Baseball season in Chicago means the start of the great debate. I’m not talking about Cubs versus White Sox. I’m referring to ketchup on hot dogs.
In Chicago tradition, ketchup does not belong on hot dogs. Consensus states a true Chicago dog is an all-beef wiener in a steamed poppy seed bun topped with seven condiments: yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, two tomato slices, two sport peppers, a dill pickle spear and a sprinkling of celery salt. The theory is ketchup’s sweet and tangy flavor overpowers the taste of the dog and other condiments.
Photo 33073828 © Bhofack2 | Dreamstime.com
The debate is so intense, the Chicago Dogs minor league baseball team’s mascots get involved. Squeeze (mustard) gets cheered, while Ketchup often gets booed. Of course, Squeeze loves it, playing to the crowd, much to Ketchup’s chagrin.
The newest wrinkle in the debate is Heinz, who put up billboards that dispense ketchup packets. One of these is in front of Wiener’s Circle, a legendary Chicago joint known for refusing to offer ketchup. “Smack for Heinz” billboards have QR codes leading folks to report restaurants for not offering ketchup. Billboards will soon appear in other cities.
Because I don’t use ketchup on anything, I sought better sources for opinions. I turned to Chicago media personality Dan Levy, whose Barguments podcast is the perfect forum for this debate. Levy stated, “I stopped keeping kosher because they told me what I could or couldn’t do with food. I know it goes against Chicago standards, but if you drag a dog through the garden, ketchup should be okay to ride along, too.”
Levy’s wife Jill Urchak-Levy, also a Chicago radio legend and host of In Check with Urchak, offered the counterpoint. “I cannot stand ketchup on anything; so putting it on a hot dog makes no difference in my life.”
A few of us discussed the debate while waiting in a food line at the Cubs home opener. The overwhelming majority were anti-ketchup for hot dogs. For the record, I opted for a Chicago-style veggie dog with no ketchup.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 22, 2024Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Waldorf Astoria Residences New York Announces Partnership with Bang & Olufsen
Waldorf Astoria Residences New York recently announced a partnership with Bang & Olufsen. The contemporary residences sit atop the legendary hotel, currently nearing the end of its expansive restoration.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to softly open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse. The hotel will officially debut January 2025.
Sponsored Content
Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
November 2024
Nov 21, 2024Immerse in an Invigorating Thermal Journey at Scandinave Spa Whistler
The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.
5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Château des Fleurs Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 20242 Miami Hotels Go Big for Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Two Miami hotels entice travelers this season to take advantage of some special offers. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, in the heart of Mid-Beach, offers up to 40 percent off the best available rate when booked by Dec. 30 for stays through Dec. 30, 2025. Book this offer.
Sponsored Content
Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet
Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
The world’s largest and first expedition cruise company offers up to 50 percent off select 2024/2025 voyages this Black Friday. You can save on select HX voyages to Antarctica, Galapagos, Alaska, the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Svalbard and South America, as well as the brand’s new Audubon Voyages.
ShareThis