Tuesday, January 9, 2018

It's a Matter of Taste, Innit?

(Source)
The canonical [Chicago-style hot dog] recipe does not include ketchup, and there is a widely shared, strong opinion among many Chicagoans and aficionados that ketchup is unacceptable. A number of Chicago hot dog vendors do not offer ketchup as a condiment. For National Hot Dog Day on July 19, 2017, Heinz created controversy by introducing ketchup, labeled as "Chicago Dog Sauce", to the disdain of many Chicagoans — but their effort also unearthed a minority of ketchup aficionados in the city. (Source)
There are any number of things in this world over which people will lose their minds. I'm not talking about politics, religion, or sex. (All things which are traditionally prohibited topics of conversation in wardrooms aboard the ships of the U.S. Navy. DAMHIK) No, I'm talking about people's preferences in things which we humans eat and drink.

Picture this Gentle Reader, there I am (or was) on the morning of each and every day, in the company cafeteria, preparing my morning ice coffee (more about which in a moment).

"Say Sarge, would you like a little coffee with your milk? Har, har, har."

Most days I will simply turn to the fellow, nod and smile as if I don't understand what language he's speaking and go about my business. All the while thinking to myself, "Why, are you going to drink it? What possible reason would make you think that I invite comments on how I like my coffee?"

Normally I ...

(Source)
I have often wondered at the folks who feel the need to comment on what someone else is doing or how someone else prefers something. It is, you might say, a pet peeve of mine. (Which, if I am truthful in this regard, I must admit to having an entire petting zoo of these peeves.)

When I make my ice coffee, the amount of milk I put in the cup, before ice, before sweetener, and before the coffee itself is added, amounts to perhaps 10% of the volume of the cup. No more than that. Yet there are people out there who find that to be too much. Mind you, if I was making YOUR ice coffee, I'd make it the way YOU like it. As I'm making my own, keep your unsolicited opinions to thyself. (A polite way of indicating that someone should seriously consider serving themselves a nice steaming cup of STFU. If'n you catch my drift. Yes, the "F" stands for "fire truck," sort of.)

In addition to the bystanders who like to comment on how I like my ice coffee, there are those who, at certain times of the year, question my imbibing of ice coffee at all...

"Wow, Sarge, it's like 20 below outside, how can you drink ice coffee?"

I was actually accosted with that question as I walked into work one morning during a very cold winter not so long ago. While my natural inclination was to just "smile and wave," that day I stopped. The following ensued...

"Do you like beer?" I inquired.

"Why yes, yes I do."

"Do you drink beer in the winter?"

"Oh yes, I love beer anytime."

"Do you warm it up if it's cold outside?"

"Well, no, that's ridiculous, that's..."

Usually at that point the light comes on and they cease inquiring as to the temperature of the beverages I prefer.

While I am on this coffee related rant, let me just chime in on the Starbucks thing. There are many in this country who hate Starbucks because of the political leanings of the corporation. On the gripping hand, there are some who love Starbucks precisely because of the political leanings of the corporation.

Personally, I go there for the coffee. I simply don't care what the corporation believes, nor what the employees believe. As long as my coffee is served as I like it, and they keep their opinions to themselves, I am more than happy to drink Starbucks coffee. There are times when the somewhat weaker (yet less expensive) offerings at some java emporiums just won't do. So I spend the extra coin and get what I want.

This is, after all, America, land of the free, home of the brave. To paraphrase Burger King, I can have it my way. (No, no, Frank, sit down. I said "have it my way, "not "did it my way.)

Another food and beverage pet peeve of mine (straight from the menagerie of peeves) involves Guinness. Yes, that delicious dry stout from Ireland. Yes, yes, I'm sure it tastes better in Dublin. Yes, yes, it tastes better on tap than from a bottle or can.

But d'ya know what's worse than a non-Dublin brewed, out of a bottle or can Guinness?

Why no Guinness at all! That's what's worse.

Now I am very particular about my beer, though not so particular as to turn down a free beer of nearly any variety (save this one). If I have to pay for it, I drink what I like, not what you like. If you don't like IPAs dinna disparage me for liking them. Ditto for stouts, porters, lagers, pilseners, ales, etc. If I like the taste, then I will purchase those and drink those.

"But Sarge, that beer you're drinking pretends to be from a craft brewery when it's actually brewed by Budweiser!"

Not to put too fine a point on it, but who fire trucking cares? I like the taste, if you don't, then don't drink the bloody thing, leaves more for me, right?

Never, ever talk to a New Yorker about pizza. Ever. And that's all I have to say about that.

