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Burning Ram | Zikoko!
  • Interview With Chibuzor Ramsey: “I’m the Ram That Brings Everyone to the Yard”

    Obviously, we were at our own Burning Ram, so we got an exclusive interview with the star of the day, our raffle draw prize, Chibuzor Ramsey Thee Ram.

    Zikoko: Ramsey!

    Ramsey:

    Zikoko: My idolo! 

    After you, na you. There’s no counterfeit. My goat.

    Ramsey: 

    Ram.


    Zikoko: Sir?

    Ramsey: My name is Chibuzor Ramsey Thee Ram. Did you hear “goat” in my name?

    Zikoko: 

    Okay, sorry. Our bad. Do you have some sort of beef with go…

    Ramsey:


    If you’re going to disrespect me, you better move from my front. People want pictures with me.

    Zikoko: Don’t be angry. We just wanted to find out if you and “that one” had issues. We won’t lie, you guys look like you share the same daddy.

    Ramsey: Are you calling me ugly?

    Zikoko: Never!

    Ramsey: Take it back. Take it back before I ram into you. Look at me, take a good look at me, then go and look at that ugly, smelling thing. Do we look alike? I have horns, do goats have horns?

    Zikoko: Well, ye…

    Ramsey: Please, we’re not the same. I’m a hard worker, I’m tough, my people give limited edition suya, for God’s sake.

    Zikoko: That’s true. Ram suya does taste really nice.

    (Someone comes to take a video of Ramsey, and he turns to Zikoko.)

    Ramsey: Shift.

    Zikoko: Hmm?

    Ramsey: Can you leave my video? Leave my video, please. Thank you.

    (Zikoko steps to the side.)

    Zikoko: How does it feel to be popular?

    Ramsey: Great.

    (He turns to Zikoko.)

    I’m finally stepping into my glory. This is what I was born to do, to be a star.

    Zikoko: Fame looks good on you.

    Ramsey: You can see it too, right? Imagine if it was a goat?

    Zikoko: So, what’s next for you? Do you have any plans?

    Ramsey: I should be asking you that question.

    When I’m done here, what’s next? You people will put me in a hotel until #BurningRam2024, right?

    Zikoko: 

    Ramsey: I know the economy is moving funny right now. But you people need to make the money move and put me in the presidential suite of Eko Hotel, nothing less. 

    Zikoko:

    Ramsey: I’d also need an assistant and a manager. Free tickets to all Zikoko events are a must. I want a spa day after this too because you people’s sun wants to burn me frfr.

    (Ramsey looks up and sees Zikoko in the distance.)

    Ramsey: Zikoko! Did you hear all I said?! I have needs, and you need to meet them!
    Zikoko: When you meet your new bestie, you can tell them all your needs!

    Ramsey: Ehn? Zikoko!!

  • Everything You Missed At Burning Ram 2023 and How to Keep Up Next Time

    It was a sunny Saturday on November 11, 2023. The premises of La Madison Place, Lagos, was buzzing with meat and party lovers who came together to experience the first ever Burning Ram by Zikoko.

    In case you missed it, or you knew about it and thought it was all hype — people hyped it because they trust Zikoko to deliver — everyone had fun. We didn’t want to go home. Just ask DJ Kiss, who played for us.

    These are the things you missed and how to fix up in 2024.

    Games

    People got into ludo, chess, jenga, table football, mini basketball and more.

    Meat

    The vendor stands had people enjoy suya and barbeque of all kinds, asun meat pie (and burger), nkwobi, small chops and a whole range of cocktails. The atmosphere was all delicious meat aroma and smoke.

    Movie time

    While people took pictures and made videos, patronised vendors and ate good food, others sat in a chilled tent and watched Avatar: The Way of Water, courtesy of FilmHouse Cinema and FilmOne Nigeria.

    Networking

    We made friends, exchanged compliments, contacts and IG handles, and could finally put faces to some of our online friends and internet neighbours. We met popular jingos like Joey Akan, Fu’ad Lawal, Emeneks, Dammy B, Hauwa L, Dwin the Stoic, Renike, Chigozie and many more.

