This Breakfast Challenge Might Break You
At Nappi’s Nook in Nesconset, hundreds have tried to conquer a gigantic deep-dish pizza-sized pancake, but fewer than 50 have actually succeeded. This eating challenge has gained popularity on social media, becoming a real test of appetite on Long Island.
Co-owner Steve Nappi shared, “People come in saying, ‘It’s easy, I can do that, my son could do it!'” Despite the confidence, the numbers tell a different story. “More than 400 attempts have been made, with a success rate around 10%—that’s about 40 people,” he added.
One such challenger, Josh Holland-Weiss, became caught up in the viral wave on Instagram recently. He recalled, “When those pancakes came out, I was shocked. They were much larger than I expected.”
Participants have just 18 minutes to finish four of these behemoth pancakes, each weighing between 10 and 14 ounces and packed with around 3,000 calories. Customers can choose their toppings, and the timer only begins when they’re ready. “I set this up three years ago on a whim,” Nappi explained, tying it to the challenge’s $18 cost, essentially earning $1 for each minute.
Winners of this challenge receive a complimentary meal, a trophy the size of a tabletop, and a spot on the restaurant’s wall of fame. Most challengers are college students or fitness enthusiasts, with only one elderly participant claiming victory so far. Interestingly, a female winner has yet to emerge, but Nappi has offered a $30 gift card for the first woman to win.
Nappi uses a special stovetop ring to make these enormous pancakes, cooking them in about double the time it takes for regular ones. If there’s too much batter, the cook trims it with a pizza cutter. “I joke that I hope you don’t have any plans for the rest of the day except to relax afterwards,” he laughed.
The Breakfast Club
Winning this breakfast battle isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Nappi noted, “I’ve seen people roll them up, make taco-style folds, and even dunk them in water for speed.” Everyone develops their own strategy.
While Nappi hasn’t personally tried to beat the challenge, he suggests sticking to a less syrupy approach to avoid a heavy stomach. “Overdoing it with syrup and butter could lead to digestive issues,” he warned.
Holland-Weiss recently set a remarkable record, finishing the challenge in just 8 minutes and 58 seconds, significantly faster than the next best time of 10 minutes and 35 seconds. He recounted feelings of excitement as the restaurant erupted in applause during his win.
Training for this feat included fasting beforehand and engaging in boxing workouts. “I ate quickly, just before my brain signaled fullness,” he explained. “It was only a few minutes later that I truly felt full.” The temperature of the pancakes is another challenge, with Holland-Weiss admitting he had to press them against his palm to cool them down just a bit.
In essence, the toughest challenge isn’t just about finishing but doing so against the odds of piping hot pancakes. Nappi emphasizes that the effort involved in winning is what makes the trophy truly special.
