The Cincinnati coney. Just the name evokes a strong reaction from anyone who’s ever had one, and a quizzical expression from those who haven’t. It’s more than just a chili dog; it’s a culinary institution, a regional obsession, and a point of civic pride for Cincinnatians. But what exactly is a Cincinnati coney? Let’s break down this delicious dish, exploring its components, history, preparation, and the cultural significance that makes it so much more than the sum of its parts.
Deconstructing the Coney: The Anatomy of a Cincinnati Classic
To truly understand the Cincinnati coney, you have to understand its individual components. It’s a carefully constructed dish where each element plays a vital role in the overall experience.
The Hot Dog
The foundation of any coney is, of course, the hot dog. But not just any hot dog will do. The ideal coney dog is a natural casing hot dog, usually made from beef and pork. It’s smaller than a standard hot dog, about 4-5 inches long, and its snap when you bite into it is a crucial part of the textural experience. The natural casing gives it that distinct, slightly firm exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft bun and toppings. It should be cooked perfectly, preferably steamed or simmered, to ensure it’s plump, juicy, and ready to soak up all that delicious chili.
The Bun
The bun is equally important. It’s a steamed bun, specifically designed to be soft and pliable. It needs to be able to hold the hot dog, chili, cheese, and mustard without falling apart. The steaming process ensures it’s warm and slightly moist, creating a harmonious blend of textures with the other ingredients. A good coney bun practically melts in your mouth. It acts as the perfect vessel for the coney experience.
Cincinnati Chili: The Star of the Show
Now, we arrive at the defining ingredient: Cincinnati chili. This isn’t your typical chili; it’s a unique, Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce that’s unlike anything else you’ve tasted. Cincinnati chili is a thin, almost soupy chili made with a blend of ground beef, water, and a secret combination of spices. These spices often include cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, and even a hint of chocolate.
The chili is simmered for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Its unique flavor profile is what sets the Cincinnati coney apart and makes it so addictive. The sweetness of the cinnamon, the warmth of the cumin, and the subtle bitterness of the chocolate create a complex and unforgettable taste.
Mustard: The Tangy Counterpoint
Yellow mustard is the traditional condiment for a Cincinnati coney. Its tangy bite cuts through the richness of the chili and cheese, providing a welcome contrast of flavors. It’s usually applied in a thin line down the center of the hot dog before the chili and cheese are added.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The Melty Crown
The final topping is shredded cheddar cheese, usually mild or medium. It’s piled generously on top of the chili, creating a melty, gooey layer of cheesy goodness. The cheese adds richness and a contrasting texture to the coney. The warmth of the chili helps the cheese to melt slightly, creating a beautiful visual and textural appeal.
The Cincinnati Five-Way: More Than Just a Number
While the coney is a delicious dish on its own, Cincinnati chili is also famously served in “ways.” These ways refer to the number of ingredients in the dish. A coney is, in essence, a two-way (chili and hot dog) served on a bun. However, the “ways” are usually associated with a plate of spaghetti:
- Two-Way: Spaghetti topped with Cincinnati chili.
- Three-Way: Spaghetti topped with Cincinnati chili and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Four-Way: Spaghetti topped with Cincinnati chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions or beans (usually kidney beans).
- Five-Way: Spaghetti topped with Cincinnati chili, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and beans.
While the coney itself is not typically referred to as a “way,” understanding the ways is crucial to understanding the context of Cincinnati chili and its regional appeal. The ways demonstrate the versatility of Cincinnati chili and its ability to be adapted to different preferences.
A Taste of History: The Origins of the Cincinnati Coney
The story of the Cincinnati coney is interwoven with the history of Cincinnati chili itself. Both owe their existence to immigrant entrepreneurs who sought to create affordable and flavorful food for the working class.
In 1922, two Macedonian immigrant brothers, John and Tom Kiradjieff, opened a small restaurant called Empress Chili in downtown Cincinnati. They adapted a traditional Greek stew, adding Mediterranean spices to create a unique chili that they served over spaghetti.
While Empress Chili is credited with popularizing Cincinnati chili, it was another restaurant, Skyline Chili, founded in 1949 by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides, that truly popularized the coney. Lambrinides refined the coney recipe, using a smaller hot dog, a steamed bun, and a generous helping of his own version of Cincinnati chili.