    Ramsey the Ram

    It was a golden moment when Adeyinka paraded Ramsey, Burning Ram’s prized ram, as Blossom and Dammy (AKA the Dorime Sisters) followed, raising Jack Daniel’s bottles in the air.

    The raffle draw

    It wasn’t a play-play thing when we announced that one lucky guest will win a live ram. The big grill drum of raffle tickets was spun, and Chioma Katherine won our Ramsey. Imagine the joy of coming to Burning Ram and returning home with a ram. It’s equivalent to J Hus’ “came in a black Benz, left in a white one” lyrics.

    Fire breathers

    You might’ve seen fire dancers many times or even been one yourself, but have you seen fire dancers perform while tossing and spinning actual fire? These guys at Burning Ram danced all the legwork known and unknown while spitting flames out of their mouths. It was like Daenerys was in one corner whispering, “dracarys”.

    Eating competition

    When it was time to see who really brought an appetite to Burning Ram, fine guys and babes nominated themselves. With bowls of jollof rice and plenty meat before them, and a large, vocal audience around, they sat and devoured their plates. Others ate hot chicken wings while singing the Nigerian national anthem. Winners emerged and received stuffed bags of Burning Ram souvenirs.

    A rave

    DJ Kiss’ set buzzed loudly and N.A.T.E (Nathan Good luck) hyped us into party mode with a mix of afrobeats hits, classics like Konko Below and American pop that took us back to our younger years. We moved our bodies, jumped, screamed out lyrics and had maximum fun. 

    How to not miss a Zikoko event

    Be our friend

    Zikoko is alive on all social media platforms. Follow us and click the notification buttons to get all the updates. Subscribe to our newsletter, join our WhatsApp community, just be our best friends, and you’ll be first to know about our events as they roll out. 

    Get your tickets ASAP

    Secure your ticket before people rush it. You know how the saying goes; you snooze, you lose.

    Image Source: Prince Mazani

    Leave home on time

    You’ve followed us, gotten the gist about our next event and your tickets as soon as they drop, don’t wait till it’s ten minutes to party time before you leave the house on the day of the event. Well, except you like attending parties when they’re over or you’ve missed the major activities.

    Burning Ram is over, but this meaty playlist can still keep you going this week:

  • QUIZ: Are You the Life of the Party?

    If you were at #BurningRam2023 you’re definitely the life of the party.

  • The Ultimate Afrobeats Playlist to Prepare You for Burning Ram

    As all roads lead to Burning Ram, the biggest meat cookout and grill festival in Lagos, on Saturday, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to curate the perfect vibe to pre-game to.

    Jam to these ten songs while planning for or heading to Burning Ram 2023. But get your ticket here first.

    Goat Chop Lion – PayBac iBoro

    The song and album, West African Goat, both suggest where rapper, PayBac iBoro’s head is at as he overcomes stronger forces to become the best rapper this side of Africa. On the 2023 track, he maintains competition but gives props to his colleagues, OdumoduBlvck, Reeplay and the rest of the Anti-World Gangsta crew in Abuja.

    Beef – M.I Abaga

    M.I Abaga released MI2: The Movie at the peak of his beef with Kelly Handsome in 2010, with its sixth track, Beef, taking direct shots at Kelly, “Kelechukwu, clap for yourself, well-done.” M.I poked him further, “Kpomo, you no chop. Fish, you no chop. Goat, you chop. You say you want beef.” Kelly replied with Finish You Boy in January 2011, but the world had moved on by then.

    BBQ & Shayo – The Lost & Found

    BBQ & Shayo is the funky lead single off of Face Off, a 2016 album by rappers Boogey and PayBac iBoro, and music producer, Charlie Xtreme (FKA Charlie X), under their collective, The Lost & Found. Singer, Rexx, performed the chorus in Igbo and English, celebrating in anticipation of a good time. 

    And exactly like he sang, tomorrow at Burning Ram, “The party go make sense o. You can bring your girlfriend o, for some barbecue and shayo.”

    Kako Bi Chicken – Reminisce

    The intro on this song is a hall of famer. Reminisce said, “I have moved to greatness,” and indeed Kako Bi Chicken became his breakout song in 2012. Produced by Sarz, this jam keeps the party pumping.

