Cincinnati is a city of rivalries. East Side versus West Side. Xavier University versus the University of Cincinnati. Bath tissue rolled over the top versus rolled from the bottom. Okay, maybe only those first two qualify as legitimate rivalries (though there are times the Guru wonders about that third one…). But look a little closer within the city, and especially within the mouths of its residents. There are plenty of rivalries within Cincinnati’s seven hills, particularly within its culinary repertoire. Here are two such in-city contests that spark debate whenever they’re mentioned.

Skyline vs. Gold Star

The chili debate is hotter than a jalapeno-laden five-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese, onion, and beans, for those non-Cincinnati natives), and it’s been going on for decades.

Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili share a heritage from Greece, and each founder migrated to America bringing recipes that now help define Cincinnati’s culinary inheritance. Skyline has that hint of cinnamon, Gold Star may taste similar, but it’s definitely different. Devotees of one will never eat the other. For a taste test, you may have to travel out of the tri-state area to find one who’s uninitiated. And don’t forget that there are many other chili parlors (yes, we still call them parlors) around town which serve their own versions of Cincy-style chili. Among others, there’s Empress Chili, Camp Washington Chili, Price Hill Chili, and even in Northern Kentucky, there’s Dixie Chili. All Cincy-style, all worth a taste. If you prefer Skyline or Gold Star, just keep an open mouth. 

Graeter’s vs. Aglamesis Brothers

This debate has spilled onto the airwaves, via the Food Network’s Food Feuds. “Iron Chef” Michael Symon pits food versus food, and in a “Sweet Feud” the winner was…well, you’ll just have to watch it. No spoilers here.

Meanwhile, people are tasting deliciousness and taking sides here in town. Both companies have been around more than 100 years, and both still use original methods…including chocolate chips as big as your head. Okay, not that big, but man, those are fat chunks ‘o chip in those ice creams.

Aglamesis Brothers opened their first ice cream shop in 1908 and their present location on Oakley’s Erie Avenue in 1913, which is still serving at the original soda fountain, surrounded by Tiffany lamps and imported brass fixtures. Graeter’s uses a ‘french-pot’ method and their original century-old recipes, and was founded in 1870. Each has branched out into other items, and are now famous for baked goods and candies in addition to the amazing ice creams. 

So which delectable delights are preferred by the Auto Body Guru? Can’t say, but I might be able to if you stop by the body shop with lunch (and ice cream for dessert). My honest gastronomical opinion will follow. Now hand me that fork and spoon…

Whether you’re on the East side, the West side, north of Sharonville or south of Covington, we’re close by and ready to serve you with free estimates, answers to questions about auto body repair, or anything we can do for you or your car. Give Nate or Jason a call at 513-631-2406 or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.