The Fusion of Utica and Cincinnati “Cuisine”

I was raised in Central New York, but I lived in Cincinnati in the late 90's for about 3 years.  I was working in radio, and as most people in the business do, I bounced around a few markets around the US before landing back in Utica to raise a family. In Cincinnati, I developed a taste for the local "fast food" chili joint - Skyline Chili.  By CNY standards, it's not chili at all.  It's more of a sauce.  But it's just such a specific combination of flavors - cinnamon and chocolate, that I've never forgotten.  You can get it served over a hot dog with a heaping handful of cheese (Coney's).  Or you get the 3-Way, over spaghetti... I mean "thick" spaghetti.  And again, a heaping handful of shredded cheese.  There are some other varieties too...

I've been away from Cincinnati for over 14 years, but I still crave the distinctive flavor of Skyline.  So naturally, I ordered a few cans from Amazon.

Now, my mother and grandmother would never allow "thick" spaghetti to be served in our household.  I don't have any in my pantry, ever.  And "Angel Hair" just wouldn't work with the consistency of Skyline.  So I opted for the next best thing - fusili.  Because...Fusili Jerry.

So now you've got a nice pot of fusili covered in this chocolately (it's subtle) chili sauce.

Serve it up in a bowl, add some tabasco and throw a big handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

And just when you think you've put enough cheese on it, you add more.

Of course, serve it with an ice cold can of UC.  Now that's a Cincinnati classic I just enjoyed in Utica!

Stay tuned, I'm working on my Skyline Chili Riggies recipe!