Space Nerds Cocktail Week; Chili Pepper Contest

FENWAY — After weeks of qualifying rounds, it's time for El Pelon's annual hot chili pepper eating contest. It takes place tomorrow night (Wednesday, May 7) at 8:45 p.m. at the taqueria's Fenway location on Peterborough Street. Watch finalists progress from "mild peppers" to "some real torchers" with two minutes to finish each. The winner will get "a trophy that will embarrass them on the T" and a year's worth of daily free burritos, plus some quality time in the bathroom for the next couple of days. A portion of sales from the evening will be donated to local non-profits. Be sure to check out El Pelon's "restaurant row" neighbors as well — they'll be offering spicy specials in honor of the event. [FB]

HUB-WIDE — The festivities already began this past Sunday, but you have until this coming Sunday, May 11, to celebrate "Space Nerds Cocktail Week", taking place at a variety of venues around town. Sadly Space Flight, an "immersive cocktail experience" at backbar, is already sold out, but you can jump on the wait list here. And here's a list of other spots around town that are participating with various specials. Find out more by keeping an eye on @getoffsite and #spacenerds on Twitter and Instagram. [Official Site]

CAMBRIDGE — A noon reservation for four is up for auction for Craigie on Main's Mother's Day brunch, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign. Bidding closes at 1 p.m. on Thursday; there's currently a single bid for $9.99. Here's the menu. [eBay/Official Site]
[Photo: Craigie on Main/Cal Bingham]