No one eats more at Ben’s Chili Bowl than Alex Cross

Last week, Amazon Prime released its highly anticipated series “Cross,” and the masses are loving the atmospheric black detective saga based on James Patterson’s acclaimed book series. The series stars Aldis Hodge within the title role of Alex Cross.

Since the series is ready in Washington, D.C., it was an actual pleasure to look at it from the angle of a resident and DMV resident. The motion of the series takes place not only within the capital of the country, but for once you possibly can feel prefer it. Instead of the uninspired aerial shots of the U.S. Capitol and famous monuments that the majority shows and flicks set in DC add to convey a regional flavor, this photo captures the character of town itself.

There are shots of colourful row houses, scenes of residents crowding the streets, neoclassical buildings not only near the White House, and (minor plot spoiler) sketchy, mysterious white people in Georgetown. It was very nice to see that DMV boysthe bike crew that loudly strolls the streets of the DMV receives an honorable mention.

However, in trying to indicate real life in Washington, it appears that evidently the showrunners got one thing unsuitable. No one – and I repeat, absolutely – goes to Ben’s Chili Bowl as often as Alex Cross.

The man consistently eats at the historic and now iconic chili spot. Whenever he isn’t home or solving cases, Cross apparently stuffs his face with chili dogs. This is de facto weird. Several of his friends and colleagues also stay there consistently. They even hold intimate discussions at full volume about sensitive matters they supposedly want the general public to find out about. It’s not only me; as more and more people discover this program, more persons are beginning to notice this strange habit.

“I’m halfway through Cross on Amazon Prime and the most incredible thing is how often they eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl.” wrote user @thekeyresource on Threads. “Anyone who has lived in DC knows that only tourists eat there. DC residents purposely don’t eat there multiple times a week 🤣.”

For those less familiar, yes, Ben’s Chili Bowl could be very real. In fact, because the first season finished filming, Hodge visited the plant. In addition to being very tasty, the restaurant has existed in town for over 60 years. It was founded within the late Fifties by Ben Ali, a Trindadian-born immigrant who attended Howard University, which is positioned near Ben’s.

As someone who grew up less than 40 minutes from Washington, D.C., and worked, lived, and played in town for the higher a part of a decade, I can assure you that Ben’s is just not an on a regular basis place to live. It’s not even generally considered a spot to hang around through the day. Most people visit Ben’s at the top of a night at the bar on U Street (where he relies).

First, eating as much chili dogs as Cross claims wouldn’t be healthy. Seriously, what adult male together with his body type eats chili dogs that always? Alex Cross is certainly on some bougie keto weight-reduction plan.

Plus, a D.C. skilled actually is not eating greasy, yet delicious, seriously sloppy chili dogs in the midst of the work day. Let’s be honest: If Alex Cross is de facto a DC character, he gets Chipotle. It gives you numerous energy during your lunch break and burrito.

Plus, Ben’s is not the only restaurant on the town. This is just not the one historical case. This is not the only issue that matters to Black people. I mean, I’d expect Alex Cross to be holed up at Stan’s, the cocktail bar and restaurant on Vermont Avenue, and even the Florida Avenue Grill. If the showrunners wish to spread the love even more, there are many Black-owned restaurants like Dukem Ethiopian, Horace & Dickie’s Seafood Carryout, NuVegan Cafe, HalfSmoke and more. DMV guests typically visit several restaurants, not only one everlasting location.

A slight spoiler, but given the subdued, depressed and stressed widower vibes, I actually think Cross also frequently reflected on his complicated life at the bar. He would actually be at a bar like Stan’s. Honestly, there is no such thing as a reason to eat out. The man lives together with his grandmother who helps him deal with his children; it must involve cooking for them!

But after I take into consideration Cross being a widower scuffling with grief, I begin to wonder if all of the chili dogs are a plot device. Maybe he’s waiting for some time at an everyday diner, hoping to assuage his sadness with all those hotdog buns.