Before chili, two bits of info:- From Aljazeera.
- Negotiators from Iran (headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi) and the U.S. (led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner) wrapped up the third round of indirect talks in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said there was significant progress, and discusses will continue in Vienna, Austria next week on a technical level.
- Omar is the mediator and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency were also present.
- About the House Oversight Committee questioning of Hillary Clinton on the Epstein files.
- Held in Chappaqua, New York, where the Clintons have a house.
- Chaired by James Comer (R-Kentucky).
- Interview is being videotaped. The Clintons actually wanted a public hearing, but Comer said the committee's practice is to conduct closed-door interviews with witnesses before it holds hearings.
- Very testy exchange.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the House Oversight Committee on Thursday she has no new information about Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, criticizing Republicans' handling of their investigations into the late convicted sex offender.
"I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein. I never flew on his plane or visited his island home or offices," she said in the opening statement, which she posted on X and delivered during a closed-door hearing with lawmakers.
In her opening statement, Clinton accused the panel of engaging in partisan "fishing expeditions" by forcing her and her husband to sit for depositions, and said they are interviewing the wrong people.
"[Y]ou have compelled me to testify, fully aware that I have no knowledge that would assist your investigation. in order to distract attention from President Trump's actions and cover them up despite legitimate calls for answers," she wrote in the statement.
She accused the committee of using her and her husband to try to distract from Trump's ties to Epstein.- The lead Democrat on the committee is Robert Garcia from California. He said that "today sets a precedent" that he hoped would lead to testimony from President Trump.
- Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify on Friday. He traveled on Epstein's plane four times in 2002/3 trips for his Clinton Foundation.
Did you know today is National Chili Day?
- When I was young, which was a long time ago, I knew chili as chili con carne (meaning chili pepper with meat), and did not particularly like this dish.
- Made up of tomatoes, beans, chili peppers, meat, garlic, onions and cumin.
- American frontier settlers made this dish, dried it into a brick for storage, and boiling it in pots on the trail.
At the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the San Antonio Chili Stand brought this dish to the attention of the nation.- This helped Texas-style chili con carne spread nationwide. Each one claimed to have a secret recipe.
- During World War II, family-run chili parlors, known as chili joints, popped up all over Texas.
- The Texas Legislature in 1977 designated chili con carne as the official dish of Texas.
While Hawaii's chili is served with white rice, nationally:- Add chili to hot dogs to create chili dogs.
- Top burgers with chili and enjoy a chili burger.
- Combine chili and chili with fries and make chili cheese fries.
- Make the ultimate baked potato by stuffing it with chili.
- Frito pie” is chili with spaghetti noodles.
- Transform mac and cheese into chili mac.
- Add croutons to your chili for added crunch.
According to Google AI:
The nation’s biggest and most iconic chili cook-off is the Original Terlingua International Chili Cook-Off (OTICCC), held annually in Terlingua, Texas, during the first weekend of November. Founded in 1967, this massive desert event ("the granddaddy of all cook-offs") attracts thousands to celebrate Texas-style chili, which notably excludes beans.
The International Chili Society sponsors this world championship cook-off.
- Started in 1967 by race car driver and automotive icon Carrol Shelby.
- Sanctions more than 100 events/year nationwide, raising more than $100 million for charities.
- The next and 59th World Championship Chili Cook-off will be held early in 2027 at a destination yet be announced. Competitors have almost two years to qualify through local chili-offs sponsored by the Society.
- When: Thursday, February 26, 2026 (Today Only).
- Deal: Regular Chili with Rice (Original, No Bean, or Vegetarian) for $5.99 on Oahu ($6.99 on neighbor islands).
- Availability: Takeout only.
- Limit: 5 per customer
Is this a bargain?
At Zippy's, a standard order of Chili with Rice typically costs between $9.55 and $11.15 for a regular plate, depending on the location and whether you are ordering for dine-in, takeout, or via delivery apps.
Zippy's Restaurants is widely considered the quintessential spot for chili and rice in Hawaii, offering a unique, mild, and beloved version. For local, classic, and highly-rated alternatives, Rainbow Drive-In, T&L Market, and It's Chili In Hawaii are top choices for their authentic, quick-service style.
Top Spots for Chili & Rice in Hawaii
- Zippy's Restaurants (Multiple Locations): Known as a Hawaii institution, Zippy's provides a distinct, somewhat sweet, and smoky chili that is best enjoyed over white rice.
- Rainbow Drive-In (Honolulu): A legendary spot for plate lunches, offering iconic chili bowls and chili rice, often topped with cheese.
- T&L Market (Honolulu): Frequently recommended as a "hole-in-the-wall" gem, known for its traditional and comforting chili rice.
- It's Chili In Hawaii (Honolulu): Known for specialized, customizable chili, including Chili Rice and Chili Dog options.
- Hirano Store (Glenwood, Big Island): Renowned for a unique,, almost Portuguese-bean-soup-like,, hearty chili that is a favorite for many locals.By the way, according to Google AI:Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu is offering a National Chili Day special today, Thursday, February 26, 2026, featuring $5 Chili Rice Bowls and $10 Chili Plates. These deals are valid at the Kapahulu and Kalihi locations while supplies last.
Well, what about the best chili/rice in the world? From Google AI:
The best chili served over rice is often found in Texas, particularly through competition-style "Bowl o' Red" at events like the
Terlingua International Chili Cook-Off or in Fort Worth spots like Lonesome Dove and Tolbert’s. For a more casual, cult-favorite, Zippy's in Hawaii is renowned for this combination.
Texas (Authentic Style): Known for no-bean, meat-heavy chili, often served over rice or with rice on the side.- Hawaii (Local Style): Zippy's is iconic for serving hearty chili over white rice, a staple of the local plate lunch culture.
Fort Worth Favorites: Lonesome Dove and Tolbert's Restaurant are highly rated by locals for their authentic chili.
But Google AI only limited the best to the USA. So I specifically asked whether chili/rice was also available world-wide:
- U.S. Origin & Popularity: While chili itself has roots in San Antonio, Texas, by the 1880s, serving it over rice became a common, economical, one-pot staple in American households.
- Hawaii's "Plate Lunch" Culture: In Hawaii, serving chili over rice is a staple, frequently found in local fast-food chains like Zippy's.
- Regional Variations: In addition to rice, it is sometimes served over pasta (Cincinnati style) or with crackers.
- International Presence: Variants exist globally, such as "chili oil rice" in Asian takeout or various Latin American rice dishes.
Did you know that today was more than National Chili Day?
Thus, chili is popular across the nation and throughout the year:
- Last Thursday in July: National Chili Dog Day.
- October: National Chili Month.
- First week in October: National Chili Week.
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