    Chicken Curry – Mr Eazi

    When Mr Eazi was still making Banku music and finding his way from Lagos to London, Chicken Curry featuring U.K artist, Sneakbo, appeared on his 2018 album. On it, Eazi sang that his “thing” tastes like chicken curry. Weird but the song is a jam.

    Chicken, Spice & Curry – Joeboy

    Joeboy featured Ludacris on this 2023 song on his latest album, Body & Soul. Just like Eazi’s Chicken Curry, Joeboy’s Chicken, Spice & Curry is about love and relationships. And you can drop a waist-whine to every rhyme as they roll out.

    Turkey Nla – Wande Coal

    The title refers to a thick lady, and this fast-paced afro-pop jam produced by Dapiano was the ultimate party starter when it came out in 2017. Six years later, Turkey Nla still raises the roof.

    Turkey Nla (Remix) – King Perry

    First off, this is not a remix of Wande Coal’s song mentioned above. This Turkey Nla (Remix) is a song on King Perry’s Continental Playlist EP of February 2023. But it does stress the same message WC had on his version.

    G.O.A.T – Seyi Vibez

    Seyi Vibez released G.O.A.T off his Memory Card EP early in 2023. The song samples old Apala artist, Fatai Olowonyo’s Elewue Wole Medley — a diss track aimed at Ayinla Omowura. But Seyi Vibez flipped it and made his own song about seeking divine guidance and having satisfaction in life.

    The Goat – Monaky

    Monaky released The Goat in 2023, a braggadocious single about his vices and lifestyle. At the time it dropped, many people still compared him to Burna Boy due to their similar vocal texture and music styles. Monaky might’ve been influenced by Burna, but he’s a unique act in his own lane.

    Cue up this playlist as you prep to meet Ramsey at Burning Ram tomorrow.

  • QUIZ: This Quiz Knows When Your Anon Will Finally See You

    Hopefully it’s today, and they get you tickets to eat meat, watch firebreathers and maybe leave Burning Ram with a live ram.

  • Dear Future Burning Ram Raffle Winner, This Is How To Carry the Prized Ram Home

    We’re throwing the biggest meat festival in Lagos, and there’s a big chance you’ll win a living, bleating ram if you attend and enter the raffle draw.

    Instead of leaving the movement logistics to you, we’ve come up with some ways to help you take Ramsey the Ram home to the family.

    Carry it on your neck

    Image credit – flickr

    If you know how much rams cost in this economy, you’d put your ram on your neck like it’s an icy neckpiece and flaunt that ram for the whole world to see.

    Put it in an envelope

    Image credit – tenor

    In life, you have options, and when you win the ram at Burning Ram, you get the option to either leave with the actual ram or the money equivalent, 

    Walk it home

    Image credit – tenor

    But if you don’t want that, think of it as good exercise for yourself and your new ram. You might have to grab it by the horn and drag it though, anything to get your prized ram home.

    How do you want to get the prized ram if you don’t get your Burning Ram tickets?!

    Click here to get your tickets.

    Put it in the front seat of your car

    Image credit – memes.zikoko

    Or the back seat or trunk. We suggest you weigh the safest option and stuff your brand new ram there.

    Get a truck

    Image credit – tenor

    Rent a pick-up truck for the day and bring it to Burning Ram with you. So when you win Ramsey, all you’ll have to do is load it in there and head on home.

    Ghana must go

    Image credit – oyibosonline

    If you want to sneak your ram into your home, a Ghana must go is the way to go. Put your ram in the bag and drag it all the way. You might have to shout anytime it bleats, but no one would witness Ramsey’s entrance.

    Beg the ram

    Image credit – memes.zikoko

    Ram’s can be tough and stubborn, so before you even think about leaving the venue. Go on your knees and beg it to behave itself as you embark on your journey.

    Rent a keke

    Image credit – dailytrust

    Think about it, there’s more space for your new ram baby to be comfortable. Tie your ram in the back seat and take the wheel.

  • A Foodie’s Guide to Enjoying Burning Ram 2023

    Burning Ram is just around the corner. If you haven’t gotten the memo, it’s not just an event; it’s a foodie’s dream come true.

    We already told you to come with a wild appetite, but that’s not all. We’ve got some more interesting tips to help you navigate the culinary wonderland you’re about to witness on Saturday.

