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Tucson’s Michelle Lesco Takes 3rd Place at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Michelle Lesco (Photo courtesy of Nathan’s Famous Hotdog Eating Contest)

Tucson’s Michelle Lesco Takes 3rd Place at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

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Back in 2021, local Tucsonan Michelle Lesco snagged first place at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest — taking the “Pink Belt” home.

She didn’t take home the mustard this year but she did get third place in the women’s challenge. During the event, Lesco had to eat as many Nathan’s Famous hot dogs in buns as she could within a 10-minute period.

She ate 23.75 hot dogs to win the bronze! Right on, Lesco! If you round that up to the nearest hot dog, that’s pretty much 24 hot dogs.

Michelle Lesco
Michelle Lesco (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Miki Sudo, out of Florida, took first place by eating a record-breaking 51 dogs in 10 minutes — winning her tenth career championship.

Mayoi Ebihara, of Tokyo, Japan, came in second after eating 37 dogs.

If you’d like to learn more about some of her past eating adventures, read our full feature on her, Meet ‘Cardboard Shell’ Michelle Lesco, World-Class Competitive Eater.

Keep up with Cardboard Shell on Facebook.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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@Miramontetucson is now serving lunch daily and brunch on weekends! Located at 3352 E. Speedway Blvd., the midtown restaurant has expanded its hours, with doors opening at 11 a.m.🌞

We stopped by to try a few things from the new menus, including the Cornbread & Eggs with pork carnitas and green chile cream sauce, Crab Omelet, Fried Chicken & Waffles with hot honey, and Brioche French Toast with Seville orange marmalade and Chantilly cream.

The weekend brunch menu also includes a classic breakfast and fruit & yogurt, with dishes ranging from $13 to $19.

For lunch, you can find options like the Miramonte Cobb Salad and Tomato Mozzarella.

Visit Miramonte for lunch Tuesday through Sunday and weekend brunch!@Miramontetucson is now serving lunch daily and brunch on weekends! Located at 3352 E. Speedway Blvd., the midtown restaurant has expanded its hours, with doors opening at 11 a.m.🌞 We stopped by to try a few things from the new menus, including the Cornbread & Eggs with pork carnitas and green chile cream sauce, Crab Omelet, Fried Chicken & Waffles with hot honey, and Brioche French Toast with Seville orange marmalade and Chantilly cream. The weekend brunch menu also includes a classic breakfast and fruit & yogurt, with dishes ranging from $13 to $19. For lunch, you can find options like the Miramonte Cobb Salad and Tomato Mozzarella. Visit Miramonte for lunch Tuesday through Sunday and weekend brunch!
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Additionally, @Nytimes awarded the restaurant three stars. The recognitions put Tucson’s Sonoran Desert tasting menu in front of a national audience.

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com@Ursa_az earned two national honors on Nov. 10. @Eater named chef Aaron Lopez (@Aaron_lopez_86) one of five 2026 Chefs of the Year. Additionally, @Nytimes awarded the restaurant three stars. The recognitions put Tucson’s Sonoran Desert tasting menu in front of a national audience. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
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Share your favorite spots with us!👩‍💻☕️We’re updating our guide to the best places to work remotely in Tucson! Where do you like to go when you need to get some work done or just want to spend time outside the house with Wi-Fi? Share your favorite spots with us!👩‍💻☕️
From appetizers and soups to dinner specials and a variety of entrees, @Nanas_kitchen_2008 has plenty of options to choose from. They also have a full bar with a selection of drinks to pair with your meal.🔥

Whether you’re stopping in for dine-in or takeout, hosting a private event, or looking for catering for a special occasion, Nana’s Kitchen has you covered!

8225 North Courtney Page Way

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.From appetizers and soups to dinner specials and a variety of entrees, @Nanas_kitchen_2008 has plenty of options to choose from. They also have a full bar with a selection of drinks to pair with your meal.🔥 Whether you’re stopping in for dine-in or takeout, hosting a private event, or looking for catering for a special occasion, Nana’s Kitchen has you covered! 8225 North Courtney Page Way Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.