
The members and crew of the Amazon Prime series “Cross” made an appearance at the iconic African American-owned Ben’s Chili Bowl located on U Street NW on Nov. 13.
“Cross” is a crime thriller television series based in the District created by Ben Watkins based on the Alex Cross novel series written by noted author James Patterson. The series stars Aldis Hodge and Isaiah Mustafa, both of whom were present at Ben’s.The series started airing episodes on Nov. 14.
Hodge and Mustafa spent nearly 45 minutes working behind the counter at Ben’s, taking customer orders, cooking half-smokes and interacting with the restaurant staff and customers. Watkins said the show’s appearance at Ben’s Chili Bowl highlights the desire to show viewers “local, Black Washington, D.C. not just the monuments, the U.S. Capitol and the White House,” while also engaging with Washingtonians and District visitors.“Many television shows that are based in D.C. don’t show the bedrock of D.C. which is its vibrant Black community,” Watkins said. “We want to showcase the entire city.”Virginia Ali, the co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl chain, was pleased that the “Cross” contingent stopped by her establishment.“Today is a wonderful day in the community,” Ali said. “It is good to see people coming together.”
James Wright Jr. is the D.C. political reporter for the Washington Informer Newspaper. He has worked for the Washington AFRO-American Newspaper as a reporter, city editor and freelance writer and The Washington…
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Source: Washington Informer