Skyline Chili’s success led to the proliferation of other coney restaurants in the Cincinnati area, including Gold Star Chili and Dixie Chili, each with its own slightly different take on the classic recipe. The coney quickly became a local favorite, a symbol of Cincinnati’s unique culinary identity.
Coney Etiquette: How to Properly Enjoy a Cincinnati Coney
Eating a Cincinnati coney is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. And like any cultural experience, there are a few unwritten rules to follow:
- Don’t use a fork and knife: The coney is meant to be eaten with your hands. Embrace the mess!
- Start from the middle: Take your first bite from the center of the coney to get a taste of all the ingredients at once.
- Don’t be afraid to get messy: Chili and cheese will inevitably end up on your fingers. That’s part of the fun!
- Order multiple coneys: It’s perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged) to order more than one coney. Most people eat at least two or three in a sitting.
- Discuss your favorite coney parlor: Everyone in Cincinnati has a favorite coney parlor and strong opinions about which one is the best. Engaging in this debate is a quintessential Cincinnati experience.
Beyond the Bun: The Cultural Significance of the Coney
The Cincinnati coney is more than just a chili dog; it’s a symbol of Cincinnati itself. It represents the city’s diverse immigrant heritage, its working-class roots, and its unique culinary traditions.
The coney is a comfort food, a taste of home for Cincinnatians who have moved away. It’s a shared experience that brings people together, a common ground for conversation and connection. It’s a dish that is celebrated and cherished, a source of civic pride.
In Cincinnati, the coney is not just food; it’s a way of life. It’s a reminder of the city’s past, a celebration of its present, and a taste of its future. It’s a culinary icon that continues to evolve and adapt, while remaining true to its original spirit. So, the next time you find yourself in Cincinnati, be sure to try a coney. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Variations and Preferences: The Ever-Evolving Coney
While the classic Cincinnati coney recipe is fairly standardized, there is always room for personal preference and variations. Some people prefer onions, while others prefer a spicier chili. Some prefer a different type of cheese, while others opt for a different brand of mustard.
Some restaurants also offer variations on the traditional coney, such as the “cheese coney,” which features a double layer of cheese, or the “footlong coney,” which uses a longer hot dog. Ultimately, the best coney is the one that you enjoy the most.
The ongoing debates about the best coney parlor and the ideal coney toppings highlight the enduring appeal and cultural significance of this iconic dish. It’s a food that is deeply personal and deeply connected to the identity of Cincinnati.
Making Your Own: Recreating the Coney at Home
While nothing quite compares to a coney from a Cincinnati institution, it is possible to recreate the experience at home. The key is to focus on the individual components and to use high-quality ingredients.
- Cincinnati Chili: This is the most challenging part to replicate, but there are many recipes available online. Experiment with different spice combinations to find one that suits your taste. Remember the key spices are cinnamon, allspice, cloves, cumin, and a hint of chocolate.
- Hot Dogs: Choose natural casing hot dogs, preferably beef and pork. Steam or simmer them until they are plump and juicy.
- Buns: Use steamed buns that are soft and pliable. If you can’t find steamed buns, you can steam regular hot dog buns yourself.
- Mustard: Use yellow mustard.
- Cheese: Use shredded cheddar cheese, either mild or medium.
Once you have all the ingredients, assemble the coney by placing the hot dog in the bun, topping it with mustard, chili, and cheese. Enjoy immediately!
While a homemade coney might not be exactly the same as the real thing, it can be a satisfying way to experience the flavors of Cincinnati from the comfort of your own home.
What are the core components of a Cincinnati Coney?
The Cincinnati Coney is a specific type of chili dog, characterized by its unique ingredients and precise assembly. It consists of a steamed, natural-casing hot dog in a soft bun, topped with Cincinnati-style chili, finely shredded cheddar cheese, and yellow mustard. The absence of other common chili dog toppings like onions or relish, and the specific chili recipe, are what truly define it.
Cincinnati chili is a uniquely spiced, thin, meaty sauce that often includes ingredients like chocolate, cinnamon, and allspice. Unlike traditional chili, it’s served as a sauce or topping rather than a standalone dish. The finely shredded cheddar cheese and mild yellow mustard are essential complements, balancing the chili’s complex flavors and providing a pleasant textural contrast.
