Chili Powder

• In 1890, DeWitt Clinton Pendery developed the first known mixture of chili powder in Cincinnati, Ohio. Called "Chiltomaline," he mixed chiles, cumin and oregano. Later, he traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, introducing the mixture to towns along the way.
  
  

Creation

• In 1922, Tom Athanas Kiradjieff, a Macedonian immigrant, arrived in Cincinnati. He opened a stand that sold Greek stew and hot dogs. When the stew failed to attract business, he added chili powder and ground beef and served it over spaghetti. The mixture was a huge success and the basis of Cincinnati Chili.
  
  

Coney Dog

• Around the same time, the Coney Dog was also developed by Kiradejieff. On his way to Cincinnati, he stopped by Coney Island in New York and attempted to duplicate the hot dog popularity he saw there. Adding mustard, chili and cheese, the Coney Dog is highly popular.
  
  

Types

• Over the years, Cincinnati Chili developed into more elaborate concoctions. "Two Way" means the chili on top of spaghetti. "Three Way" adds cheddar cheese to the mix. "Four Way" adds onions. "Five Way" tops it off with beans. Most are served with oyster crackers.
  
  

Festival

• Since the later half of the 20th century, Cincinnati has hosted a yearly festival called the Goldstar ChiliFest. The festival lasts two days and chili consumption usually averages around two million pounds.