Clifton’s Hot Dog King Pat “From Moonachie” Philbin is really from Clifton Story by Jordan Schwartz
Pat “From Moonachie” Philbin consuming the last of 32 hot dogs in 10 minutes at a Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifier in Queens on June 20. The CHS ’81 grad finished second behind Eric “Badlands” Booker, who ate 40.
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Pat Philbin shoves hot dogs in his face like a perfect gentleman. He meticulously dips frankfurter after frankfurter into the yellow Nathan’s cups filled with water in front of him, soaking the buns to allow for an easier transition from hand to mouth to esophagus to ever expanding stomach. “I changed it up this year,” said the 1981 Clifton High School grad. “Less drinking and more dunking.” The formula worked as Philbin consumed a personal best 32 franks in 10 minutes at a Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifier held outside Citi Field in Queens on a rainy June 20. But it wasn’t enough as the 45year-old was out-eaten by his nemesis, Eric “Badlands” Booker, who put down 40 hot dogs and buns, or HDBs as they’re known in the world of competitive eating. After the qualifier was over, Booker’s chest was covered with soggy bits of meat and bread, leaving Philbin to take some solace in the fact that he was at least clean.
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August 2009 • Clifton Merchant
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