How does Cincinnati chili differ from other chili varieties?
Cincinnati chili is distinctly different from other chili varieties in both its ingredients and how it’s served. While most chilis are thick, stew-like, and focused on beans and large chunks of meat, Cincinnati chili is a thin, sauce-like consistency with finely ground beef. Its unique spice blend, including ingredients like chocolate, cinnamon, and allspice, gives it a sweet and savory flavor profile unlike any other chili.
Furthermore, Cincinnati chili is traditionally served in “ways,” referring to the number of ingredients layered on top of spaghetti or hot dogs. This presentation is uncommon for other chili types. For example, a “3-way” is chili, spaghetti, and cheese; a “4-way” adds onions or beans; and a “5-way” includes both onions and beans. The Coney falls within this framework, being essentially a 2-way (chili and cheese) served on a hot dog.
Why is the cheddar cheese so finely shredded on a Cincinnati Coney?
The finely shredded cheddar cheese on a Cincinnati Coney plays a critical role in the overall texture and flavor experience. The fine shredding allows the cheese to melt more quickly and evenly across the chili-covered hot dog, creating a smooth and creamy layer that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. This even distribution ensures that every bite contains a consistent amount of cheese, chili, and hot dog.
Furthermore, the finely shredded texture prevents the cheese from clumping together or forming large, unmelted chunks, which could detract from the overall eating experience. It also helps to keep the cheese in place as the Coney is eaten, minimizing mess and ensuring that the flavors remain balanced from the first bite to the last. This attention to detail is a hallmark of a well-made Cincinnati Coney.
What kind of hot dog is used in a traditional Cincinnati Coney?
A traditional Cincinnati Coney uses a natural-casing hot dog, usually made from beef or a beef and pork blend. The natural casing gives the hot dog a distinct “snap” when bitten into, providing a textural contrast to the soft bun, chili, and cheese. This snap is an important element of the Coney experience and contributes to its overall appeal.
The hot dog is almost always steamed, rather than grilled or fried. Steaming keeps the hot dog moist and plump, preventing it from becoming dry or tough. The mild flavor of the steamed hot dog allows the chili and cheese to be the dominant flavors, while still providing a savory base for the other ingredients.
Which restaurants are famous for serving Cincinnati Coneys?
Several restaurants in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas are renowned for their Cincinnati Coneys, with two names being particularly prominent: Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili. These chains have become synonymous with the dish and are considered institutions within the region. They each have their own slightly different chili recipes and loyal followings.
Beyond these major chains, numerous smaller, locally owned restaurants and diners also serve Cincinnati Coneys. These establishments often have their own unique interpretations of the classic recipe, and some are known for using locally sourced ingredients or family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Exploring these smaller eateries can be a great way to discover different variations of the Cincinnati Coney.
What is the history behind the Cincinnati Coney?
The Cincinnati Coney’s origins can be traced back to Greek immigrants, the Kiradjieff brothers, who opened Empress Chili in 1922. They experimented with different spice blends to create a unique chili sauce that would appeal to the American palate. Their innovative approach resulted in the distinct Cincinnati chili flavor profile we know today.
While Empress Chili is often credited with the creation of Cincinnati chili, the precise origins of the Cincinnati Coney are somewhat less clear. It’s believed that the Coney evolved from the popularity of the chili itself, as customers began requesting it as a topping for hot dogs. The combination of the unique chili, finely shredded cheddar cheese, and mustard on a steamed hot dog quickly gained popularity and became a local specialty.
Are there any variations on the traditional Cincinnati Coney?
While the core components of a Cincinnati Coney remain consistent, some variations exist. A “cheese coney” is the standard version with chili, cheese, and mustard. A “3-way coney” might include beans, although this is less common than adding beans to spaghetti. Some establishments may offer a spicier version of the chili or a different type of cheese.
Additionally, some individuals may customize their Coneys by adding onions, jalapeños, or other toppings, although purists often consider these additions to be departures from the traditional recipe. However, the fundamental combination of a steamed hot dog, Cincinnati chili, finely shredded cheddar cheese, and yellow mustard remains the defining characteristic of a Cincinnati Coney.