Anywhere else and it would have been a hole-in-the-wall joint. But it was on the northern California coast, a diner whose walls were peppered with stories and photos about the rescue of a sea lion pup, storms that flipped boats and crashed over pilings and other seafaring artifacts.
On this morning, however, the water swelled with inspiration. With a working pier and a harbor filled with bobbing boats as a backdrop, we discussed the merits of that quintessential American food: ketchup, also spelled catchup.
It’s got to be the good stuff or nothing at all, we both agreed. No watered-down, no-name packets, which make for soggy fare. The best: The gotta-slap-the-base-and-hope-it-doesn’t-suddenly-gush-out Heinz 57 variety. But just what does that mean, we wondered. Neither of us has heard of 57 ketchup – or catchup – varieties. Thus, our hour-long ketchup and its confections conversation.
I’ll admit to mystification on the 57 varieties front. But I have heard of 32 flavors, although I know there are more than that on the ice cream front. And that leads to me to Ani DiFranco, one of my favorite female artists, and her version of “32 Flavors.” Enjoy…
-Christy
Filed under: Christy Lochrie, Music, conversation | Tagged: Ani DiFranco, catchup, ketchup
