Cincinnati Chili

Since the question of the week is Cincinnati Chili, I thought I'd post a couple of pics of this regional culinary delight:


NAKED CINCINNATI CHILI:


COVERED-UP (5-WAY: SPAGHETTI, CHILI, BEANS, ONIONS, CHEESE)

The picture just proves that Cincinnati Chili is so bad that it must be buried under tons of other foods in order to be eaten.

Uhm, no.

By the same "logic", any pizzeria in the world that covers their dough and sauce with anything else (cheese, toppings, etc) must have bad sauce and/or dough.

So no, sorry, come back and play again soon!

C'mon, Cincinnati chili is one of America's great regional dishes. The problem comes when newcomers make the same mistake we did as callow youths and expect it to be a twist on the kind of chili everyone in the country normally eats. Big mistake. Ignore the word chili and just think of it as a beautifully eccentric regional specialty.

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Bilmes & Sue Boyle

C'mon, Cincinnati chili is one of America's great regional dishes. The problem comes when newcomers make the same mistake we did as callow youths and expect it to be a twist on the kind of chili everyone in the country normally eats. Big mistake. Ignore the word chili and just think of it as a beautifully eccentric regional specialty.

That's the ticket! "Ignore the word chili" and, after eating it, you can go forth without wondering if you hate certain kinds of chili. pb

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Uhm, no.

By the same "logic", any pizzeria in the world that covers their dough and sauce with anything else (cheese, toppings, etc) must have bad sauce and/or dough.

So no, sorry, come back and play again soon!

WOW!

I actually agree with TJ on this one!

quote:

Originally posted by porkbeaks
"Ignore the word chili" and, after eating it, you can go forth without wondering if you hate certain kinds of chili.

Or, if you happen to be more open minded and accepting of "regionally different cuisine" (which btw, is what this site is at it's core all about) than certain posters here, you might well go forth finding you LIKE an additional kind of chili.

I always find it more than a bit odd when a poster here, and especially a regular poster who one might normally think accepts or understands the premise of this website, not only can't find it in him/herself to at least tolerate a regional difference, but goes on to belittle or denigrate such a difference. Makes you wonder why such a person even participates in this website - which at it's heart is all about celebrating regional differences.

Ah well, we are all free to post, no matter how much or little sense we make.

As I've never had any Cincinnati chili, I am sure I would most likely top it the same way as I would top our Texas chili or even canned (Wolf Brand) chili for that matter. My personal toppings would always include, plenty of (green,and/or white) onions, shredded cheddar and hot sauce.

I guess Cincinnati chili over spaghetti must be the American version of the Italian, "beef bolognese".

Meee-frickin'-yow, y'all!

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Uhm, no.

By the same "logic", any pizzeria in the world that covers their dough and sauce with anything else (cheese, toppings, etc) must have bad sauce and/or dough.

So no, sorry, come back and play again soon!

WOW!

I actually agree with TJ on this one!

Hey, I agree with him, too.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

quote:

Originally posted by porkbeaks
"Ignore the word chili" and, after eating it, you can go forth without wondering if you hate certain kinds of chili.

Or, if you happen to be more open minded and accepting of "regionally different cuisine" (which btw, is what this site is at it's core all about) than certain posters here, you might well go forth finding you LIKE an additional kind of chili.

I always find it more than a bit odd when a poster here, and especially a regular poster who one might normally think accepts or understands the premise of this website, not only can't find it in him/herself to at least tolerate a regional difference, but goes on to belittle or denigrate such a difference. Makes you wonder why such a person even participates in this website - which at it's heart is all about celebrating regional differences.

Ah well, we are all free to post, no matter how much or little sense we make.

I'm with you all the way on this one.

