The last Thursday in July is National Chili Dog Day and there are many regional variations here in the United States. In Washington D.C. they serve up Half-Smokes, in Michigan they call it a Coney Island Dog, in Rhode Island it is known as a Hot Weiner, in North Carolina they add slaw (really?) and confusingly in New Jersey you ask for a Texas Weiner.

But if you grew up in Cincinnati as I did, you know what is coming next. Cincinnati has a unique version of chili which is essentially a meat sauce spiced with some unusual flavors like nutmeg, chocolate and nutmeg. Difficult to describe but impossible to forget, loved by most Cincinnatians and puzzled at by outsiders. Available in and around the city as well as south Florida where many from Cincinnati have retired. It is routinely served on spaghetti but is fortunately also spooned on a hot dog with a little mustard, chopped onion if you wish (yes please) and mounded finely grated mild cheddar cheese. Perfection.

While in the Cincinnati region you can get it at Skyline Chili which is the dominant chain and the provider to Florida aficionados. I think Gold Star Chili is mighty good but my preference by far is Camp Washington Chili where the original recipe was invented. Over the years I have created and refined my own home recipe which I need to prepare again soon. Or maybe I just need to visit the Queen City again soon. I’m due.