Superman #276 (1974)
Written by Elliot S. Maggin
Artwork by Curt Swan
Inks by Bob Oksner, Colors by Julius Schwartz
Chef’s Note: Here we see Lois attempting to food shame Clark over his enjoyment of ketchup on steak – not a good look Lois! Who knows what Kryptonian taste buds are about? Not to mention what complexities were involved in how they developed in the distinctive cuisine culture of Smallville, Kansas?
Indeed, I would go so far as to say that prescriptivism in the culinary realm is arguably worse than even in the linguistic realm: Chacun à son goût!
Lastly, the bottle of ketchup was provided by the restaurant, Lois – it was already on the table – so I would say that you, in fact, are the banana here.
Ketchup and catsup are simply two different spellings for the same thing: a modern, Westernized version of a condiment that European traders were introduced to while visiting the Far East in the late 17th century. What exactly that condiment was, and where they found it, is a matter of a much wider debate.
Chef’s Note: Happy National Ketchup Day!