I'll chime in with not letting the words get in the way of a great dish! Pasta sauce, a round flat pizza shaped thingy, a mild sausage in a bun, whatever helps you enjoy something good.
Joe

I'll add my agreement. Actually looks pretty good...The pizza analogy is a superb one...and can be used for any add ons on any food....you're creating a new taste.....so what. It gets my vote.I'll try one!!!...or two...or...

quote:

Originally posted by X1

Meee-frickin'-yow, y'all!

Thank you for your well thought-out and topical contribution to the subject at hand

I do not like Cincinnati chili. I do not think that means that I do not appreciate regional differences. I tried it a few times. I generally, do not like the tastes of cinnamon or alspice (this is a big one for me) in entree foods. I do not begrudge anyone else this type of chili.

I find it most objectionable on this site when people reject a dish then say they have never and would never try it so no one else should like it. There are two problems with that stance and it happen a lot on the board. I have a personal preference, they have food bigotries. I think preferences do not go against roadfood ideals.

Well said Dive! But, don't give up on anything untill the 11th. try.
Joe

11 times is a little indecisive, but I am going throug a no foods barred time. I figured there are enough foods that I have recently decided that I like after thinking I did not like them for years based on childhood experiences. It's time to reassess. Find out how much my tastes have changed. I'm sure they have. Good thing I didn't know about sushi as a kid. No way I would have let that on my plate.

I've never had it but I'd sure try it. There's lots of regional foods that folks will scoff at even though they have never them. At least I ate some scrapple before I realized I did not like it. Then I reserve the right to opine.

quote:

Originally posted by twinwillow

As I've never had any Cincinnati chili, I am sure I would most likely top it the same way as I would top our Texas chili or even canned (Wolf Brand) chili for that matter. My personal toppings would always include, plenty of (green,and/or white) onions, shredded cheddar and hot sauce.

I guess Cincinnati chili over spaghetti must be the American version of the Italian, "beef bolognese".

Not really beef bolognese. Here is my mom's recipe:

Cincinnati Skyline Chili

2 lbs raw ground beef
3 cups water
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ tsp salt
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
2 tsp cumin
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 ½ tsp vinegar
2 bay leaves
1 Tbspn chili powder
1 chopped onion
1 ½ tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp crushed red pepper

Mix raw ground beef and water until soupy. Mix in remaining ingredients and simmer, uncovered, 3 hours. Stir occasionally. Makes 8 servings.

Serve over spaghetti noodles, top with cheese, chopped onions, or chili beans.


^^She got this recipe from the Atlantic City Press in 1987. We had just moved to Mays Landing, NJ from Mason, OH. We loved the chili in Ohio. She still makes it a few times every fall/winter.

Edited to fix the formatting on recipe.

I have never met a chili I didn't like. Although I've never been to Cincy, other than passing through on my way to California, I've had a 5-way and a Coney at Skyline in Naples, FL. It's not a Bowl of Red, but it's damn fine eating.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

quote:

Originally posted by porkbeaks
"Ignore the word chili" and, after eating it, you can go forth without wondering if you hate certain kinds of chili.

Or, if you happen to be more open minded and accepting of "regionally different cuisine" (which btw, is what this site is at it's core all about) than certain posters here, you might well go forth finding you LIKE an additional kind of chili.

I always find it more than a bit odd when a poster here, and especially a regular poster who one might normally think accepts or understands the premise of this website, not only can't find it in him/herself to at least tolerate a regional difference, but goes on to belittle or denigrate such a difference. Makes you wonder why such a person even participates in this website - which at it's heart is all about celebrating regional differences.

Ah well, we are all free to post, no matter how much or little sense we make.

I'm with you all the way on this one.

As far as the poll question goes, I think all the toppings (with the exception of chopped garlic) are essential on the Cinci chili! I picked the cheese as that was on top, but I love 'em all.

quote:

Originally posted by twinwillow


I guess Cincinnati chili over spaghetti must be the American version of the Italian, "beef bolognese".

It's Greek.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

quote:

Originally posted by X1

Meee-frickin'-yow, y'all!

Thank you for your well thought-out and topical contribution to the subject at hand

You're welcome, Sunshine.

