Chili as a pizza sauce? Leave it to Mellow Mushroom to make that a thing.
The Atlanta-based chain recently introduced the Cincy Pizza at its two stores in Cincinnati. The specialty pie is inspired by the locally famous Cincinnati-style chili and, more specifically, Skyline Chili, a local restaurant chain that dates back to 1949.
The Cincy Pizza starts with Cincinnati’s own Skyline chili as a base. Then it’s covered with mozzarella, slices of all-beef kosher hot dogs and finely shredded cheese and drizzled with a swirl of mustard and hot sauce. The finishing touch: oyster crackers sprinkled on top.
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The Cincy Pizza is only available at Mellow Mushroom’s West Chester and Wilder locations for a limited time, the company said.
Skyline chili is a meatless sauce that’s usually poured over spaghetti or hot dogs. It features a unique spice blend that yields a sweet and savory taste. Writing for Food & Wine earlier this year, Kat Kinsman noted that “the sauce-like clove-nutmeg-cinnamon-and-god-knows-what-else-infused Cincinnati chili bears little resemblance to the bean-studded or beef-chunked stews that other regions of this great land might recognize as chili.” Even so, she said, “To those of us who grew up in the Greater Cincinnati area, this stuff is mother’s milk.”
“We are extremely excited to bring the new Cincy Pizza to our two local restaurants, highlighting the delicious Skyline Chili ingredients known and loved by Cincinnatians,” owner Sean Bail said.
“The Mellow Mushroom menu features a Locals Only section that allows Mellow store owners and operators to cater to local tastes,” noted Anne Mejia, Mellow Mushroom’s vice president of brand development. “Cincinnati is known for being one of the best foodie towns in America. There’s no better way to celebrate a city that loves Skyline Chili and pizza than with this unique Cincy Pizza!”
Founded in Atlanta in 1974, Mellow Mushroom operates in 19 states today. Each Mellow Mushroom store is locally owned and operated.
