What's a Half-Smoke?
Chili Half-Smoke from Ben's Chili Bowl. Photograph from Josh Thompson on Flickr
On Saturday, President-elect Barack Obama asked, "What's a half-smoke?" at Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C.
To answer your question, Mr. President-elect, a half-smoke is basically a processed meat tube that's a lot plumper than your average hot dog (about twice the girth) with more of a spicy kick (look for the red pepper flakes inside).
Where does the "half" come from? A few theories exist, as explored in a comprehensive article from the Washington City Paper in 2007. It's only smoked halfway. It's cut in half when on the grill. It's often made from equal portions of beef and pork.
Ben's signature half-smoke comes smothered with chili, but it's perfectly acceptable to go the mustard-and-onions route. Besides Ben's, the sausage is sold all over the city, especially from street carts along the National Mall. Part of me is convinced that so many CVS pharmacies exist in the District for easy access to an important half-smoke chaser: Tums.
Related: Obama Family Makes the 'Eat Free' List at Ben's Chili Bowl
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13 Comments:
Wow, it looks so small. I'm sure it tastes good, with all the hub-bub that's been going on about it.
Cassaendra at 10:57AM on 01/12/09
I'm glad to see the topic of half-smokes come up. While the name itself is odd, a half-smoke with cooked onions and mustard is one of my guilty pleasures most times when I'm in the DC area, since the half-smoke is ubiquitous there, and nonexistent elsewhere.
Here's my take on the half-smoke:
( http://offbeateats.blogspot.com/2008/10/hot-dog-varieties-half-smoke.html )
kaszeta at 11:32AM on 01/12/09
The photo is deceptive. A Ben's half smoke is actually a two-hander. The half-smoke itself has a distinct snap on the casing and the outside gets a gorgeous char when cooked on the grill. It's juicy, spicy and really flavorful. The chili itself is made from a 50-year old recipe developed by the Ali family and has a slight curry flavor that shows Ben Ali's Trinidadian background. Everything is just spice and pop.
I personally love a half-smoke with onions, no chili, and a side of chili-cheese fries.
culocho at 11:41AM on 01/12/09
The half smoke "all the way" from Ben's is phenomenal. The snap of the skin followed by the ooze and smoke from the chili is...well, it makes living in this culinary wasteland tolerable.
browngravy at 12:04PM on 01/12/09
i don'tk now what a half smoke is
MrChow at 4:06PM on 01/12/09
I think my cat threw that up yesterday.
LunaPierCook at 4:57PM on 01/12/09
I have to see this half-smoke chaser because I'm still slightly confused about this unique D.C. style.
foodismyspeciality at 6:44PM on 01/12/09
@LunaPierCook, that's not a really appetizing representation of the subject matter, is it?
chanterelle at 11:29PM on 01/12/09
Looks and sounds fantastic - wish we had them in So Cal! DROOL!!!
ddvierra68 at 12:03PM on 01/19/09
When Stationed at Andrews Air Force Base 1961 to 1964 I consumed many half smokes! I was introduced to them by a seargent during a break in the day. I probably was the only Jewish half smoked fan in those days.
Keep eating them they didnt hurt me at all! Burp!
Larry Lansky at 1:09PM on 01/19/09
I'm glad that President Obama doesn't eat half-smokes. He's a healthy, conscientious eater who wants to reach an advanced old age in good health. I hope he'll turn the White House Lawn into a vegetable garden and fruit orchard. We have to stop encouraging obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Let's promote fresh, natural, flavorful natural foods.
KindHeart at 6:43PM on 01/19/09
Erin,
Would you mind if I link to this article from whatamieating.com? I like including items with a particular story attached to them and this is a good one, though I rather agree with LunaPierCook about the picture. I prefer Kaszeta's, slightly!! Which reminds me, could I link to your article too Kaszeta?
Foodlexi at 5:41AM on 01/20/09
Foodlexi: Sure, go ahead and link away.
kaszeta at 4:52PM on 01/28/09