Any Washingtonian will tell you that for chili dogs, there is only ONE place to go.
Ben's Chili Bowl. An icon of DC culinary culture. DC's best known hole-in-the-wall fast-food joint where the only thing richer than the chili is the establishment's history. Renowned for being favorite hangouts of a young Bill Cosby, and the occasional visit by President Barack Obama. In recent years, Ben's has expanded from their original U Street location, dating back to 1958, not far from Howard University, with new locations including Nationals Park and Rosslyn, Arlington.
Ben's newest addition is now open at Ronald Reagan National Airport, and joining the festivities was the Chuck Brown Band, paying tribute to the late Chuck Brown who frequented Ben's during his music career. After the band played their set for visitors and travelers to enjoy, Virginia Ali, Ben's widow, and her son Kamal, who now operates Ben's with his brother Nizam, cut the ribbon to officially open the newest continuation of Ben's legacy.
After photographing the events, it was lunch time for me - gimme that Half-Smoke all the way, Chili con Carne, and a Milkshake to wash it all down! Mmmmmm yeah!!!