    Class is in session, grab your note pads!

    Have a mission

    Remember, you’re coming to the mecca of meat, so there’ll be loads of fun activities to keep you occupied. As a true foodie, decide the experiences that are most important to you ahead of the day, to avoid stories like “When and where did that happen?”

    Arrive early

    Doors open at 12 p.m., and we don’t do African time. OG foodies also know arriving to the party early is the ONLY way to avoid missing out on any goodies.

    Bring your takeout packs

    We told you there’ll be lots to win, eat and drink. There’ll also be lots to take home, so bring your own takeout bowls, packs and bags to make this as convenient for you as possible.

    Attend the grilling masterclass

    How else can you convince your ops that you don’t just eat food, you also create mouth watering delicacies? Chez Ro will drop gems on the art of grilling the tastiest meat come Saturday.

    And the suya tutorial

    Imagine combining your new grilling knowledge with suya making, you’ll be unstoppable. But this will only be vivid imagination if you don’t make it a date with Chez Ro.

    Remember to tease your tastebuds

    We’ll be having some culinary Michael Jacksons at Burning Ram, so you better prepare to shock your mouths and bellies with all the not-so-popular meat recipes that’ll be up for free tasting.

    Come with your clan

    We’re not saying you cannot come alone o, but what’s better than one foodie? Three foodies eating together. Think about it. Nothing will be too expensive because y’all can split the bills.

    And your tickets

    But you already know all these cannot happen if you don’t have your tickets to Burning Ram. You still have time to fix up, so see you soon.

  • All the Things You Need to Make the Most of Burning Ram 2023

    In case you haven’t heard, Zikoko is throwing a festival on Saturday, November 11, and meat is the celebrant. Think of all meat’s family members — suya, grilled turkey, asun, barbecue, dambu nama — they’ll all be present. 

    The question is, will you be there to bear witness?

    If your answer is yes, the next step to premium enjoyment is to have these things because you’ll need them at the venue.

    Tickets

    All the Things You Need to Make the Most of Burning Ram 2023

    Yes, you’ll need tickets to experience the true magic we’ve created, and if you don’t already have one, you’re wrong. But don’t worry, you can still fix up and grab one for you and your clan here.

    Fire outfits

    All the Things You Need to Make the Most of Burning Ram 2023

    It’s a food festival, but if you know just one thing about Zikoko parties, you’d know the boys and girlies come through with the fashion. Bonus point: Go for stain-resistant colours.

    Umbrella or raincoat

    Lagos weather has been giving rainy season vibes and it has a thing for weekends. 

    Bring sunscreen

    All the Things You Need to Make the Most of Burning Ram 2023

    Burning Ram is an outdoor event, and since we’re begging the sun to come out to play, we might as well come prepared for it. Plus, have you seen all the outside activities we have lined up?

     [ad]

    A wild appetite

    We can’t stress this enough, but believe us when we say there’ll be lots to eat and drink at Burning Ram.

    Gather your coins

    You’ll be attending the mecca of meat on Saturday, and you know what they say about good soup and quality money? Exactly. Our vendors will have the tastiest grills, juiciest burgers and wickedest cocktails, so you better prepare to spend that money.

    Content creation kit

    Everyone is a content creator. It’s just a question of “When will you blow?” But how will you blow if you don’t come to the biggest meat festival with your phone, power bank and selfie stick? Prepare to flood social media with all your hard work using the official hashtag #BurningRam2023.

    Still haven’t gotten your Burning Ram tickets? Help us to help you by clicking this link.

  • You’re This Close to Missing Burning Ram Early Bird Tickets

    Hey there.

    I’m heavily invested in you enjoying on a budget at Burning Ram, and that’s why I’m reminding you that we’ll stop selling early bird tickets tomorrow, October 31

    There’s no time o

    Meaning, you have just about 24 hours to secure your spot at Nigeria’s biggest meat festival at the lowest cost possible. 

    At Burning Ram, you’ll get to sample different types of meat for free, engage in fun competitions and activities, and meet fellow food enthusiasts from across Nigeria. 

    It’s happening at La Madison Place Lekki, Lagos on November 11, and a little birdie told me you’d even get a 20% discount when you use LagRide as your transportation mode to Burning Ram. 