One last thing, it regards chili, and it regards beans. I know what chili is, I also know how I like my chili. If you don't like beans, don't put forking beans in it. If you do, well then, go right ahead. And call it whatever you like, it's a free country, innit?

And really, it's all a matter of personal taste, innit?

Now go back to whatever it was that you were doing. I'm going to go have a hot dog.

Yes, with freaking ketchup on it.



74 comments:

  1. I don't like beer, and I'm allergic to coffee, but I do like hotdogs with ketchup. Preferably the kind with cheese baked in. Because nothing sez "good for you" like a processed-meat-tube that bleeds "cheese" when you stab it. Yum!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yum! I like those as well.

      As bears are omnivorous, what's the harm?

      Delete
  2. "...no Guinness at all..."

    'Tis to weep, the thought of it!

    /
    L.J.

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  3. To each his own.
    No beans, no ketchup.
    A cheesy dog is good.

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    1. Precisely! To each his/her own!

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    2. Hahaha!

      Disapproved. I love pineapple and ham (or Canadian bacon) on pizza. But anyone who eats pancakes without real maple syrup is a barbarian. 😁

      Delete
    3. Uggh. Pineapple is too sweet for pizza. But Canadian bacon and sauerkraut, well, that's good for an occasional treat.

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    4. Sauerkraut?!?! (Yup, I'll have to try that.)

      Delete
  4. Here in Texas, I don't do Starbucks because they do not allow concealed carry on their premises. I do that to a lot of places that do the same. Only exception is those that do not allow concealed carry because they make over 51% of their money on alcohol sales and post thusly. I haven't needed my pistol and hope I never do.

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    1. Yeah, booze and bang sticks are a bad combo.

      Delete
    2. Having owned one of those 51% establishments, "do not allow" is not an owner's choice, it's what the law requires.

      Personally, I don't like ketchup on much of anything. That's my choice. I won't say anything about your hot dog with ketchup, unless it drips on your shirt. Even then it will be a critique of your Hot Dog eating technique, not your condiment choice.

      Delete
    3. Hhmm, HDET has potential as an addition to the Acronym Page.

      Though its usage might be rather limited...

      Delete
    4. I don't know. Juvat has spectacular HDET, we can trust him on this issue. Tuna, demonstrated his HDET by throwing up all over the wardroom. Sarge....Better let that one alone.

      Delete
  5. PPP = Personal Pet Peeve. One of mine is those who feel they must inform you of the dire things to come from all the fat/cholesterol/sugar/etc. you have just loaded on your plate. I was at reception of some sort a decade or so ago when some well meaning lol (little old lady) whom I had never set eyes on before, looked up at me a proceeded to do just that. I kindly replied that she did not understand, that it was not my goal to live forever. My goal was to die with happy taste buds. Completely fried her circuits. Her eyes went blank and she had solder running out her ears.

    One of the benefits of Costco membership is their food court. 1/2 lb. beef hot dog with a self serve fountain drink for $1.50. Sauerkraut on request. Self serve condiments--regular mustard, deli mustard, ketchup, relish. For me, ketchup, deli mustard, and sauerkraut.

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  6. Thanks for the post. One's food choices are highly personal. That's as it should be.

    Paul L. Quandt

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  7. Used to be a ketchup on dog person, but then something changed in my tastebuds. Now it' mustard with some dog flavoring, and if really harsh onions are available, pile it on.

    On burgers, it is ketchup, has been, will be for however long it will be.

    I would get razzed at work for drinking diet sodas all day, by people drinking multiple coffees dripping with sugar. One day someone asked me why I drink so much soda, and I responded, "My doctor wants me to drink about a gallon of water a day, and I don't do water, so diet soda is the next best thing." When asked why I don't drink water, my response was, "Fish pee in water." Perplexed look, definitely a "Norman Coordinate" moment.

    Then again, they always went out for lunch, while I always ate in. Never could understand how they could complain about not having enough money when they spent $50.00 to $100.00 a week eating out, just at lunch, and then went partying Friday and Saturday.

    As to coffee, when I drink it, my requirements are 'Hot and Heavily Caffeinated' as I only drink it (with much sugar and real or fake moo) to stop my lungs from shutting down. So, expensive good tasting coffee is wasted on me. That 32oz supermug from the local stop and rob is good enough for me, and actually tastes like what coffee smells like. And I can fix it myself, without some pretentious 'barista' sneering at my choices, and get the re-lung fluid down the hatch ASAP, rather than waiting in a line for the potential of coffee in the future.

    To each his own. People gonna People.

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    1. I will spend the rest of the day chortling at "Norman Coordinate."

      I always eat at my desk. Always.

