As we stepped off the sidewalk on quite literally the coldest night this winter has seen, our taste buds were tingling to feel the long awaited warmth that only a delectable cup of chili can bring. We arrived at Screaming Eagle, the local corner bar that is always good for a Blue Moon and a familiar face. Our waitress was as pleasant as they come, full of recommendations and a friendly demeanor that made you not want to let her down. The Cyclones were beating the No. 2 team in the country on TV and our short holiday week was over the hump. What could possibly bring us down?

We knew this was where the fairytale ended as soon as the bowls were placed in front of us. The dish depicted as chili on the menu was disappointing at first glance. Did I order coffee or chili? What was rested in front of us could not be described as anything more than hamburger soup. All of the ground beef was chunked together in a massive discombobulated ball that would for sure come to life in a cartoon. You know the one – where a giant shadowy creature climbs buildings to terrorize the innocent citizens of a thriving metropolis. When I used my spoon to scoop out the meat monster the surrounding watery soup was just as unappealing – it too would have caused mayhem in our fictional city by flooding the streets while triggering stampedes and widespread panic. Where oh where was the brave young superhero to defend our honor (and palette)?

It pains me to inform you that on this night there was no superhero. Just two people trying to make sense of what they just put in their mouth. Back in reality this chili contained about 4 ingredients: beef that I am not sure is allowed to be called ground, watered down tomato sauce, and maybe a few spices that accidently fell into the pot off the kitchen shelf. Our forced smiles towards our wonderful server covered our feelings but could not unmask the taste this disastrous excuse for food left behind. Maybe it was an off night for this particular dish and for this particular restaurant, but nothing could save the day for this dish that I am sorry I paid for.

Official Breggie Rating= 4.8