Omg I was GLUED to the screen when Mama was talking. It is so important to hear stories first hand from our elders who are still with us. Thank you Alex and Cuzzo!! 🎉
That was so beautiful. Virginia Ali, The Matriarch of DC! All the history and love she brings everywhere she goes is legendary. Even the way she leaned her hand on your arm while she dropped all that knowledge the way our most beloved elders often do. Like family. Thank you, brother, for sharing these important moments among our people.
MAM is 91 years young????? Her memory and recant of the 60s experience is impeccable..She is truly blessed and I pray she stays that way with her sharpness and detailed stories..I could listen to her all day.❤. WE NEED TO KNOW THIS HISTORY AND SHARE THIS WITH OUR CHILDREN FIRSTHAND NOT WATERED DOWN COMIN FROM THEIR BOOKS.. thank you Alex!!!
Bro, next to the White House, Ben’s is the most iconic building in DC. And you had the privilege of interviewing the Queen, Ms. Virginia ,Who has a wealth of knowledge and interest of Washington! Much respect to you and your partners! I need to make a trip back there myself! ❤
Man what lovely ladies. Nothing better than seeing someone proud about their people without saying how much they struggled or how wonderful they are. Probably my favorite episode thus far.
This is why I love Washington DC because not only does it have amazing entertainment and so much nostalgia . it has a lot of black communities and history.
@spankbuda3769 yes the community is and was black, please don't speak on what you don't know were called chocolate city for a reason since the 70s. We are atlanta without the rainbow nonsense
Thank you for leaving the camera rolling. My grandmother lived until 98 and I miss listening to stories of her past. Thank you for allowing a space for her to speak wisdom. We are missing wisdom in many folks nowadays. Thank you for letting her to speak and share real historical information with us.
That was truly a amazing history lesson. She is a walking history, legend, and a person who survived a lot. Thank you for taking the time to care and talk with her. I Love that. ❤🥰👏🏽🙏🏽
Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a Washington, D.C. landmark since 1958, when it was founded by Ben and Virginia Ali on U Street NW, in a historic building that once housed the city’s first silent movie theater. At the time, U Street-known as "Black Broadway"-was a vibrant cultural hub, attracting legendary musicians like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. From the start, Ben’s became a favorite gathering place for locals, musicians, and civil rights leaders. The restaurant’s signature dish, the half-smoke, helped put it on the map. This spicy, smoky sausage, topped with Ben’s famous chili sauce, became a must-try for visitors and a staple of D.C. cuisine. But beyond the food, Ben’s Chili Bowl has stood as a symbol of resilience. During the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, many businesses in the area were destroyed or abandoned, but Ben’s remained open, serving food to first responders and community members in need. The restaurant also survived economic downturns, Metro construction that disrupted U Street in the ‘90s, and the passing of its founder, Ben Ali, in 2009. In 2009, then-President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Ben’s, ordering a classic half-smoke with chili. His visit brought even more national recognition to an already beloved establishment. Over the years, Ben’s has served countless celebrities, politicians, and everyday Washingtonians. From Anthony Bourdain to Oprah Winfrey, everyone wants a taste of this D.C. institution. Today, Virginia Ali and the Ali family continue Ben’s legacy, expanding to new locations while keeping the original U Street location as the heart of the brand. More than just a restaurant, Ben’s Chili Bowl represents community, history, and Black excellence. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime patron, Ben’s remains a place where everyone is welcome.
Visited Ben’s Chili in 2016 & Mother was just as welcoming/inviting to our family as you see here. We loved her stories. May she continue to be blessed. 🙏🏾
So glad you were able to speak to Ms.Virginia. ❤ she is an American treasure. This is one of your best Videos. I hope you do more like it. And the food looks delicious. Wow, just Wow. ❤
Wow, this is your best interview this was absolutely amazing she reminds me of my great grandma. The amount of history that she has evolved through is astounding ❤
Alex this interview is a great start to our Black History Month 🎉I know that this video was supposed to be a few review, but it became a History lesson. Awesome job guys ❤
I am glad you captured the moment with Mrs. Virginia. It was special. Ben's is great. My husband and I went there in 2018. When you asked where you should go in DC a few days ago, we both said Ben's Chili Bowl. So glad you went.
