Although Jack acted blue because of his challenge loss, he agreed to have lunch with Chess and me. We had one hour to kill before Jack had to be present for his second competition, the Standing Chop. Almost every restaurant was packed because of the attendees and supporters of the Lumberjack Challenge. The Chowder Brothers’ Bistro, Fillets & Fish, Henderson Hamburgers, and The Dill Pickle Shack were all crammed with hungry patrons. After walking around the grounds for ten minutes, passing on beef burritos, foot long hot dogs, and giant turkey legs for nine dollars each, we found a table for three at Mercione’s Philly Subs. Each of us ordered the Mericone Handful meal: a Philly cheesesteak hoagie with the works, twice batter-dipped fries, and a beer. The fries alone were worth the twelve bu
