By William Coffman, Opinions Editor

Some of the most heated debates humans have revolve around food. Think of how many times you have engaged in debate over issues such as pineapple on pizza, milk before or after cereal or deep dish vs. thin crust. The list goes on and on. 

These debates, like most, usually divide people into two camps: those for, and those against. Typically, a smaller population will make up the middle ground, with sentiments among this group usually being, “I don’t really care,” or “it’s good, not great” or “it’s bad, not horrible.” 

That being said, we all love a good debate, and sometimes, something pops up that requires our thoughts. This time, what popped up was an interesting cross between two Cincinnati icons; the universally loved Graeter’s ice cream, and the divisive Skyline Chili. 

The two brands teamed up to create the Skyline Spice Ice Cream, combining Skyline’s chili spice and oyster crackers with Graeter’s ice cream, and the reactions that followed were of a skeptical nature. Indeed, it is puzzling that such a flavor was dreamed up, yet also intriguing, and, one might even say, impressive? 

The internet reaction was so intense, even Vice President JD Vance, an Ohio native, weighed in. On X, the new Vice President made a determined statement that “President Trump and I will stop this.” 

When the flavor finally arrived, it was time for the public to put up or shut up. With two Cincinnati icons teaming up to form such an interesting flavor, Newswire had to taste it for ourselves, and that is exactly what I did.

 I walked through the door at Graeter’s Hyde Park location, asked to try the new flavor, and waited with a sense of anticipation and dread until finally, it was time to taste. 

I am not ashamed to admit I am a bit of a picky eater, and I was very reluctant here, but figured if I didn’t like it, I would be joining the ranks of many. To my surprise, however, I took a bite, and came up with the conclusion that it was fine. 

My initial observation was the taste of cinnamon, and indeed that is its most prevalent taste. No flavor of chili or overly obvious crunchiness from the oyster crackers, though my sample had very little of that ingredient present. I am not a huge fan of cinnamon by itself, but if I were, I would probably say the new flavor was pretty good.

There is a great monologue done by the legendary actor Peter O’Toole in one of my favorite movies, Ratatouille. O’Toole plays the critic Anton Ego, and there is a line in his monologue that I thought of post-critique of the new ice cream.

 “In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and themselves to our judgment,” Ego says. “But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends.”

 I think that’s very true, and while I didn’t love the new creation, I do love the inventiveness of two food icons in a city I am proud to call home. I can confidently say that I can’t wait for the next risk in food that even my picky eater self will be willing to try.