Alex, I really enjoyed listening to Ms. Virginia! She is speaking wise words of wisdom here and I love it ❤ Her spirit is bright and genuine. She is a beautiful soul ❤❤❤
Being from Washington DC born and raised Watching this warmed my heart and made me sooooooon PROUD of being from this city and community. LOVE YALL BENS BECAUSE THE FOOD THAT'S BEING SEVERE IS 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
I was born and raised there in 1963 . I used to eat there all the time! ❤ Great job in what you're doing. You are growing in leaps and endless bounds! ❤
I'm 59 and I've been going to Ben's since I was 10 years old, going to the Lincoln Theater watching Bruce Lee movies, and hitting Ben's afterwards, I get my famous chili cheeseburger with onions, lettuce and mayo. And it still taste the same today...
I love my people , shoutout to Mama Virginia !! A beautiful soul, class personifed ! Her words of empathy and understanding of compassion for everyone is what more of the world needs!!!Her embrace im sure makes us all want to hug her !!
The interview was so amazing. Mama Virginia looks amazing at 91. I enjoyed hearing her speak about the history of the area and the amazing people she had the pleasure of meeting over the years.
I've been to D.C. and never heard of Ben's chili bowl. What a wonderful history this place has. Mrs. Virginia is a treasure. These are the stories and places we as a people should honor and support always. Next time I'm in D.C. I'll definitely be visiting Ben's Chili bowl. Thanks Alex this was by far your best review yet.
I was born and raised in DC. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on U Street and passed by Ben’s Chili Bowl. I finally had the pleasure of sitting at the counter. The food is good, but; it’s not about that. Being in such an iconic place is what brings people there. The half smokes are for sale in Costco’s, now. You can’t go wrong by having them in your refrigerator or freezer. The U Street location is truly a historical DC landmark. There should be a place for it in the African American Museum.
You Are a GOOD Brother LaTryGuy!!! Your Mother raised you So Well!! She should be Bubbling with Pride about her Baby Boy!!! God Bless you!! Your Energy is Amazing Brother!!
I love Ben’s Chili Bowl! My mom would send me there to pick up a few half smokes with chili, mustard and onion. You can never go wrong with that combo! So so delicious 😋
I loved everything about this video - such a wealth of Black history and delicious food. ❤ Thanks for sharing her interesting lived experience. Bless up
This is my favourite episode!! Alex u sitting with Momma and learning not only about the restaurant but her own history!! Trinidadian Men are strong men, lots of love to her
I'm so jealous that you got to interview. The owner she is amazing a doll when we got to meet her She was so warm and welcoming to us. She is a national treasure. She is black history, her and her husband and I have a picture with her me and my business partner. And the food is incredible, that place is black history and it's just incredible, and it's an honor and a privilege to be a part of black history. That's dope ❤❤
Thank you Miss. Virginia for sharing KNowledge with us. I am 41 years young and it does my heart good to talk and listen to wisdom. LATRYGUY, you gave a us a nugget with this one! ♠🖤🌹
Wow!! This was the best video. I loved it. Thanks for shining a light on my city. I'll have to be honest I was born and raised in DC, but have only been to Ben's Chili Bowl only once. It was awesome to hear her speak about history. I didn’t get to meet her when I went.
It is crazy! I didn't know that Ben's Chili Bowl has Trini roots! We everywhere! 🇹🇹 Wow! You also gotta hit up Crown Bakery! They are off of Georgia Avenue in NW DC where you are! Best Caribbean food in the region. The Sellmans are the best! DC got deep history in food and civil rights! ♥️
This was such a wonderful episode! It opened my belly & made me hungry to start, then it ended by filling my heart with such pride! God bless Mama! Her wisdom is absolutely priceless!!
This was a great video. I live here in Virginia...born and raised. I never thought I'd see you over here on the east coast ...but I'm glad to see you did. I've heard of Ben's chili bowl...but I'm sad to say I've never been there. But it is definitely a spot you had to try coming to the DMV. So I'm glad you did and liked it. Makes me wanna go there even more now. Keep doing what you do my dude and I appreciate all that you and cuzzo do. Much respect.
