I make a homemade Cincinnati chili variation of Gold Star (which I’ve always preferred over Skyline), and it generally lasts 3-5 days. Over that time, we eat chili by itself, chili coneys, and “fancy” 3-ways with the chili, angel hair or thin spaghetti (whatever’s in the house), and finely shredded organic mozzarella. Somehow, we manage not to get sick of it!

In the past, during my Price Hill years, I used to buy jars of standard pickles at IGA and add things to them —- huge cloves of garlic or hot peppers. The first time I thought, “CHILI PICKLES!” and dumped the entire package in, well, that was a mistake. Then I learned to just put in some of it, not all of it. They were pretty yummy, in an odd way. An inexpensive, which was a plus.

As boring/dull as this sounds, I’ve sprinkled the mix on top of deviled eggs. But I haven’t done that since I discovered the joys of Penzey quality smoked paprika.

Also: burgers. Inspired my Marcel Desaulniers, I have made burgers filled with cheddar cheese but the outsides liberally coated in chili mix. Pan sear it for awesome flavor, taste & smell and bake it in the oven so it doesn’t dry out. Oh, yummy yum yum!

As far as local chili parlors go, I’m in the “can’t we just all get along boat”, and I try not to take sides (though I do favor Dixie Chili for the superior chili cheese sandwiches — I’m convinced the doughier bun adds a lot to the taste of that). I recently revisited Camp Washington, but miss that old dive atmosphere.

But, in the spirit of the evening, I give you my Top 5 What I Like Best About Gold Star list!

1. During part of the year, they serve foot long coneys.
2. Sometimes, I just crave nacho chips and their chili dip, which they sell in the restaurants (so no party invite necessary).
3. When I need a brief respite from Cincinnati style chili, I enjoy their Texas Style. It’s surprising good.
4. Man cannot live by chili alone, and their salads — while fast foodie — have always been fresh, tasty & well-portioned for me.
5. As dorkified and retro as this sounds, to this day I still quote their old spokesperson Pete Rose when a coney hits the spot after I have had a few beers: “Them dogs is good!” [smiles at camera] *hahahaha*

p.s. Have you tried Newport Pizza Company’s Cincinnatus pizza made with Cincy-style chili and cream cheese? zOMG. Orgasmic.

Delhi Chili– I grew up nearby and never went there (though my grandmother went there for breakfast quite often). I guess I didn’t miss anything.

But…my Cincinnati twist on Gold Star is goetta smothered in Gold Star and cheese!