Man About Town: At a gyoza-eating contest in Little Tokyo

World-famous competitive eater Joey Chestnut loosens up his mouth before the Day-Lee Foods World Gyoza Eating Championship in Little Tokyo. The gyoza-eating contest, recognized by Major League Eating, allows contestants to drink any liquids and add any sauces during the 10-minute competition.  (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Columnist Chris Erskine, center, is in the heat of the competition as he stuffs his face with pot stickers.   (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Competitive eater Mary Bowers scopes her competition before the contest begins.   (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

MC Sam Barclay, far left, of Major League Eating and Dui Doan watch competitive eaters Matt Stonie, center, and Joey Chestnut stuff their mouths with gyozas.  (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Competitive eater Miki Sudo stuffs down another gyoza.  (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Chris Erskine feels the burn as he participates in the Day-Lee Foods World Gyoza Eating Championship.  (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Carlene LeFevre cheers on her husband, Rich.   (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Competitive eater Juan Rodriguez gobbles up gyozas with his own technique.   (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Joey Chestnut, left, and Matt Stonie wait for the results from the judges.   (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Matt Stonie, left, wins first place and Miki Sudo wins third place as Major League Eating host Sam Barclay celebrates with the winners. Stonie, a 21-year-old who is majoring in nutrition, won with a world record of 268 gyozas, earning a $2,000 prize. Chestnut came in second.  (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)