If you have never tasted the world famous Skyline Chili, you don't know what you're missing! The "Official" chili of the Cincinnati Reds, the Columbus Blue Jackets and King's Island Amusement Part, this award winning chili is in a class all it's own. It's not a California style chili, made with tomatoes and beans. And it's not a Tex-Mex chili, made with big chunks of meat. It's Cincinnati Chili and it has a secret blend of spices that gives it a very distinctive taste. Instead of the beans, it's usually served over hot dogs or spaghetti.
Greek immigrant, Nicholas Lambrinides, opened the first Skyline Chili restaurant in 1949 and he named it for the panoramic view of the beautiful Cincinnati skyline. The business, at first, was slow - nobody knew what Greek food was like in that area. But, being located in a Catholic neighborhood, he quickly developed a following, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights, the nights before and after meatless Fridays. By 1953, Lambrinides was ready to open his second shop, and by 2000 there were well over 100 locations throughout Ohio, 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.
When ordering your chili at Skyline, you really can't have it YOUR way, but you can have it FIVE ways! 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'. - 30289
Greek immigrant, Nicholas Lambrinides, opened the first Skyline Chili restaurant in 1949 and he named it for the panoramic view of the beautiful Cincinnati skyline. The business, at first, was slow - nobody knew what Greek food was like in that area. But, being located in a Catholic neighborhood, he quickly developed a following, especially on Thursday and Saturday nights, the nights before and after meatless Fridays. By 1953, Lambrinides was ready to open his second shop, and by 2000 there were well over 100 locations throughout Ohio, 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.
When ordering your chili at Skyline, you really can't have it YOUR way, but you can have it FIVE ways! 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'. - 30289
About the Author:
Deschain Anderson is a chili lover who loves chili and has spent many years in search of the secret ingredients in Skyline Chili. Visit Skyline Chili Recipe to see some of her results!