I last had Cincinnati Chili in Fairfax, VA at the Hard Times Cafe of all places. It seems they were more scrimpy with the cheese compared to Miamidon's.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson


Thank you for your well thought-out and topical contribution to the subject at hand

If this was a requirement, some people would be seeing their post numbers cut by more than half. And I would lose my fortune cookie postings. among others

Davydd, This may not be well thought out, but it is heartfelt:That looks delicious!!!

Please also count me in as a huge fan of Cincinnati 5-Way. I am going to Cincy for a baseball game in July with a bunch of co-workers and I can't wait to take them to Camp Washington Chili. It will be a first time for all of them, but I will be very surprised if they don't like it as much as I do.

Now, one thing I didn't particularly care for is the 6-Way.....leave off the garlic for me!

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

I am going to Cincy for a baseball game in July with a bunch of co-workers and I can't wait to take them to Camp Washington Chili. It will be a first time for all of them, but I will be very surprised if they don't like it as much as I do.

Buffetbuster
If your co-workers are Pittsburgh natives- they'll probably want to know why Fries are not included on top of the 5-way Chili!

Wanderingjew-
Either that or a pierogie!

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

I am going to Cincy for a baseball game in July with a bunch of co-workers and I can't wait to take them to Camp Washington Chili. It will be a first time for all of them, but I will be very surprised if they don't like it as much as I do.

Buffetbuster
If your co-workers are Pittsburgh natives- they'll probably want to know why Fries are not included on top of the 5-way Chili!

Now that's not a bad idea.

I love Cincinnati chili. For those of you who think it's not real chili, I kind of understand, but just judge it seperately from another type of chili (e.g. Texas red).

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Bilmes & Sue Boyle

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

I am going to Cincy for a baseball game in July with a bunch of co-workers and I can't wait to take them to Camp Washington Chili. It will be a first time for all of them, but I will be very surprised if they don't like it as much as I do.

Buffetbuster
If your co-workers are Pittsburgh natives- they'll probably want to know why Fries are not included on top of the 5-way Chili!

Now that's not a bad idea.

With an attitude like that, you would make a fine, fine Pittsburgher!

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

quote:

Originally posted by buffetbuster

I am going to Cincy for a baseball game in July with a bunch of co-workers and I can't wait to take them to Camp Washington Chili. It will be a first time for all of them, but I will be very surprised if they don't like it as much as I do.

Buffetbuster
If your co-workers are Pittsburgh natives- they'll probably want to know why Fries are not included on top of the 5-way Chili!

Fries would be a lot better than pasta. I know you can get chili cheese fries all over america, but Cincy Chili Cheese Fries would be better than great.

quote:

Originally posted by Robearjr

Fries would be a lot better than pasta. I know you can get chili cheese fries all over america, but Cincy Chili Cheese Fries would be better than great.

Every Skyline has them. From the menu: Chili Cheese Fries: Crispy french fries covered with our secret-recipe chili and shredded cheddar cheese.

How come Skyline Chili, a chain by any definition, gets praised, while there is thread after thread condemming each and every food chain?

Because it's a regional chain that serves a regional specialty. Like Runza and Maid-Rite.

quote:

Originally posted by BBq King

How come Skyline Chili, a chain by any definition, gets praised, while there is thread after thread condemming each and every food chain?

Because theyknow who they are...they do what they do and thats it, they don't try to be something their not......and they have been doing all the above..the right way for many, many years.

Like an earlier poster, I too had chili and a Coney at the Skyline in Naples, FL a few months back. It was my second experience with Cincy chili, the first being in Cincinnati about 15 years ago. I enjoyed the novelty the first time. This time? Not so much. I couldn't get past the flavorless hot dog, watery chili and mushy pasta. Also, the cheese was completely nondescript. The onions, which should have added sharpness, must have been cut hours earlier. Flat. Perhaps it tastes better in Cincinnati??

