Skyline Chili! The Official chili of The Cincinnati Reds, The Columbus Blue Jackets and King’s Island Amusement Park. Sometimes referred to as Cincinnati Style Chili, this world famous, award winning chili is in a class all it’s own. This unique chili is not chili con carne, a hot and spicey, meat based recipe, associated with the great state of Texas. Nor is it a stew type chili, with beans and tomatoes, like California chili. Instead, Skyline Chili, or Cincinnati style chili, is a sauce, usually served over spaghetti or hot dogs, containing a unique blend of spices that gives it a very distinctive taste. If you’ve ever had Skyline Chili, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
The Skyline Chili restaurant chain, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, was originally founded in 1949 by Greek immigrant, Nicholas Lambrinides. The first restaurant was named for it’s panoramic view of the beautiful Cincinnati skyline and by 1953, Lambrinides was ready to open his second restaurant. The business quickly expanded in the 1960’s and by the end of the century there were well over 100 Skyline restaurants, most located in Ohio, but also in Kentucky, Indiana and Florida.
Officially, the recipe for Skyline Chili is a well kept family secret. However, many Skyline patrons and Cincinnatians believe that the unique taste of Skyline Chili comes from chocolate and cinnamon, 2 key ingredients in Greek style cooking.
If you’re making your first visit to this chili palace, be prepared for a strange looking menu. I’ll give you a briefing here, so you’ll know how to order! Skyline Chili – Menu Translation * Two Way – spaghetti topped with Skyline Chili. * Three Way – spaghetti topped with Skyline Chili and cheese. * Four Way – spaghetti topped with Skyline Chili and cheese and your choice of beans or onions. * Five Way – spaghetti topped with Skyline Chili AND cheese AND beans AND Onions!
Mr. Lambrinides died in 1962 at the age of 82, but his sons continued to operate and expand the company. They retained the original recipe unchanged, though. According to William Lambrinides, “Dad always said, ‘Don’t change a thing with the recipe ” don’t add anything, don’t take out anything, it’s perfect the way it is’.
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