Best episode to date in my opinion! Listening to the history of the restaurant and the community is phenomenal. Mrs.Mama was and is very inspirational and a Pilar in that community. 👏
I love all your episodes, but this by far is one of my favorite. To learn the history of the restaurant and our people is a treasure.... keep up the good work!
I went to Ben's when I was in DC visiting the National African American Museum. LOVED IT so much I had to get another half smoke at the airport on my way out! 🤣😆😅😂
Absolutely, one of the best videos and much needed history lessons from our 91 year old icon... Mama Virginia. Thank you for blessing us with your gift ❤
The owner is a national treasure
So is Alex, what a tremendous person 👍👍, 20 minute vid seemed like 5💗💗!!
Yes
Omg I was GLUED to the screen when Mama was talking. It is so important to hear stories first hand from our elders who are still with us. Thank you Alex and Cuzzo!! 🎉
Facts ❤❤❤ blessings
Yes !!❤
She is captivating!
🙌🏾👍🏾🙏🏾
Frfr😁 I didn’t want it to end🙏🏾👍🏾
I love when elders tell their stories
What an honor to get an interview from Virginia Ali. She is a living legend.
This was beautiful. The history alone was worth it. God bless Mrs Virginia.
Awesome right? Almost felt like I was a part of the history as she told the story'
!!!
Her memory is immaculate 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Yes, she is very sharp!
I love it! My grandmother is 94 and I just let her talk. Then she says something wild and we crack up!
Mama Virginia makes me miss my Grandmother's 😢 Appreciate your elders while you have them 🙏❤
This is your best interview yet, love the atmosphere the owners and food , a lot if history
Right. I could listen to those women talk for hours.
facts! Great video
!!!
That was so beautiful.
Virginia Ali, The Matriarch of DC! All the history and love she brings everywhere she goes is legendary.
Even the way she leaned her hand on your arm while she dropped all that knowledge the way our most beloved elders often do. Like family. Thank you, brother, for sharing these important moments among our people.
MAM is 91 years young????? Her memory and recant of the 60s experience is impeccable..She is truly blessed and I pray she stays that way with her sharpness and detailed stories..I could listen to her all day.❤. WE NEED TO KNOW THIS HISTORY AND SHARE THIS WITH OUR CHILDREN FIRSTHAND NOT WATERED DOWN COMIN FROM THEIR BOOKS.. thank you Alex!!!
Yea
I love how she didn’t cave to wearing wigs.
Blessing ❤
Bro, next to the White House, Ben’s is the most iconic building in DC. And you had the privilege of interviewing the Queen, Ms. Virginia ,Who has a wealth of knowledge and interest of Washington! Much respect to you and your partners! I need to make a trip back there myself! ❤
The White House USED TO BE iconic! 🙄🤡
🔥
STILL IS YOUUU HUSH 😢😮😂😂😂😂@@JWC24.7
I LOVE HOW YOU GAVE MAMA YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION 🥰🥰🥰..That was truly Beautiful to see and hear.
Absolutely RIGHT ON!!!!!!
Alex is truly incredible, I just luv him💗💗!!
That home training kicked in big time and that’s when the magic happened ❤
Bruh the way you connect with the people is top tier!! Never change!!
Man what lovely ladies. Nothing better than seeing someone proud about their people without saying how much they struggled or how wonderful they are. Probably my favorite episode thus far.
That little sweet lady has been through it all God love her! I could sit and listen to her talk for hours. The things she has seen and done amazing.
This is why I love Washington DC because not only does it have amazing entertainment and so much nostalgia . it has a lot of black communities and history.
Absolutely
But this community wasn't originally black. Heck, the owners aren't black.
@spankbuda3769 yes the community is and was black, please don't speak on what you don't know were called chocolate city for a reason since the 70s. We are atlanta without the rainbow nonsense
@@spankbuda3769 damn
@@spankbuda3769 What was it then?? I think he was speaking for the time period.
God Bless our Ancestors. We do not want to let them down!!!!