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Bilmes & Sue Boyle

Because it's a regional chain that serves a regional specialty. Like Runza and Maid-Rite.

Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, West Virginia is a region. When Skyline went into Florida, it lost it's claim to be a regional chain. A chain is a chain is a chain. You can't have it both ways. The statement so many on this list make that chains are evil (unless you like their food) is just wrong.

I really love my own chili on vermicelli with sharp cheddar.


I have been in Cinci since 1977 and enjoy cheese coneys and 3 ways on occasion - Gold Star is my favorite store for it.

who invented Cincinnati Chile..................... ???
OK, gentleman now shake hands, take to your corners, and at the sound of the bell come out fighting...

quote:

Originally posted by sizz

who invented Cincinnati Chile..................... ???
OK, gentleman now shake hands, take to your corners, and at the sound of the bell come out fighting...

Thomas Kiradjieff(sp?) and his brother John, and they opened the first Empress Chili in 1922.
Everything else 4-way'ed up from that.

Empress is till owned by two brothers if I'm not mistaken and it's still my favorite.

After reading JoeEats post about Skyline Chili in Naples, I checked and discovered that there are franchises in Sunrise and Ft. Lauderdale. I think I'll have to save up some calorie credits and try a bowl of five-way.

Does anyone know whether they actually make the chili product on site?

My Son (Jerad) is a Cincinnati/Skyline chili nut hahah I personally think the boy could eat it everyday.
I am gonna suprise him and try to make it homemade,but I have a couple of questions.
Could I cook the meat first with like the onions & garlic,mostly to drain off the grease?
Since it needs simmered, could I cook the chili in a pot till the simmer part then put in a crock pot to simmer??
Just a wonderin :-)
Pamela

quote:

Originally posted by BBq King
When Skyline went into Florida, it lost it's claim to be a regional chain.

An near-equally weak argument as your earlier one.

About 3% of all Skyline locations are in Florida, and you know why they are there? To serve former Ohio and Kentucky devotees who retired in Florida.

97% or so of the chain is centered around Cincinnati.

quote:

Originally posted by BBq King

How come Skyline Chili, a chain by any definition, gets praised, while there is thread after thread condemming each and every food chain?

Another entirely incorrect statement on your part.

Mr Stern has written some praise about Waffle House in these forums, although there is no official review.

Many posters have at various times praised In-N-Out, Fatburger, Five Guys, Original Pancake House, White Castle, Maid-Rite....to name but a few....and yes, these are all chains.

There is even an official review of In-N-Out on this website: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=1647

So....please do some fact checking before posting. Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by BBq King

How come Skyline Chili, a chain by any definition, gets praised, while there is thread after thread condemming each and every food chain?

This isn't true. Not all bash chains and not all chains are bashed. The picture that Davydd posted is from Hard Times... a chain. I'm a fan of Hard Times myself.

quote:

Originally posted by pamelakrest

Could I cook the meat first with like the onions & garlic,mostly to drain off the grease?
Since it needs simmered, could I cook the chili in a pot till the simmer part then put in a crock pot to simmer??
Just a wonderin :-)
Pamela

I made some at home a few weeks ago and cooked the onion and garlic with the meat and then drained it. I simmered it on the stove for a while then put it in the crockpot for the rest of the day.. Worked good for me.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

Mr Stern has written some praise about Waffle House in these forums, although there is no official review.

Many posters have at various times praised In-N-Out, Fatburger, Five Guys, Original Pancake House, White Castle, Maid-Rite....to name but a few....and yes, these are all chains.

There is even an official review of In-N-Out on this website: http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=1647

Let me add to the list of chains that at some time or other have received an "official" stamp of approval: Steak 'N' Shake, Burgerville, Graeter's, Runza, Piccadilly Cafeteria, Rubio's...