    Don’t wait till the price increases! 

    PS: Don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket too, if you’d like to stand the chance to win a live ram (or the cash equivalent).

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  • Burning Ram Is Just Two Weeks Away!

    Hey there, co-minister of enjoyment.

    It’s just two weeks to Burning Ram, Nigeria’s biggest meat festival, but you haven’t gotten a ticket yet. Early bird tickets are ending soon, and prices increase from November 1. You probably like taking risks, but you shouldn’t leave this one to chance o.

    You’re at risk of missing out on the experience of a lifetime. You won’t just have the opportunity to taste different meat for free; you’ll also get a chill space to hang out with friends, meet food enthusiasts from across Nigeria and experience exciting performances. 

    If you still have questions about Burning Ram, these answers will help:

    What do I get by purchasing a ticket?

    Your ticket grants you entry to the festival, where you will experience a variety of activities such as suya-making tutorials, grilling masterclasses, meat-tasting sessions, eating contests and meat-inspired arts and crafts. 

    Am I eating for free?

    Your ticket grants you access to samples during meat-tasting sessions, competitions and workshops. However, full meals from vendors, exclusive dishes or drinks are not covered by the entry fee.

    What if I don’t eat meat?

    We got you. We’re working on getting some vendors who will offer vegetarian and vegan food options, so look out for those.

    Now that we’ve answered your questions, shey you’ll buy a ticket? 👀

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  • Like an Owambe, but the Meat Won’t Finish

    The worst thing to hear at an owambe is, “Food has finished.” The second worst thing? Hearing meat has finished, and you have to eat party jollof with only your hopes and dreams.

    Unacceptable.

    Neither will be your fate at Burning Ram. We’re bringing you an exclusive celebration of Nigerian meat and barbecue culture on November 11 in Lagos, and it’ll be a full-on festival.

    There are several ticket options available, so whether you plan to explore on your own or with your food-loving squad, you can save coins by getting an early bird special or one of the group tickets.

    Remember, your ticket includes entry to the festival, where you will experience a variety of activities such as VRSUS competitions, suya-making tutorials, grilling masterclasses, meat-tasting sessions and meat-inspired art and crafts. 

    You can also enter our exclusive raffle with an additional ₦1000 and stand a chance to take home the ultimate prize of a live ram.

    Why haven’t you gotten a ticket yet? Don’t wait until they sell out!


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  • QUIZ:This Meat Quiz Knows What Type of Partner You Have

    All you have to do is make a meat dish, that’s all. 

  • Every Food Tourist Should Experience These Festivals at Least Once

    Can any self-respecting food lover really give themselves the “foodie” title if they haven’t done some form of culinary excursion? I mean, it’s not only about being able to differentiate between pounded and poundo yam. 

    That’s where we come in. By the time you experience these food festivals, you’ll be more than deserving of your “food lover” ID card.

    Bole Festival

    Whether you spell it as “bole” or “boli”, this should be the first stop on your food tour. You’d be surprised by the different bole recipes available. Warning: You may never eat it with groundnuts again.

    Image: Bole Festival on X

    Burning Ram

    If you think about it, meat may be every food lover’s origin story. Almost all of us passed through a stealing-meat-from-the-pot phase — don’t even deny it. Burning Ram celebrates the Nigerian culture of meat and grill, and the best part? As of the date of publishing, you can still be a part of the 2023 edition.

    New Yam Festival

    Yam is the Nigerian staple, not jollof rice. How else do you explain how almost every state and tribe in the country has their own version of a New Yam Festival? For the Igbos, it’s typically celebrated after the rainy season in August, and referred to as “Iwa ji” or “Iri ji”. For the Yorubas, especially in Ekiti, it is termed “Odun Ijesu”. Irrespective of what tribe you celebrate with, you’re sure to find yam delicacies of all types, music, dance and masquerade displays at a New Yam Festival.

    Image: The Guardian Nigeria

    West Africa Food Festival

    This festival is proof you don’t have to japa to expand your tastebuds. As the name implies, this festival involves celebrating the dishes and culinary culture of West African countries. The annual festival is typically held in the countries along West Africa, and 2022’s edition was in Lagos. It features food, competitions and wine tastings.

