Feature Friday: Cincinnati Chili

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Yesterday was National Chili Day and living so close to Cincinnati, you know I'm a fan of Cincinnati chili!  This irritates Hubs to no end, who grew up in Texas and says not only does cinnamon have no place in chili, but with the consistency, flavors and serving methods it's not even chili.  Well he is welcome to his opinion, no matter how wrong it is!

In my experience, people either love Cincinnati or hate it.  It's actually more of a Mediterranean meat sauce than an American chili and I think the misnomer is part of why the dish is so divisive.  But that doesn't make it any less delicious.  It doesn't keep it from being featured in pop culture.  And it doesn't make me not feature it for National Chili Day!

Image result for cincinnati chili
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

Country duo Big and Rich grabbed a bowl of Skyline Chili in Comin' to your City, but for me if you're going to Skyline you're getting a three-way or a coney.  Okay, a chili cheese sandwich, because I don't love hot dogs, but still, I'm going for the classics and Cincinnati chili just isn't eaten by the bowl.

You know I couldn't talk about Skyline without also mentioning Gold Star.  Cincinnati chili people have definite opinions on which is better.  But you know what?  While Skyline is my go to, I'm heading to Gold Star if I want chili cheese fries.

Blue Ash Chili actually has three locations and only one of them is in Blue Ash, but that doesn't keep me from hitting up the original when I'm in Blue Ash!  Featured on Diners, Drive ins and Dives, Blue Ash Chili boasts Cincinnati's only 6-Way, with a choice of fresh jalapeño or fried bottle caps in addition to the traditional 5-Way.  They also claim their chili is good enough that Guy Fieri likes his chili simple, with just onions and crackers.  No thanks.  I'll take a double decker.

Silver Ladle is a bit pricier than the others, but where else can you get gluten free Cincinnati chili over your choice of spaghetti, gluten free pasta or mixed greens?  Do other places serve Cincinnati chili as chicken or vegetarian chili or topped with Cuban black bean soup?  Seriously, if you're looking for an adventure, this is your place!

Camp Washington Chili gets a shout out by Lonnie Mack, the famous Blues musician who actually grew up just outside of Cincinnati in my home town of West Harrison, Indiana.  It was also featured on Man Versus Food Nation.  I love that Camp Washington Chili features other Mediterranean food and even serves up a Gyro!

Love it or hate it, you decide, but with Cincinnati chili, I really don't think you can go wrong!

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