Chili

Where in New York City can you get a really good plate of chili?

In my experience, you can't. When I want chili, I make
it myself; but then, my idea of chili is West Texas
Red: No tomatos, no beans, just beef and chiles and a
few other spices.

I have to agree with Ann. In NYC Chili is definitely
a make at home dish - although I'm not a purist. Hand
cut chuck, ground ancho and serrano chilies, toasted
cumin, some small red or black beans, crushed tomato,
garlic, onion, and a small hit of cocoa powder to
round out the flavor.

Here's a hot tip: Benny's Burritos makes killer beef
chili, and if you live downtown, they can probably
deliver. They just slop some veggie chili on top of
some of that yummy shredded beef, but the end result
is a toothsome, meaty meal. They definitely put some
nice seasoning in the chili, and I truly do love that
beef (though it was way too dry and salty the one time
I ate at the West Village Benny's).

Your best bet, though, is to ask them to leave off the
glutinous Jack cheese and sour cream, which is extra
off-putting if the delivery arrives cold (not
uncommon, unfortunately). I got a microwave recently,
and this was a definite factor in my rationalization
process.