      And yes, the fish DO pee in the water. #2 as well.

      Delete
    2. The male sperm whale releases approximately 400 gallons of ejaculate per breeding time. Now you know why the ocean is so salty.

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    3. I will never, ever swim in the ocean again.

      Ever.

      Delete
  8. There are some things more important than personal tastes. You take you hat off for the anthem, no? Putting ketchup on a national icon like The Glorious Hot Dog is like pantsing Uncle Sam. Hehehehe. I'm kidding actually, though teasing a Young Lovely I took to a ball game this summer, about doing that very thing, made for some laughs. As for me, out of courtesy to family members, I've cooked steaks well done when I like them medium to medium-well and they were tender, juicy, and delicious. "Experts say medium rare is the best way to eat beef" be damned.

    Finicky Fat Guy (DLM)

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    1. Actually I don't take my hat off for the National Anthem. Before y'all start yelling for a rope, bear with me. As retired military, I prefer to render a salute for the Anthem, which Congress apparently made "legal" some years ago (so a retired Army Major of my acquaintance assured me some years ago). I just prefer to be at attention and render military honors, it's what I am.

      Hot dog? National icon? Pantsing Uncle Sam? Now I feel sordid and ashamed.

      (I've been known to go just mustard on my burger. I really am a rebel.)

      As to steak, it's a shame to ruin a good steak by overcooking it. Sigh...

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    2. Yep, the rules for saluting have changed.
      Former military are encouraged to render the hand salute to our flag.
      My training just won’t let me do it unless I am wearing a cover.

      Delete
    3. Saluting without a cover (hat, chapeau, headdress, etc.) feels weird and awkward. We did it in the USAF when reporting to a superior indoors, but it always felt unnatural. No doubt much the same way you feel about pineapple on pizza. 😁

      Delete
  9. Whatever one wants. Personally, I think Starbucks' coffee tastes burnt. It's almost unpalatable. Unless I add a good helping of half-and-half (or milk), it's really best suited for washing parts.

    Dunkin Donuts coffee is much better.

    IMO.

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    Replies
    1. A lot of folks feel that way CM. I don't mind the burnt taste, something I guess I learned in Germany. They like their coffee strong.

      Dunkin Donuts coffee is my everyday, go-to coffee. I have to be in the right mood for Starbucks. But when I'm in that mood, nothing else will do.

      And like I said, it's all about what tastes best to you.

      Delete
  10. Your rants are fun! I'd say do it more often, but I know you're easy-going enough that you've probably eliminated any backlog of them. I'm good with ketchup (or catsup if you are so inclined- personal preference being the theme of the day), Starbucks (except the one in my neighborhood, which drove out a small, but wonderful coffee shop across the street), cold coffee, creamy coffee, hot coffee, just not bitter and burnt coffee. As for you well done steak eaters, your tongue should be examined. And DLM, that medium well steak that was tender, juicy, and delicious was so because it was medium rare! haha.

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    1. I am a fan of small coffee shops. Small (non-chain) eateries are a favorite too.

      (Yup, first rant of 2018!)

      Delete
  11. I don't object to you pouring Chicago Dog Sauce (or Ketchup) on your hot dog, but I am a purist when it comes to a Chicago Dog (Portillos are my favorite) and will not pollute them with tomato sauce.

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    1. I guess I need to try an actual Chicago Dog, they look yummy (even without ketchup).

      Delete
  12. All this talk/writing about hot dogs makes me wish that I had some buns to go with the hot dogs we have. A hot dog without a bun just doesn't cut it. BTW, I have mine with yellow mustard and pickle relish.

    Paul

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    1. Yellow mustard and pickle relish. I've had 'em that way, good stuff.

      (Dang, now I'm getting hungry!)

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    2. Through some raw onion on that Paul and I'm with you all the way.

      Delete
  13. Another aside: Yesterday I had to "click" on 'Publish' twice before my comment would publish; today it has been three 'clicks' to get my comment published.

    PLQ

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    1. Yeah, about that.

      Since Monday, two separate computers, two different operating systems, two different browsers. Clicking on "Publish" does not immediately actually publish the comment, there's an up to five second lag before the comment shows up. Clicking multiple times, while it feels good, isn't (apparently) necessary. I've experimented with this yesterday and today. Something within Blogger itself seems to be "not quite right in the head."

      Hates it we does.

      Hopefully it resolves itself soon. Anyone else noticing this?

      Delete
    2. Yep, I'm wondering if it's related to the Problem Borepatch posted about earlier. Blogger updated its servers?

      Delete
    3. Flog the Hamsters, Full Speed Ahead!!!!

