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.
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Skyline Chili restaurant chain was established in 1949 by Nicholas Lambrinides, who had just immigrated from Greece. Because the first location had a beautiful, panoramic view of the Cincinnati skyline, the restaurant was named Skyline Chili. By 1953, Lambrinides and his new fangled chili had become such a success that he was ready to open his second location. The business quickly grew and at the turn of the centure, there were well over 100 locations, primarily located in Ohio, but also in Kentucky, Indiana and Florida.
Nobody knows the exact recipe for this marvelous chili. It’s a well guarded family secret. Many have tried to duplicate it, but….Most people do seem to agree though, that it does contain two key ingredients – cinnamon and chocolate. This educated guess is based on traditional Greek recipes that often contain those two ingredients.
A first time visitor to a Skyline Chili restaurant may be a little surprised when they overhear the regulars ordering Three Ways and Four Ways, and wonder just what they’ve gotten themselves into. Not to worry, though, these are just the traditional names of Skyline’s signature dishes. Here’s a brief rundown that you should carry in your pocket – just in case! 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’.
