When I think of Doughy Joey’s I think of a great stopping point off the trail after a long bike ride to the edge of Cedar Falls. But given the fact it is currently snowing and January, on this night it was our next stop for chili. Several have recommended this restaurant so we were pretty excited to dig in. We tend to always ask if the chili is any good, cautious of the reactions of the wait staff. Our enthusiastic server confirmed that it was, and to our surprise he mentioned it was also spicy. Now we were curiously hungry.

Let me start with the presentation because it was one of the best we have seen. As the waiter set the bowls on the table he actually hummed a little tune- it was a drumroll type of melody and proudly timed- it as if he made the dish himself. He was quickly embarrassed, and walked away seemingly unsure of why he did that. We loved it. We had ordered cups but the chili came out in big iron skillets topped with a mound of cheese. On the side were oyster crackers, a breadstick, and the most circular of spoons. At this point the curiosity had turned to admiration and we couldn’t take a bite fast enough.

The chili was certainly spicy for which we applaud Mr. Joey. Typically restaurants do not want to take a stance on the pH scale but here was a dish that was unafraid. And what did they use to zest it with you ask? Two words: Hot sauce. And a lot of it. In fact the instant my PIC (partner in chili) figured that out, it was almost all we could taste. This is why we are firm believers that one ingredient should not dominate. Once the bowl cooled off and the cheese was gone we were left with what felt like the bottom of the barrel.

I think this chili has great ambitions but falls short to be reliable down to the last spoonful. If they added some additional spices and flavoring that mixed well with their secret ingredient I think the taste would make a lasting impression. After all, if your chili only tastes like one ingredient, and it’s your secret ingredient, it won’t be a secret for long.

Offical Breggie Score: 7.6