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    4. My hamsters are union, can't flog 'em.

      :)

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    5. Says the Hamster Master. Actions speak otherwise.

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    6. Ruh-roh. I sense a disturbance in the force.

      Delete
  14. Funny growing up in downstate Illinois in the early 50s it was axiomatic that ONLY yellow mustard was allowed on a true ham/cheese burger. yet ketchup on hotdogs was allowed. I still eat 'em like that today.. And coffee? I could NEVER understand how those old chiefs (heh he says now that he's some 30 yrs older now than most were ten ) could stand to drink that steaming hot black coffee in styrafoam cups out on the flightline at DaNang in the midday sun where the ambient air temp was 120 degrees and with the heat absorbed by the tarmac it was some 130+!!!

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    1. Hot coffee on a hot day is not something I would do. We had a few of those in my day as well, now they probably all drink Evian spring water.

      Times change...

      Delete
  15. Anything goes in a country that elected a President who puts ketchup on a well done steak.

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    Replies
    1. Tis better than some effete pseudo-noble serving Wagu beef at the expense of the citizenry, or any other of the stupid things we endured from January 2009 to January 2017.

      Heck, I like the fact that our current President doesn't have his nose so far up in the air it could be used to catch satellites.

      And, ketchup is okay on steak. Not my personal favorite, but it actually does complement the flavor. And he eats fast food not for the photo op, but because he really does like it.

      Delete
    2. And it all boils down to what the individual likes.

      'Murica!

      Delete
  16. People think I'm weird because my go-to condiment is mayo (never really got into it on French fries though, I'm a salt guy there), but Your Mileage May Vary....

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    1. Love mayo on fries!

      I'll also do a burger with mayo. Tasty stuff, though indeed YMMV.

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    2. We are in agreement on mayo on fries. Two short TDY's to Germany did me in.

      Delete
    3. At Belgian frites stands they have all sorts of different (and delicious) sauces. Curry was another favorite!

      Delete
  17. I like my coffee like I like my women, hot and with cream and sugar. I know, lots of people don't like their women with cream and sugar.

    You are right about pizza and New Yorkers, Jersey pie is about the same and it is the best...never had the Chicago deep dish style, might like that as well. Ketchup on a hot dog? Only if you also drink iced coffee in the winter.

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  18. I don't drink coffee...unless it is melted ice cream, or I had to go pronounce someone dead, the family always wants to do something while you wait for the undertaker to come. Then it is with cream/milk and sugar.
    Tea all the way. Lipton's Decaf if at all possible. Hot, with sugar as I need all the sweetening I can get. Besides, if it has boiled that kills all the fish stuff in it. Have never seen a fish in our well, but there are frogs there every year...
    If we are eating out someplace, I will do iced tea, with lemon and just a small amount of sugar.
    I want ketchup on my hot dog, the bun is optional, mustard is for turkey sandwiches with the mayo.
    And ya better be putting pineapple on my deep dish pizza along with the pepperoni, and sausage, otherwise it isn't really pizza.
    There is no way I want my steak anything but well done...burnt is fine...no way do I want a vet being able to save it. I like my food dead. Well cooked and dead. When I say that in a restaurant, it usually comes medium well (slightly pink) which I can deal with.
    Not a fan of beer, unless it is VERY hot, and I have just finished mowing the lawn, and it is icy cold.
    Do like bourbon though. On the rocks with a splash of water. Wine not so much...
    And who eats pancakes without REAL maple syrup?!?! That's just sacrilege. (Can you tell I'm a born n bred Yankee?)
    Never had chili until Hubby and I began keeping company...he makes a very good chili, with beans, tomato based, with lots of hot sauce in it.
    He also likes mashed potatoes with corn and gravy on top...me, I like my food separated...Yes, yes, I know it all mixes up after I eat it, but I like it separate going into my mouth. Climbing off the soapbox...

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    1. And yes, everyone's blog is slow when I hit the publish button. Thought it was just me...good to know it isn't. Probably...

      Delete
    2. Excellent mini-rant Suz! You and your soapbox are always welcome here!

      Delete
    3. I reported that slow publish thing to Blogger. We shall see.

      Delete
  19. Badgers like ketchup on their hot dogs!

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    Replies
    1. Again you got stuck in the spam filter!

      Does Blogger dislike badgers for some reason?

      Delete
    2. Saw it on "Blazing Saddles." "Badgers, we don't need no steenkeen badgers..."

      Delete
  20. Starbucks don't serve coffee. They serve "coffee". I call it "muck".

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Just be polite... that's all I ask. (For Buck)
Can't be nice, go somewhere else...

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