I’m in love with momma and her wonderful stories she’s a legend
I’m in luv with Alex✅✅, he is such a pleasure, makes life worth living 👍👍!
I love alex man taking the time to let that lady to tell her history, alex is a good dude fr
Listening to her tell her story gave me chills! We’ve come along way
Just gotta stop shooting one another
This is why it is imperative that we don't go backwards ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
Chillis*
I miss my grandma 😢😢Thank you Miss Virginia ❤❤
Yeah my grandma just died a few months ago she was 92.
Thank you for leaving the camera rolling. My grandmother lived until 98 and I miss listening to stories of her past. Thank you for allowing a space for her to speak wisdom. We are missing wisdom in many folks nowadays. Thank you for letting her to speak and share real historical information with us.
That was truly a amazing history lesson. She is a walking history, legend, and a person who survived a lot. Thank you for taking the time to care and talk with her. I Love that. ❤🥰👏🏽🙏🏽
I was born 1958 which was a good year to be alive 66 years old! Love your channel ❤and your videos with lil cuz ❤❤❤❤
But didn't the lady say that they've been around 75 years lol??
Damn
I love the owner she looks and reminds me of my nana who by the grace of God is 85. I liked this episode so much
Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a Washington, D.C. landmark since 1958, when it was founded by Ben and Virginia Ali on U Street NW, in a historic building that once housed the city’s first silent movie theater. At the time, U Street-known as "Black Broadway"-was a vibrant cultural hub, attracting legendary musicians like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. From the start, Ben’s became a favorite gathering place for locals, musicians, and civil rights leaders.
The restaurant’s signature dish, the half-smoke, helped put it on the map. This spicy, smoky sausage, topped with Ben’s famous chili sauce, became a must-try for visitors and a staple of D.C. cuisine. But beyond the food, Ben’s Chili Bowl has stood as a symbol of resilience. During the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, many businesses in the area were destroyed or abandoned, but Ben’s remained open, serving food to first responders and community members in need. The restaurant also survived economic downturns, Metro construction that disrupted U Street in the ‘90s, and the passing of its founder, Ben Ali, in 2009.
In 2009, then-President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Ben’s, ordering a classic half-smoke with chili. His visit brought even more national recognition to an already beloved establishment. Over the years, Ben’s has served countless celebrities, politicians, and everyday Washingtonians. From Anthony Bourdain to Oprah Winfrey, everyone wants a taste of this D.C. institution.
Today, Virginia Ali and the Ali family continue Ben’s legacy, expanding to new locations while keeping the original U Street location as the heart of the brand. More than just a restaurant, Ben’s Chili Bowl represents community, history, and Black excellence. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime patron, Ben’s remains a place where everyone is welcome.
Thank you for sharing
I love the way you summarized that, great job 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
👏🏼
Man! I'm so glad that you're in my neck in the woods! We appreciate you giving us some luv! There is a lot of good food in the DMV (DC, MD & VA).
I wish I could have liked this 1,000 times. Great video!
Me too💯
Visited Ben’s Chili in 2016 & Mother was just as welcoming/inviting to our family as you see here. We loved her stories. May she continue to be blessed. 🙏🏾
Mama Virginia is amazing
SHE IS VERY WELL SPOKEN!!!!!
God bless the beautiful lady owner !! Can't believe she is 91 years old❤love her history lesson❤
So glad you were able to speak to Ms.Virginia. ❤ she is an American treasure. This is one of your best Videos. I hope you do more like it. And the food looks delicious. Wow, just Wow. ❤
God bless Ms. Virginia. Salute to her for all she’s done and all she’s seen in her 91 years. Give flowers 💐
Wow, this is your best interview this was absolutely amazing she reminds me of my great grandma. The amount of history that she has evolved through is astounding ❤
That's you in your profile picture
@quanbrooklynkid7776 lmao 🤣 of course, it's me
Alex this interview is a great start to our Black History Month 🎉I know that this video was supposed to be a few review, but it became a History lesson. Awesome job guys ❤
Indeed!!! ❤
I am glad you captured the moment with Mrs. Virginia. It was special. Ben's is great. My husband and I went there in 2018. When you asked where you should go in DC a few days ago, we both said Ben's Chili Bowl. So glad you went.
