A hot dog eating contest, hamburger buffet and a special cocktail of the week—the Alabama slammer—will be reflecting the celebrations in America for Independence day here in Phnom Penh in a small restaurant, tucked away in an alley behind the Royal University of Fine Arts, at the Alley Cat Cafe. For the fourth year, the small Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant will be hosting their own July 4th party, welcoming all nationalities to enjoy some of the events that are normally held in the United States. “Last year, we had such a big turn out for the hot dog eating contest that I had to run to get more supplies in the peak of rainy season, in knee high water,” said co-owner Mark Eastly. “I ended up joining the contest myself, and it all turned out great. It was a lot of fun.” The event commences at 10 am with the $2.50 Alabama slammer ready to be served for the whole day and then at noon, an all day BBQ featuring burgers, hotdogs, chicken and classic American sides runs until 7 pm. “At 6 pm, we will host our 3rd annual hot dog eating competition. 10 hot dogs, 10 minutes, whoever finishes first (or eats the most) wins a $50 meat voucher from sponsor Dan Meats! 2nd prize $20 bar tab,” Eastly said. “Last years winner, Art, ate 7 and 3/4 hot dogs in the 10 minutes provided!” Also, the cafe broke its own record last year by making the biggest burger in town, weighing 10 kilograms. This year, they are downsizing the burger to 5 kilograms and upsizing the variety of sides to bring in more flavors from the US, which will start from 7 pm where people can see just how much they can eat for $6. OTHER AMERICAN RESTAURANT/BAR AROUND PHNOM PENH