It's Chili, Ben's that is ...

[Sunny Anderson Blog Feed]

So, I'm slightly back in blog biz ... We had a security issue and hopefully that's good enough to explain my absence, I just didn't want to disappear without an explanation, but then again it is hard to say what happened and maintain some privacy. Wack right? Things aren't better since the event, but I have time to get back to some fun stuff here and there so I thought I'd give ya an update. A week ago, we packed up and went to Washington D.C. in need of some rest and relaxation. Before we went, I got recommendations about where to eat and 2 people I respected told me I must do Ben's Chili Bowl. Well, well, well ... after eating there twice in two days, I can surely say I'd take a flight or train to D.C. not only for the food, but the atmosphere. Take a look ...


This is just a feel for the decor ... super diner-like with a back room for larger groups. Why wait in line when you can dine at the counter with no delay? So we did ... here is my half of the damage ...

That's a Half-Smoke as recommended by my bloggin' buddy The Food Network Addict and D.C. area dweller, Jacob. Then to go with it, of course the chili cheese fries. It was all so good and then the next day we went back and were treated to just the most lively set of cooks dancing in the kitchen I've ever seen. The music was blaring Gap Band and all kinds of music from that era ... and almost every single one of the line cooks and servers was singing the words and dancing ... we didn't want to leave. It just made us happy to be there and see people just happy without apology. We kept waiting for the next song, like a nightclub. It was a beautiful Sunday and boy will we repeat it probably every visit to D.C. from now on. We left full, smiling and singing.
Here's one of the dancing guys and another shot of the menu in the background.

I was really trying to get a shot of the sign on the drink machine thingy, it read something like "People that eat here for free: Bill Cosby and the Obama's". Very cute and it also left me smiling.

Today, I got up early and pre-taped a segment for Good Morning America. Here's me and Chris Cuomo.


As usual before snapping away and looking crazy ... I told him it was for the blog and he said "sure". As I've said before I really like his ability to make you smile and handle tough stories as well. Being on GMA is pretty neat because they are the ones I watch regularly in the morning. Sure, I look around, but they are my home. How surreal to be asked to participate in segments and stuff. I have more pics and will either post later this week or the week the show airs ... btw it airs New Year's Day, which is why we pre-taped. Who wants to get up that early on New Year's day? I did and didn't mind when they asked me to come on for the occasion, it's GMA for goodness sakes! Then, a few weeks later I found out that they would pre-tape to save all the other anchors the early wake-up as well. Hope you are enjoying the week.

More...

[Food Network Fan]

I wonder if she realizes she can set her blog not to add her entire post to the feed? She might get more traffic that way.

[Pluff Mudder]

Sounds like her blog may have been hacked.

[Food Network Fan]

Yes it does. I don't know why people do things like that. I guess just to show they can. I have had it happen to me a few times on other sites. It's not fun.

[ping]

I have never been to Ben's Chili Bowl but I sure love chili.

[Food Network Fan]

This is a great time of year for Chili.

[isilzha]

Jacob gets to know all the Food Network personalities.

[Food Network Fan]

Yeah they all mention him. We are the from the wrong side of the tracks maybe.

[Pluff Mudder]

After reading Sunny's blog it made me want to make some chili. Went to a couple of the local mega marts today shopping and while there got the fixin's for chili. With this nip in the air, some hot chili will hit the spot!

[Food Network Fan]

I made chili tonight. She has subliminal powers.