next fix...”
Lauren Gruter 22 | San Diego, CA
Jeanie Mordukhay 21 | Los Angeles, CA
“I felt as if I was being watched, every move made by
“Bacon is not Kosher. I grew up in a Jewish family
the stove left me with an eerie suspicion that I was
and never ate pork in my life, until I studied abroad
being followed. A warm air lingered on the back of my
in Spain. I couldn’t resist the bubbling bacon grease
neck and a faint squeal vibrated my ear drums. These
any longer. I took the first bite of the crispy crack
inducements lasted for two years, during which I was
which tickled my tongue and opened my eyes. Since
a vegetarian. I was tempted. Tempted by my shameful
then I have not been able to stop. I eat bacon for three
past obsession...bacon. I just couldn’t resist the tempt-
meals a day! This addiction has torn apart my family
ress any longer, I had a taste of the forbidden pork.”
and changed my entire life.”
54 | BUTCHER TABLE