Ketchup? In Chicago? Are You Kidding Me?
A Condiment Conundrum
So, you wanna know why Chicagoans look at you like you've committed a cardinal sin when you ask for ketchup? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this is a tale as old as time (or at least as old as the Chicago hot dog).
Let's get one thing straight: Chicagoans love food. We're a city built on deep-dish pizza, Italian beef, and the almighty hot dog. But when it comes to ketchup on that last one, it's a flat-out no-go. It's like adding pineapple to pizza – a culinary crime punishable by banishment to the suburbs.
The Sacred Hot Dog
The Chicago-style hot dog is a masterpiece. It's a symphony of flavors and textures, a carefully orchestrated dance of mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, peppers, celery salt, and a poppy seed bun. Every ingredient has a purpose, a role to play in this culinary masterpiece. And ketchup? Well, ketchup is the uninvited guest who shows up wearing white to a black-tie affair.
Some say it's the sweetness of ketchup that clashes with the other flavors. Others argue that it's simply redundant, as the tomato on the hot dog already provides that tangy element. But let's be real, the true reason is probably a mix of tradition and snobbery. Chicagoans are fiercely protective of their hot dogs, and ketchup is simply not part of the equation.
Ketchup: The Forbidden Fruit
Now, I'm not saying you can't enjoy ketchup. Go ahead, slather it on your fries, your burgers, even your eggs if you're feeling adventurous. But when you're in Chicago, and you order a hot dog, just remember: ketchup is the Voldemort of condiments. It's that which shall not be named.
So, the next time you're in the Windy City, and you're craving a hot dog, do yourself a favor and respect the local customs. Order it Chicago-style, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you. And if you must have ketchup, save it for your next meal – just don't bring it near a hot dog.
How to...
- How to order a Chicago-style hot dog without looking like a tourist? Just say, "I'll have a Chicago-style hot dog, no ketchup."
- How to survive a Chicago hot dog party without getting ketchup-shamed? Bring your own food, preferably something without ketchup.
- How to explain to your ketchup-loving friend why Chicagoans hate it? Just tell them it's a matter of personal preference and leave it at that.
- How to pretend to like a Chicago-style hot dog if you secretly love ketchup? Take small bites and savor the other flavors. No one will notice.
- How to order a hot dog with ketchup without getting kicked out of Chicago? Move to a different city.