[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SALUTING THE MEMORY OF BEN ALI, FOUNDER OF WASHINGTON D.C.'S BEN'S 
                               CHILI BOWL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2009

  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute the memory of Ben 
Ali, founder and owner of Ben's Chili Bowl, a local historical 
landmark. Dubbed ``King of the Half-Smoke'' by Washingtonians who 
flocked to Ben's daily, Mr. Ali died earlier this month at the age of 
82.
  Ben Ali exemplified the American Dream through his entrepreneurial 
spirit and endurance. An immigrant from Trinidad, Ben opened his 
namesake restaurant on August 22, 1958 with the help of his wife, 
Virginia. In the process, Mr. Ali shaped the city of Washington and its 
unique U-Street Corridor by serving his trademark chili dishes to 
generations of diners.
  Opened during U Street's heyday as an African American Cultural 
Mecca, Ben's Chili Bowl has withstood major neighborhood construction 
projects, national economic shifts, and the notorious 1968 riots, which 
ravaged much of the city. During that dark night, Ben's Chili Bowl was 
one of only two establishments left unscathed.
  In the early 1990s, Ben's Chili Bowl stood as an unyielding anchor of 
the neighborhood's rebirth, and continues to serve dignitaries, 
celebrities, and local guests alike. All are loyal customers of Ben's 
Half-Smokes and Chili Cheeseburgers, a personal favorite of mine since 
1969.
  Ben's Chili Bowl will persist as a Washington institution, a symbol 
of unity and strength in a city that has seen its share of hard times. 
Today, a tourist may dine next to an elected official, or a school boy 
next to his sports hero, as they all gather together for the 
incomparable experience of enjoying Ben's famous chili.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that we honor Ben Ali for his exceptional 
contributions to our community. The vital role that both he and Ben's 
Chili Bowl will continue to play in Washington will be his lasting 
legacy. I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Mr. Ben 
Ali.

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