She's such a beautiful spirit
The stuff that Mama has seen and lived is unreal. That woman is a treasure fr
Alex, I really enjoyed listening to Ms. Virginia! She is speaking wise words of wisdom here and I love it ❤
Her spirit is bright and genuine. She is a beautiful soul ❤❤❤
That feeling you got when you heard the elder talk is the feeling of knowing you are great! You just need the inspiration.. keep pushing
Being from Washington DC born and raised Watching this warmed my heart and made me sooooooon PROUD of being from this city and community. LOVE YALL BENS BECAUSE THE FOOD THAT'S BEING SEVERE IS 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
I was born and raised there in 1963 . I used to eat there all the time! ❤ Great job in what you're doing. You are growing in leaps and endless bounds! ❤
I'm honored to hear her talk we are loosing our generation that teaches us our history it's a Blessing to listen to any Grandma ❤️
This is why i love this side of YT, I get to see my people have interactions like this. I feel like I was there, thank you.
I'm 59 and I've been going to Ben's since I was 10 years old, going to the Lincoln Theater watching Bruce Lee movies, and hitting Ben's afterwards, I get my famous chili cheeseburger with onions, lettuce and mayo. And it still taste the same today...
I love my people , shoutout to Mama Virginia !! A beautiful soul, class personifed ! Her words of empathy and understanding of compassion for everyone is what more of the world needs!!!Her embrace im sure makes us all want to hug her !!
Who is "your people" that you love?
@ what understood doesn’t have to be explained!!! Beat it troll !!
The interview was so amazing. Mama Virginia looks amazing at 91. I enjoyed hearing her speak about the history of the area and the amazing people she had the pleasure of meeting over the years.
I love DC. Words can’t express my love for DC.
Amazing Alex, you got served real history, 15:46 young man. Also, you had good food.❤
I've been to D.C. and never heard of Ben's chili bowl. What a wonderful history this place has. Mrs. Virginia is a treasure. These are the stories and places we as a people should honor and support always. Next time I'm in D.C. I'll definitely be visiting Ben's Chili bowl. Thanks Alex this was by far your best review yet.
I was born and raised in DC. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on U Street and passed by Ben’s Chili Bowl. I finally had the pleasure of sitting at the counter. The food is good, but; it’s not about that. Being in such an iconic place is what brings people there. The half smokes are for sale in Costco’s, now. You can’t go wrong by having them in your refrigerator or freezer. The U Street location is truly a historical DC landmark. There should be a place for it in the African American Museum.
You Are a GOOD Brother LaTryGuy!!! Your Mother raised you So Well!! She should be Bubbling with Pride about her Baby Boy!!! God Bless you!! Your Energy is Amazing Brother!!
Great video man. You're getting better and better every time. Congrats. Favorite foodie
I love this video. Hearing older people stories is so fascinating to me... she is stunning in her 90's! I Love loving kind people...
20:19 I got a bit emotional happingly. Great video!!
This was nice and wholesome God bless that 91 year old woman 🙏🏽🤎
Wow! This is Awesome! I love this interview. Just lovely people and so much history! ❤️😊
Glad you came to my city 💪🏿 I love her and her Ben’s Chili Bowl she tells the truth about it all.
I love Ben’s Chili Bowl! My mom would send me there to pick up a few half smokes with chili, mustard and onion. You can never go wrong with that combo! So so delicious 😋
My father lived a few blocks from U Street, and he use to take us to Ben's regularly, but the "smokes" were the best.
That young lady TEACHING my boy is priceless. 👍🏾❤️👍🏾
I loved everything about this video - such a wealth of Black history and delicious food. ❤ Thanks for sharing her interesting lived experience. Bless up
But this restaurant owner wasn't and isn't black. The area originally wasn't black.
The owner has a very beautiful soul. Amazing story of Ben's chilli bowl❤
if i make it to 91 years old that'll be a blessing
This is my favourite episode!! Alex u sitting with Momma and learning not only about the restaurant but her own history!! Trinidadian Men are strong men, lots of love to her
ClasSICK! That Chili Half Smoke can't be beat. That is still my go to spot even years after I left DC.
