Regional Foods That Should Be in Military MREs-- Part 2: Musabi, Pepperoni Rolls and Cincinnati Chili

5.  Hawaiian Spam Musubi--  Regardless of what you think about SPAM, in Hawaii, its the bomb.  Musubi is fried or grilled SPAM on a bed of rice held together by  nori seaweed.

6.  Low Country Shrimp and Grits (South)

7.  West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls

8.  New Mexico Green Chili Stew

9.  Upstate New York's Utica Greens--  Any kind of leafy green sauteed in chicken broth and mixed with other items.

10.  Alaskan Akutiq--  Sometimes known as Alaskan ice cream

11.  Cincinnati Chili

I'd Like to Try Them All.  --RoadFood

Along66, Jan. 2023: Ike's in Tulsa Celebrating 115 Years in Business

JANUARY 6

Oke's Chili in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is marking its 115th year in business this year.

It originally opened in 1908, one year after Oklahoma's statehood.  It was in an alleyway in downtown Tulsa near East Second Street and South Boston Avenue.

In 1913 Ike's moved to 312 Main Street then was in several different locations after that.  The 1913 menu lists chili at 15 cents a bowl.  Their prices have changed, but their chili has not.  What you got in 1913, you get in 2023.

It is now at 1503 11th Street (Route 66) and has been there for 8 years.  Previously it was at  Admiral Place, which was an early alignment of Route 66.

Don't you know that the father of Route 66, Cyrus Avery must have eaten there.

I had never heard of it before, but it is now on my list of places to visit the next time I am there.

Does this make Ike's the oldest continually operating restaurant in Oklahoma?

--RoadIke's

Along66, June 2022: Casper's Diner and a Packard Ride in Sapulpa

JUNE 2

Casper's Diner to move out of downtown quonset hut to another location in Springfield, Missouri.

They are  moving from 601 W. Walnut Street and will reopen in the old Anton's Coffee Shop on 937 S. Gemstone in late summer or early fall.

It first opened in 1909 and is one of the oldest restaurants.  It has only, however, been in the quonset hut for 37 of those years.  One of its earlier locations was at 1901 Gemstone.

It advertises itself as "The Oldest Diner on Route 66" but is actually located two blocks from it.  (Probably why I never saw it before.)  Also, Ike's Chili in Tulsa started in 1908.

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JUNE 5

The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, is offering rides in their century old Packard.  The drive goes for a half hour and costs $11 a head.

Their Packard has long been on display at the place.  Packards are considered one of the finest cars ever made.

The museum also has that new 66-ft tall faux gasoline pump.

Thinking about taking a ride next time through and having a bite to eat at Casper's.

--RoadDog

Along66, March 2022: Ike's Chili Featured on TV

I take these posts from the Route 66 News Blog.  I just pick the ones of most interest to me.  The site has at least one post most every day and has pictures and much more information than I give.   But, if you rally want to know what is going on along the Mother Road, you want to go to this site.  (Plus, my posts are a month old usually.)

MARCH 2, 2022

Ike's Chili of Tulsa, Oklahoma, will have an appearance in the "Drew Barrymore Show."  Ike's is a famous chili which has been served for over a century since 1908.  It has been at its current location at 1503 and 1509 11th Street (Route 66) since 2013.

Earlier it was at Admiral Place (an older alignment of 66) from 1966.

The TV show is a competition and it will be up against two other chili places.  I'll be pulling for it unless one of the other chili places features Cincy Chili.  We have never eaten Ike's Chili, but will be doing so the next time in Tulsa.

I'm also a huge chili fan.  Chili cookoffs help get me through winters.

Good Ike's.  --RoadDog

Where to Eat in Cincinnati, Well, You Say Cincinnati, I Say CHILI!!

From the March 22, 2020, Chicago Tribune  by Patti Nickell.

She says she has to get her Cincinnati fix at least once or twice a year.  She goes for the Queen City's cultural attractions and the for the food.

Cincinnati's culinary scene is influenced by several things, including German roots, regional produce and good beers.

She says chili doesn't come to mind for first time visitors, but those who know, know this is not so.  That is my first thought of eating in Cincinnati, thanks to buddy Denny.   He is the one who turned me on to this delicacy.  Something I seek out.  Cincy Chili.  Wow!!

Patti's first choice of chili is Camp Washington Chili.  This is where I got my first taste of Cincinnati chili as well when Denny took me there.  They offer other items, but those in there for the chili, order its 3-, 4- and 5-way chili.  And this is not a bowl of chili like you get most places outside of Cincinnati

Cincinnati chili is more like a thick sauce topping spaghetti, or, you can get it on a hot dog.

