National French Fry Day Eating Contest In Fort Myers

Think you can down some fries? Then this National French Fry Day eating contest in Fort Myers is for you. National French Fry Day is this Thursday, July 13th. To celebrate, WOB Bar & Kitchen at Gulf Coast Town Center has a challenge for food fans. If you can complete the task, you could be taking home $100.

Here is how it works. You have to try and down two pounds of World Of Beer's famous fries. Not only do you have to get them down, you also have to keep them down, if you know what I mean. If no one is able to consume the entire two pounds, the person who manages to eat the most French fries in an allotted amount of time wins.

For those who can't "ketchup" there are secondary cash prizes for the effort. Who hasn't put away an order of fries like it was their job when they were hungry? Especially late at night. But two pounds is another story. Think you can? Then register here. You can also register onsite as well. Just get there a little early. Good luck and buon appetito.

The contest begins promptly at 6pm. It's free and everyone is welcome to grab one of the hundreds of beers on hand and watch. Gulf Coast Town Center is off of Alico Road just east of I-75.

School is out in Southwest Florida and summer travel is officially underway. If you are joining the tens of thousands from our area embarking on a road trip, it is nice to know where to stop when in need of break. When traveling to and from destinations north, I-75 can get pretty crowded. It's nice to know about this favorite Florida pit stop for seafood off of I-75 in Manatee County--Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

If you've ever taken the exit in Ellenton, where the big outlet mall is, there is a chance you've driven by this unassuming spot. It sits across from a gas station on the west side of the interstate. The oyster bar originally opened its doors more than 25 years ago on  Anna Maria Island. It has expanded to four locations, with two more on the way; Sarasota and North Port.

It is surprisingly big inside, light and bright with a large outdoor patio that is pet friendly.

The owners have a long history of giving back and being active in the community. When I visited they had a partnership with Salt Tequila to donate a portion of money from cocktails sold to Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium for conservation. They also support a summer reading program for kids and more.

Local seafood including grouper and gulf oysters are among the many items on the extensive menu. Oysters come raw, fried, Rockefeller, garlic parnesean, chipotle grilled, as shooters, and in the restaurant's signature tequila lime sauce. We did not opt for a full meal, but a quick snack this time. The oysters were fresh and cold and the lobster bisque was decadent and delisious. Fish dip is creamy rather than chunky, and mild. Our server raved about the baby back ribs, for anyone who isn't into seafood.

Portions are big and so is the hospitality. Put it on your road trip radar. Here are a few photos from this favorite Florida pit stop for seafood off of I-75 in Manatee County.