91? Black don’t crack. What a beautiful woman, with an amazing memory!
She dropped history and some jewels about life!! I saw Miss Virginia before and she is a walking history lesson!! ❤ Loved this interview!!
God's continued blessings upon Mama Virgina. Such a sweet lady. ❤❤😊
I'm so jealous that you got to interview. The owner she is amazing a doll when we got to meet her She was so warm and welcoming to us. She is a national treasure. She is black history, her and her husband and I have a picture with her me and my business partner. And the food is incredible, that place is black history and it's just incredible, and it's an honor and a privilege to be a part of black history. That's dope ❤❤
This video made my day ❤ she loved all people 😊crackheads included 😂❤❤
Thank you Miss. Virginia for sharing KNowledge with us. I am 41 years young and it does my heart good to talk and listen to wisdom. LATRYGUY, you gave a us a nugget with this one! ♠🖤🌹
Hi Alex
I loved hearing the history of Ben's Chilli and Ms Virginia storytime. Thank you for sharing.
Wow!! This was the best video. I loved it. Thanks for shining a light on my city. I'll have to be honest I was born and raised in DC, but have only been to Ben's Chili Bowl only once. It was awesome to hear her speak about history. I didn’t get to meet her when I went.
That was an amazing interview! ❤❤❤
❤ This by far was one of your best interviews, so much love & history.❤
Loved the history lesson with the founder. Beautiful lady serving good food.
Happy you got to get the owner in the video and tell you some history and her story 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thiss wass amazing... Big thanks to you both!!!
It is crazy! I didn't know that Ben's Chili Bowl has Trini roots! We everywhere! 🇹🇹 Wow!
You also gotta hit up Crown Bakery! They are off of Georgia Avenue in NW DC where you are! Best Caribbean food in the region. The Sellmans are the best! DC got deep history in food and civil rights! ♥️
Chat with founder 🙏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
This was such a wonderful episode! It opened my belly & made me hungry to start, then it ended by filling my heart with such pride! God bless Mama! Her wisdom is absolutely priceless!!
Wish I had the chance to meet you here in my city. Hope u had a blast!
This was a great video. I live here in Virginia...born and raised. I never thought I'd see you over here on the east coast ...but I'm glad to see you did. I've heard of Ben's chili bowl...but I'm sad to say I've never been there. But it is definitely a spot you had to try coming to the DMV. So I'm glad you did and liked it. Makes me wanna go there even more now. Keep doing what you do my dude and I appreciate all that you and cuzzo do. Much respect.
That manager was special too. to offer you free food. But she knew it was a beautiful food:).
Best episode to date in my opinion! Listening to the history of the restaurant and the community is phenomenal. Mrs.Mama was and is very inspirational and a Pilar in that community. 👏
I love all your episodes, but this by far is one of my favorite. To learn the history of the restaurant and our people is a treasure.... keep up the good work!
Amazing! Living Herstory! This was a Blessing!
I went to Ben's when I was in DC visiting the National African American Museum. LOVED IT so much I had to get another half smoke at the airport on my way out! 🤣😆😅😂
Love the historical insight, glad you didn't cut it out thinking it was too long. awesome
I love the interview with Mama at the end. What a kind woman. Great episode bro! 👍🏽👍🏽
She’s beautiful to be 91 years old. I’m glad you enjoyed the food. That’s beautiful in love.
Queen mother has some awesome stories, I can tell. I could sit and listen to her for days!!
By far your best video, and I’ve been watching for awhile ❤❤
Timeless Classic Documentary Episode today
Absolutely, one of the best videos and much needed history lessons from our 91 year old icon... Mama Virginia. Thank you for blessing us with your gift ❤
The best video on social media hands down. Thank you for sharing a very special part of history. Feel favored to witness such a beautiful moment
Grew up in D.C off 14th Street. Loved Ben's Chilli Bowl. My favorite was the chilli cheese fries 🤤🔥! So glad they are still around 😃!
Welcome to the city😊
Aye! Nah fr 😊