Roadfood.com is not hidebound in its approach to good things to eat. The proliferation of chains has not been a generally good thing for food, but it doesn't mean that chains are evil or all chains serve bad food. So who are we to say that Maid-Rite and Rubio's are interesting, and Wendy's and Denny's are not? It's just the way we see it. Disagree? You're free to voice your disagreement, or start your own website devoted to the likes of Domino's and Burger King and Dunkin' Donuts.

I love chili and normally eat it with beans on pasta of some type loaded with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Some years ago when I was camped near Kings Island amusement park (just north of Cincinnati), I ate at Skyline's Kings Mills location. At that time I knew nothing about Cincinnati chili, assuming it would just be "chili". Boy, was I in for a shock!

At this point, I need to mention that I do not care for cinnamon or allspice in anything (no cinnamon rolls, no pumpkin or sweet potato pie unless I make it myself without the sweet spices, etc.). So all the rest of you can eat all the Cincinnati chili you want without having to worry about running out because of me. I will stick to Illinois multi-ways chili. (After all, Steak 'n Shake started the year I was born just about 50 miles from where I still live.)

My son, who lived in Naples, but grew up in Cincinnati and adored Cinti Chili reported that the Naples one was a far cry from what we get here but close enough to keep him getting it fairly often. Is the Naples store still open?

quote:

Originally posted by pamelakrest

My Son (Jerad) is a Cincinnati/Skyline chili nut hahah I personally think the boy could eat it everyday.
I am gonna suprise him and try to make it homemade,but I have a couple of questions.
Could I cook the meat first with like the onions & garlic,mostly to drain off the grease?
Since it needs simmered, could I cook the chili in a pot till the simmer part then put in a crock pot to simmer??
Just a wonderin :-)
Pamela

My mom never drains it, it comes out fine.

6star, Is SNS an Illnois multi way?

My Texas style multi way uses a Texas style chili, jalapenos, onions, and the cheese under the chili, so it melts down into the pasta. And oh, NO BEANS!

Due to some advice from others here, I started skiping the whole browning process for some chili. Ground chuck has just the right amount of grease, for me, w/o draining. I just boil the chuck, with the seasonings, onions and such, in just enough liquid to cover. Then add more liquid later. Try it... you might like it? It's easy!
Joe

Ya know,all this talk the last few days,I have a strange desire to try some...er, Cincinati Chili...anyone know if such a thing is served anywhere near good old New Jersey?....Actually, never heard of it before this thread..certainly never saw it in any restaurant!

quote:

Originally posted by PapaJoe8

6star, Is SNS an Illnois multi way?

Steak 'n Shake was founded in Normal, IL, in 1934, about 50 miles east of Peoria, where I was born (in 1934) and still live. Here is their chili page on their website, with all of their ways mentioned and many pictured. (The beans come standard with the basic chili, so the 5-way is actually 6-way)
http://www.steaknshake.com/menu/chili.asp

quote:

Originally posted by 6star

quote:

Originally posted by PapaJoe8

6star, Is SNS an Illnois multi way?

Steak 'n Shake was founded in Normal, IL, in 1934, about 50 miles east of Peoria, where I was born (in 1934) and still live. Here is their chili page on their website, with all of their ways mentioned and many pictured. (The beans come standard with the basic chili, so the 5-way is actually 6-way)
http://www.steaknshake.com/menu/chili.asp

That's outrageous. "The beans come standard with the basic chili"?
Me and a million other folks wouldn't eat it. They should offer real chili (no beans). I'm disappointed because Steak & Shake is in our area and now I won't be trying the chili. Beans? BLECHHH!

Try the onion rings. They're pretty good.

quote:

Originally posted by jimsock9
They should offer real chili (no beans). I'm disappointed because Steak & Shake is in our area and now I won't be trying the chili. Beans? BLECHHH!

Another day, another person declares intolerance of regional differences in cuisine on a website that celebrates regional differences in cuisine.

*sigh*

TJ, whatever you do, don't do to any of the pizza threads where people want to school you on "real" pizza.