In case you're wondering:

3-way:  spaghetti, chili sauce and cheese (and they put lots and lots of finely grated cheese on these)

4-way:  spaghetti, chili sauce and your choice of beans or onions

5-way:  everything.

I usually get the 4-way with onions.

--RoadCincy

Uniquely Springfield (Illinois)-- Part 3: Chilli (Or Is That Chili?)

Chili is a popular menu item in Springfield, but here it is more commonly spelled chilli, not chili.  The first chilli restaurant in Springfield and the first to call it "chilli", was the Dew Chilli Parlor which opened in 1909.  It was closed, but has now reopened at 1216 S. Fifth.

Another local favorite, which was established by Joe Rogers in 1945 at the Den Chili Parlor, is now called The Chilli Parlor.  If you eat a bowl of their Firebrand Chilli here, your name will be memorialized on the wall.

The  winner of the 2016 (this is from the 2017 Visitors Guide) Illinois Times Best of Springfield, Best Chili Award was The Chili Parlor, 820 South Ninth Street.

I've had the chilli in Springfield.  It is okay, but a bit too greasy in my opinion.  I'll have to give it another try next visit.

--RoadDog

Along 66, Sept. 2019: Taylor's Chili Parlor in Carlinville, Illinois, Honored

SEPTEMBER 27--   Illinois Tourism honors Taylor's Mexican Chili Parlor of Carlinville, beating out eighteen other contenders.

Charles O. Taylor of Carlinville, Illinois, worked at the Mexican National Exposition at the St. Louis World's Fair (also called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition) in 1904 and this was his first experience with Mexican food.

When he came back to Carlinville afterwards, he had a push cart from which he sold tamales at local bars (and there were 25 of them).  he made money and wanted to expand his business.  He bailed a Mexican vagrant out of jail for $3, but made him work it off at the price of 50 cents a week.

However, this man showed Taylor how to make chili.  He purchased the recipe and opened a chili parlor at  218 W. main St. in Carlinville.

This place dates to 1904 and is on the 1926-1930 alignment of Route 66 on the north side of the square.  I didn't know about it until I read this in the Route 66 News, but definitely will give it a try the next time in town.

Ole. --RoadChili

Along 66, May 2019: A Springfield Chilli Place Bites It

MAY 13--  The original Dew Chili Parlor in Springfield, Illinois is to be auctioned off.  It is a regional chilli chain.  It opened in 1909, but there are three others in Springfield which will continue business.

The other Dew Chilli loactions are at 2312 Wabash Avenue (1926-1930 Route 66), 301 North Grand Avenue West and 2690 Dirksen Parkway.  I had never heard of this chain before, but will check one of them out the next time in town.

Like Cincinnati, Springfield is known as a "hotbed for chili."  Only, instead of Cincy Chili, in Springfield chili is spelled chilli with a double "L."

Springfield calls itself the "Chilli Capital of the World" because the good folks of Springfield eat more chilli per capita than anywhere else.

I have had Springfield Chilli from another place and was not overly impressed.  I found it to be adequate, but way too greasy.

I'll Give It Another Shot.  --RoadDog

Along 66, April 2019: Vacuum Cleaners and Oldest

APRIL 24--  The Vacuum Cleaner Museum in St. James, Missouri, is going to close this Friday because of lack of attendance.  They have a vast collection of vacuum cleaners dating from the early 1900s.  The collection was started by Tom Gasko.  Reckon I am part of the problem as I didn't visit it.

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APRIL  26--  Casper's Diner in Springfield, Missouri is not exactly on Route 66 but claims to be the oldest operating p[lace on Route 66.  It is 110 years old and on 601 W. Walnut Street.

Ron Warnick says Ike's Chili in Tulsa opened in 1908. It is cluttered and has a top-secret chili recipe. Sycamore Inn, Rancho Cucamonga (always love that name), California is on Foothill Boulevard (Route 66) and has been open since 1848.

I'll have to check out Casper's and Ike's.

--RoadDog

Having Fun In the Cold, Snow and Beer-- Part 2: Civil War and A Chili Cookoff

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26

Temperature at Woodstock, about 16 miles from here at -12 degrees this morning.    By 3 p.m., it was 6 degrees.  But sun out and really didn't feel that cold.

Drove to Crystal Lake for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group meeting at Panera Bread in US-14 (Northwest Highway).  Topic today was Hood's 1864 Tennessee Campaign (which I will write about in my Saw the Elephant:  Civil War blog next month).  We also discussed the attacks on Confederate heritage.

Stopped at a favorite place, Barnes & Noble on the way home and bought two of my favorite magazines:  "Naval History" and "Civil War Monitor."

Later, we went to the Legion and I gave post commander Kelly pictures of World War II veteran Ray Merrick who was in the Asian Theater during the war.  I wrote about him in my Tattooed On Your Soul:  World War II blog earlier this month.  She will be putting those pictures along with my posts in the Legion newsletter.