    Image: Flickr

    Lagos Seafood Festival

    You might think you like seafood, but have you really had everything the sea has to offer if you haven’t eaten stuff like octopus or human-sized fish? The annual festival was rebranded to “Lagos Food Festival” in 2022, but you’re still sure to find interesting sea creatures when you attend.

    Argungu Festival

    The cultural festival has increasingly become associated with food, as it involves a fishing competition to catch the biggest fish. It happens in Kebbi over a four-day period every year and features agricultural showcases, musical performances as well as wrestling and swimming competitions. 

    The winner of the 2020 fishing competition was awarded ₦10m, two cars and two seats to Hajj. Excuse me while I go learn how to fish.

    Image: The Nation

    Calabar Carnival

    Termed “Africa’s biggest street party”, the carnival celebrates the Cross River culture, but the cuisine is a huge part of it. It’s an annual four-day event that features a food festival of its own, with rich Efik cuisine, grills and drinks.

    Image: The Whistler

    Jos Food Festival

    If you’ve ever entertained curiosity about what food on the Plateau tastes like, you might want to add the Jos Food Festival to your itinerary. It features indigenous food displays and local musical performances.

    Image: Sunday Alamba

    PS: You can’t have read up to this point without signing up for Burning Ram. Do it now.


    NEXT READ: Like Boli, These Nigerian Meals Deserve Their Own Festivals

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  • Burning Ram: Zikoko is COOKING the Biggest Meat Festival in Nigeria

    Hello friends of Zikoko,

    The last time we chatted, I was waxing lyrical about the hottest women’s festival in Nigeria, HERtitude. And if you were among the 1,500 women who showed up, you know Zikoko delivered the hottest festival for the hottest women in Lagos.

    Today, I bring you a Zikoko festival in the works since 2019: Burning Ram.


    Burning Ram is a meat festival bringing you and other food enthusiasts, creators and curators together to celebrate the Nigerian culture of meat and grill. We’re inviting you to enjoy the best suya, kilishi, asun, burgers, and interesting takes on common Nigerian meat snacks on September 30, 2023.

    Why is Zikoko doing this?

    The short answer: for your enjoyment.

    You must enjoy

    The better answer: A conversation around the lack of African cuisine representation in global conversations is brewing, and Burning Ram is our response. We’re elevating the world’s perception of food, one African dish at a time, by bringing together 3000 people to experience a world of expert grilling, spicing and meat.

    Burning Ram is not just an event about meat; our goal is to become pioneers of innovation, conversation and new experiences around African cuisine, starting with meat in Nigeria. Changing perceptions and appreciating a culture’s cuisine is a gradual process, and it starts with one plate, one dish, and one experience at a time.

    This is a big goal, and yes, we need your help to make it happen.

    Why should you attend Burning Ram? 

    If you love having a good time with your friends and family. If you love meat — from suya to kilishi that tastes like a rainy evening in Abuja. If you’re not afraid of trying new things, like akara burgers, then you should only be at Burning Ram on Saturday, September 30.

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    What to expect at Burning Ram

    We promise you a spectacle. The festival will feature various activities including firebreather performances, eating contests, cooking competitions, tutorials, and music. Food lovers will have an opportunity to try out different types of meat in one place. 

    Fans of Zikoko VRSUS will also enjoy the Suya VRSUS Wars, which will feature a culinary chef versus a mallam. A suya-making tutorial class is another activity that participants can look forward to at the festival.

    We’re also running a raffle draw where one lucky attendee will win an actual ram. Yes, you read right. An actual live ram won to be prepared by experts and sent to the winner. 

    Be the first to get more details about these activities and find out when ticket sales begin by signing up here.

    Interested in becoming a sponsor?

    Burning Ram is bringing together over 3000 food enthusiasts, chefs, families, students, professionals, tourists and more. To share a part of this vision, kindly reach out to us here.

    How do you become a vendor?

    You want to showcase your take on meat and everything that can be paired with it at Burning Ram, then register as a vendor, and we’ll be in touch in a couple of weeks.

    Burning Ram promises to be an exciting festival for food lovers and meat enthusiasts. Come hungry.