The members and crew of the Amazon Prime series made an appearance at the iconic African American-owned located on U Street NW on Nov. 13.
鈥淐谤辞蝉蝉鈥 is a crime thriller television series based in the District created by based on the Alex Cross novel series written by noted author James Patterson. The series stars and , both of whom were present at Ben鈥檚.
The series started airing episodes on Nov. 14.
Hodge and Mustafa spent nearly 45 minutes working behind the counter at Ben鈥檚, taking customer orders, cooking half-smokes and interacting with the restaurant staff and customers.
Watkins said the show鈥檚 appearance at Ben鈥檚 Chili Bowl highlights the desire to show viewers 鈥渓ocal, Black Washington, D.C. not just the monuments, the U.S. Capitol and the White House,鈥 while also engaging with Washingtonians and District visitors.
鈥淢any television shows that are based in D.C. don鈥檛 show the bedrock of D.C. which is its vibrant Black community,鈥 Watkins said. 鈥淲e want to showcase the entire city.鈥
the co-founder of Ben鈥檚 Chili Bowl chain, was pleased that the 鈥淐谤辞蝉蝉鈥 contingent stopped by her establishment.
鈥淭oday is a wonderful day in the community,鈥 Ali said. 鈥淚t is good to see people coming together.鈥