We were at the Legion also for the Rotary Club's annual Chili Cookoff held in the Legion hall.  This is always one of the best cookoffs as there are always 25+ samplings.

And, I Loves My Chili!!!  --RoadDog

A Question of Chilli or Chili?

In case you were wondering about the spelling of chilli in the last post, this spelling is native to Springfield and credited to the Joe Bockelman who started the Dew Chilli Parlors.

Like Cincinnati, , Springfield has a long-time reputation for its chili and calls itself the "Chilli Capital of the World."

I have had Springfield's chilli before and its ok, but nowhere as good as the Cincy Chili.

--RoadChilli

Along 66, August 2018: Dew Chilli in Springfield, Ill. Closes

AUGUST 25--  Dew Chilli Parlor in Springfield, Illinois, located a short distance off Route 66 is closing because of traffic and parking issues, but don't worry, they have two other locations in the city that remain open.

The one that is closing is at 1216 S. Fifth Street and has been there since 1954.  the other two locations are at 2312 Wabash Avenue (the 1926-1930 Route 66 alignment) and 301 N. Grand Ave. West.  A third Dew Chilli will be opening at 2690 S. Dirksen Parkway in October --  another Route 66 alignment.

Joe Bockelmann served his first bowl of chilli in 1909 while operating out of his house on Sixth Street (Rt 66) He was evicted from it and relocated to the South Fifth Street location that is closing in 1954 and ran it until his death in 1975.

We'll have to check one of these places out our next trip to Springfield as I have never heard of them.  I am familiar with some of the chilli places.

--RoadDog

Along 66, May 2018: Lipton Tea Takes Over Pontiac, Illinois

MAY 26  Lipton Tea Company is taking over Pontiac, Illinois June 8-10 as part of the National Ice Tea Day.  They will be unveiling a mural and renaming Route 66 "The Lipton Highway."

In addition, they are launching their "Refreshingly Road Trippin" program.

There will be free tea to visitors.

In collaboration with Trip Advisor they are also having "2018s Route 66 Road Trip Gems."  This would be great places to eat and visit along Route 66.

Their list:

Bernardo's II Restaurant in Pontiac, Illinois
Le Roy's--  Monrovia, California
Big Texan Steak House--  Amarillo, Tx.
Britten Leaning Water Tower--  Groom, Tx.

Cozy Dog Drive-In--  Springfield, Illinois
Jiggs Smokehouse--  Clinton, Ok.
Meramec Caverns--  Stanton, Mo.
Old Riverton Store--  Riverton, Ks.

Ollie's Station Restaurant--  Tulsa
Singing Road--  Tijeras, N.M.
The Chili Parlor--  Springfield, Illinois
Westside Lilo's Cafe--  Seligman, Arizona

We stopped at Pontiac on the last day of the Illinois Route 66 Association's Motor Tour and they not only had free Lipton's Ice Tea but Bernardo's also had a huge assortment of finger foods like burgers, hot dogs and other items.

Ate and Drank My Fill.  --RoadDog

Most Iconic Indy 500 Foods-- Part 2: Mom Unser's Chili

Drivers Al, Bobby and Jerry Unswer are Indy 500 legends, but so was their mom thanks to her chili parties.

"Every April, Mom would gather her big pots and pans, and sacks of green chilies, packed them in coolers and loaded the camper of the pick-up to make the 1,250-mile journey (from her home in Albuquerque, N.M.) to Indianapolis.

Mary Unser's famous chili and tequila bash started when she asked track firefighters, safety crews and mechanics if they wanted to try her chili.

It was full of pork, tomatoes, onions and hot chilies.  She served it from the mid-1960s until her death in 1975.

Chili and Racin'.  --RoadDog

Most Iconic Foods of the Indy 500-- Part 1: Mom Unser's Chili

From the May 25, 2018, Indianapolis Star by Liz Biro.

Indy 500 fans will eat around 20,000 pounds of fries on race day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Eating food is a major part of the experience.  And, this is considering that you are allowed to bring food and drinks (alcohol included) into the race track.

That is just food bought at the track.

This past running of the race, No. 102, the places serving food actually gave out of burgers and hot dogs, at least in our area.

Here are some foods closely associated with the race.  Mom Unser's Chili, Breaded Tenderloin Sandwiches, Biscuits and Gravy, St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail, Root Beer and Onion Rings and more.

--RoadDog

Route 66's Joe Rogers Chili Parlor in Springfield, Ill. Reopens

From the July 15, 2014, Route 66 News.

Good news here, even though I didn't even know it was closed.

Joe Rogers' The Chili Parlor, in Springfield, Illinois has been serving chili and other good stuff since 1945 and unexpectedly closed this past April.  It is now called  The Chili Parlor as the current owners are not allowed to use the name Joe Rogers.

