KETCHUP UNDER FIRE….WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?

Lately, the popular condiment, tomato ketchup has been placed in the limelight for the wrong reasons. Or perhaps, I should state, if it were left to some chefs in certain food establishments, the burgundy/red condiment would be banned or not served in their restaurants because it compromises the flavor of their dish. In fact, some restaurants have actively taken or removed our dear ketchup from the condiment list. Say what?

Frankly, I think this is plain nonsense. These chefs should execute the job of cooking. Yes, it’s a free world and every restaurant is entitled to operate their businesses under their unique rules they see fit. However, how about the customers’ rights? Aren’t we the ones who keep the establishments opened? Customers come first and should have the option of having ketchup available if needed. Guys, this is huge!

Come on, the heat must be getting to these chefs’ brains. How about concentrating on the turning out succulent and mouthwatering meals? Maybe, if some of them did, maybe ketchup wouldn’t be needed to enhance the flavors. I believe that as long as diners are settling his/her tab, he/she should have the liberty and be given the option to add a popular condiment as ketchup to the meal. What next? Pretty soon, we’ll be told to  slice and chew our foods a particular way. Or maybe, we won’t have the option of receiving our salad dressing on the side. Oh, I do believe a few restaurants have taken away that option already. What the world is coming to? It’s our hard-earned ‘dough’ being spent.

Once in a while, I love hot and crispy fries. And when I do indulge in this guilty pleasure, I have to do so with a few packets of ketchup. I just couldn’t imagine my fries without this very vital condiment. To me and millions, ketchup enhances the taste of fries. I love the ritual of breaking each packet and placing it on a plate or container provided and dip my way in the sweet and tangy goodness. Now, that action certainly puts a smile on my face.

For heaven’s sake I just couldn’t see myself eating a hot dog without the addition of tomato ketchup. A little relish and perhaps a smear of mustard are also great accompaniments with my ketchup. It just wouldn’t be a hot dog without ketchup.

And, at home when I perform my culinary skills in my kitchen, I love to have on hand a bottle of Heinz or any other brand. You see,  sometimes depending on the type of dish, I like to add or incorporate a squeeze or two of this popular condiment. I’m I a bad cook? Don’t judge me until you have tried my finished dishes. It’s all about balance; and sometimes, a little ketchup does it for me.

Dining should be a fun experience. I don’t wish to be told how, when and what to consume when I go out to dine. Operators and chefs who are crying foul on ketchup should stick to the business of turning out amazing dishes. Stop meddling with the ketchup!