Essex County Realtor Defends Ramen-Eating Title

JERSEY CITY, NJ — An Essex County real estate professional successfully defended his title as the area’s ramen-noodle-eating champion during Ani Ramen + Sun Noodle’s 2017 “Slurp, Sip Repeat Ramen Eating Competition.”

It took eight bowls of noodles – eaten in 15 minutes – for Sebastian Voltarelli of Glen Ridge to defend his 2016 title at this year’s competition, held at Ani Ramen House in Jersey City last month. For his effort, the Essex County resident took home an all-inclusive celebratory chef’s tasting dinner for 10 people at Ani Ramen (a $1,000 value), as well as a year of free ramen.

But more important of course, are the bragging rights.

“I’m happy to have won again,” Voltarelli said after stuffing himself with noodles and ending up just shy of his 9.25-bowl finish last year.

According to event organizers, the unlikely dark horse in the competition this year proved to be Lori Luo, a food blogger (@girleatsnyc) and Jersey City resident who consumed seven bowls of ramen.

Third place in the 2017 competition went to Jersey City resident and music teacher Rich Cush, who downed an impressive six bowls of ramen.

Ani Ramen owner Luck Sarabhayavanija congratulated this year’s competitors and said that he’s looking forward to next year’s competition.

Proceeds raised from the evening benefited No Kid Hungry, which connects kids in need with nutritious food and teaches their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

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Photos: Ani Ramen + Sun Noodle