RIP - Ben Ali; Co-founder of Ben's Chili Bowl

Very sad news for D.C. residents and lovers of half-smokes the world over: Ben Ali, co-founder of Washington institution Ben's Chili Bowl, passed away Wednesday night, (as City Desk also reports). He was 82.

http://dcist.com/2009/10/...of_bens_chili_bowl.php

Sorry to hear of his death.  Did I remember it correctly that he never ate any of his own half-smokes?  Luckily, the sons are carrying on the restaurant and have been running it for a while now.

Sad news.

This afternoon's Washington City Paper blog on this sad passing:

 

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2009/10/08/despite-founders-death-it-was-business-as-usual-at-bens/

 

 

 
 

That is very sad news.  A person I worked with met him in person.  I have eaten there on several occasions while passing through the area.  Every time I always thought I would go back again if I were in the DC area.  The people that work there are funny as hell and seem to have a way of keeping people entertained while making the food.  I suspect Ben had something to do with his employee's great personality.  RIP Ben.

What are half-smokes?

enginecapt,

Check out the menu.  Apparently, Bill Cosby likes them.  I didn't try them when I have been there but they looked good.

http://www.benschilibowl....eDetails.aspx?PageID=1

Enginecapt, they are a half beef half pork smoked sausage that are then grilled before being served.

I met Ben several years ago on my first visit there. A very nice man.

I have to go to Reagan National Thursday evening to pick up Ava, her Mom and step-dad. They went to Fresno for a wedding. (The Bums). I plan on getting there early and taking Metro down to Ben's.

A piece from the Washingtonpost's obit on Ben.
Michael Stern, who with his wife, Jane, might be the country's foremost expert on down-home food, has called Ben's half-smoke "sensational" and the chili "positively addictive."