Who’s excited for a second Ben’s Chili Bowl location? Not this humble writer.

Ben’s Chili Bowl has always been something of an untouchable local culinary institution, but it may soon be getting some competition — and from someone who saw the eatery’s workings from within.

The iconic U Street joint will be serving up 175 chili dogs and 25 bowls of veggie chili tonight to demonstrators at Freedom Plaza.

Are you bumming out because you weren’t able to make it to Dupont for today’s gelato giveaway? Perhaps a free chili dog might calm your nerves.

During an appearance on NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt this morning, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. addressed a number of different topics: education, taxicab medallions, the ethics of the Council and the Vince Gray administration. But the bulk of the conversation centered around Walmart’s inroads into the District. Thomas has been a reliable supporter of the Big Blue Box, but it turns out that he’s got much grander plans than simply lobbying for the store to open several locations inside D.C.’s borders.

Happy National Chili Dog Day! No, seriously. (July 29 also marks National Lasagna Day and National Rain Day, in case you were curious.) But what’s in it for you? As per tradition, noted local chili purveyor Hard Times Cafe will celebrate Chili Dog Day by giving out free chili dogs with any purchase at all of their locations — except Nationals Park, natch. Enjoy your tasty treat today; tomorrow honors much more boring stuff:…

Photo by andertho Dish of the Week: Chili Everyone knows it’s been a big week for chili, especially Ben’s Chili Bowl. But we’re not here to talk about Ben’s, for once this week. Because whether you love or don’t love the chili from Ben’s, its squeeze-tap runny texture isn’t quite comparable to most traditional chili. Depending on where you’re from, you think chili is something totally different. If you’re from Texas, chances are you…

The corner of 13th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. NW may contain the best lunch value downtown. No, we’re not talking about the the all-too-familiar basement level food court or street vendor. Instead, look up and join the world thought leaders at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Located in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, their café is a secret lunch spot of sorts, but it’s not too hard to find. All…