Rapscallions, a restaurant that touts a hot-wings challenge that can leave participants gasping, is featured tonight on the Travel Channel's premiere episode of "Man v. Food Nation."
James Morgan, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Shael, said customers are excited about the big event and Rapscallions plans a viewing party beginning at 8 p.m. The show airs at 9 p.m.
The restaurant is on Bell Lake at 4422 Land O Lakes Blvd.
"Man v. Food Nation," which the Travel Channel describes as an "evolution" of the previous show, "Man v. Food," features host Adam Richman traveling around the country seeking out the greatest food challenges.
The wings challenge at Rapscallions is known as the Davy Jones Challenge because the sauce is so hot "it will take you down to Davy Jones' locker," Morgan said.
As rumors spread about the restaurant's upcoming appearance on the show, more people stepped up wanting to take the Davy Jones Challenge, which has been around for about four years.
Morgan said the restaurant gives the customers a little sample first so they know what they are getting into.
"It's definitely hot," he said.
Morgan had hoped Richman himself would take the challenge, but instead the TV host coached others who gave it a try, including the former professional wrestling tag team The Nasty Boys.
The Travel Channel actually contacted the restaurant about a possible TV appearance more than a year ago when the Super Bowl was in Miami, but nothing happened at that time, Morgan said.
Then in February, the show called again and on Feb. 25, the crew of "Man v. Food Nation" came to the restaurant to tape. Rapscallions had to keep the event low key because the show wanted local residents involved and publicity could have brought in challenge takers from all over.
Now "low key" is no more. Morgan said he plans to make tonight's viewing party a red-carpet event for his customers, some of whom will be seeing themselves on TV.
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