Saturday, October 15, 2011

Chili Inside, Chili Outside

(Update on 1/29/12: Chili Inside, Chili Outside has closed. Friday, 1/27, was the last day for business. Best of luck to the staff in their future endeavors.)

Chili Inside, Chili Outside is located in the Q-19 food pod near thecorner of NW 19th and Quimby in Portland, Oregon. As you might have guessed, they are known for their chili, a Texas-style spicy and meaty chili (choice of ground beef or ground turkey).

I blame the sun for the crappy picture...but at least it was sunny the day I went!

Menu (as of late September 2011)
I went with a cup of their turkey chili and a side of their jalapeno cheddar cornbread ($5.25). I topped my chili with green onions and sharp cheddar cheese (sour cream option also available).

Cup of turkey chili w/sharp cheddar cheese and green onions
(Chili Inside, Chili Outside)
Jalapeno cheddar cornbread
In all honesty, one of the best chili dishes I've ever had. A rich, meaty, hearty chili with a little kick to awaken the taste buds. The cheese, which was sprinkled on top, melted nicely, each scoop becoming a sexy, stringy helping of awesomeness. The onions gave an extra oomph of flavor to the dish.

As I've said in previous reviews, I'm not a big cornbread lover. However, the jalapeno cheddar cornbread here was spot-on delicious. Unlike cornbread I've had in the past -- just dry and unappetizing -- this one had some moisture. The browned cheese atop the cornbread and the diced jalapenos inside imparted mellow, enjoyable flavors.

Although I also had an array of hot sauces to choose from, I didn't need any, much to my surprise (in a good way). But if you want hot sauce, they got you covered.

Mmm...hot sauce
At Chili Inside, Chili Outside, another signature menu item has to be their Frito Chili Pie ($5.75). It's exactly what you'd think: a bag of Fritos corn chips laced with their amazing chili -- and you can probably get your usual choice of toppings as well. From pictures I've seen online, they will slit open a bag of Fritos and just toss the chili on top. Not sure if they still do that, but I'd like that for presentation purposes.

In the mood for a hamburger ($4.50), cheeseburger ($4.75), or a hot dog ($4.00)? Or a chili cheeseburger or chili dog ($5.75 each)? Yup, they got those as well. Chili Inside, Chili Outside has vegetarian options with veggie burgers ($6.75), salads ($3.00 small; $5.00 large), fries ($1.50), and their jalapeno cheddar cornbread ($1.25).

Chili Inside, Chili Outside has an outstanding product, and their sales should only increase with the impending chilly weather. I urge you all to check this food cart out as soon as possible! 9/10

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