The place opened in 1945 at 1120 S. Grand Avenue, just a block off Route 66 but moved to 820 S. Ninth Street in 1997, right on the Mother Road.

The article says that like Cincinnati, Springfield is known for its chili (and, of course, their Horseshoe sandwiches.

We have eaten there once before and Liz was absolutely  unimpressed with the place, saying it was too oily.  I thought it was alright, but definitely not in the category of Cincy chili.

I believe I heard the place had something to do with the reopening of the famous Norb Andy's.

--RoadDog

Playing That "Guess the Gas Price" Game

We're getting ready to head over to the Squaw Creek Bar in Ingleside, Illinois, in just a few minutes to participate in their Chili Cookoff as judges, well, I will be one.  Liz doesn't like chili.  And, like I said before, I've never met a chili I didn't like unless the peppers are of the super hot variety.

Then, they have a band starting at five.

On the way over, we'll be guessing what new shock the Big Oil GRBs have in store for us in Fox Lake.  What will the new HIGHER gas price be?

I'm saying we'll have hit the $4 mark.  Well, $3.99.9, but everyone knows that is really $3.99, not $4.  It was $3.90 on Wednesday when I topped off, something I do often when the gas keeps going up.They generally raise it ten to fifteen cents at a time.

The other thing that will happen is that I will again get mad at the GRBs who are wrecking the country to put a little more (well, a lot!) dough in their pockets by taking it out of mine.

I Hate "Dose" Guys!!  --RoadDog

Hatch, New Mexico

On Oct. 9th and 11th, I wrote about the New Mexico Green Chile Trail and one of the towns I mentioned was Hatch, New Mexico.  The name was of extreme interest to me for some reason.  I had heard of it before, but didn't know anything about the place, other than they are famous fro their chiles, and that they had a festival honoring their local product.

Wikipedia here I come.

It was originally called Santa Barbara in 1851 when it was first settled.  Apache raids drove settlers away until 1853 when Fort Thom was built.  The settlers returned, but when the fort was closed in 1860, the town was abandoned again until 1875 and then it was renamed for famed Indian fighter Edward Hatch, who had been a Union general during the Civil War.  He was then the commander of the New Mexico Military District.

The population of Hatch explodes up to 30,000 for the annual festival.  I'm not a big green chile fan, but would sure like to be there someday for the festival.

A Place in the Sunshine.  --RoadDog

New Mexico's Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail-- Part 2: The Owl and the Hatch

About 90 miles south of Albuquerque is the town of San Antonio, as mentioned in the previous post.  This was the childhood home of hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, whose father ran the A.H. Hilton Mercantile, a combination tavern and general store in the early 1900s.

When fire destroyed the store in 1945, all that could be saved was the 25-foot long mahogany bar which now is in the Owl Bar and Cafe.  Come in and you can get chili on pretty much anything.  (I'm not quite sure of the difference between Chile and Chili here unless the former refers to the pepper itself.)

Then about 90 miles from the Mexico border is the pinnacle of all things chile (or is it chili?)  It is the town of Hatch which calls itself the "Chili Capital of the World" and its locally-grown produce called "Hatch Chilies."  Hey, another chili spelling.

Every Labor Day weekend, Hatch's population swells from 1,670 to 15,000 or more for the annual chili festival that coincides with the harvesting of the green chilies.

In case anybody ever asks you, chili peppers are members of the tomato family and worldwide, there are about 800 varieties, including about 40 grown in the Hatch Valley.

And Then, there's That mean Old "Ghost Pepper."  Maybe You Ought to Have That On Your Cheeseboiger.  --RoadDog

Close, But No Cigar: Steak 'N Shake's 3-Way Chili

Several weeks ago, I was very excited to see in the local Steak 'M Shake advertisement that they had 5-way chili and the picture looked like that great chili they have in Cincinnati.

Since Denny Gibson introduced me to it, I have been known to go out of my way to stop at any Gold Star or Skyline (both noted for their chili) for that greay stuff. I was excited to find a couple of those places advertised along I-70 in the western part of Ohio when I'm driving that way but don't get by Cincinnati.

This last Thursday, I got the opportunity to go to Steak 'N Shake and try some. They charge $3,99 for 3-way and $4.99 for 5-way (the works). I got the 3-way. It was good, but nowhere near as good as you get in Cincinnati. The Parmesan cheese shaker just couldn't match up with the fresh shredded cheese and the beans were too big and overpowering.

But, it is better than anything we have around here so I will probably go back and have some more while awaiting my next trip to Cincinnati, probably in March is gas is not too much.

That's ok, however, i still like everything else they have.

Better Luck next Time. --RoadDog