Why I hate ketchup at restaurants

Is it just me or does seeing a giant bottle of ketchup at a table seem unappetizing? At home, we keep our ketchup in the fridge, so it seems it will be warm at best, getting spoiled at worst.

Also, how come horseradish, relish and dark mustards not usually offered out like ketchup?

Last, someone in business please convince me that they do not "marry" the ketchups together (ie. take 3 bottles that are 1/3 full and combine them into one full bottle). That is illegal to do with liquor, but not sure on ketchup.

Bottom line: what many see a tasty condiment, i see as warm, possibly unhealthy, and definitely unappetizing.

Anyone with me on this?

I think the practice of "Marrying" ketchup is against health regulations now. I am sure it still happens. When I was younger and a short stint working as a server at Outback that was one of our closing responsibilities to marry ketchup. Also, I have seen restaurants that refill ketchup bottles (new ketchup on top of old) ICK! I wonder how long it would take to finally see the bottom of the bottle.

ketchup (and most other condiments) have a high enough vinegar or preservative content that they're shelf stable after opening at room temp.
The main exception to this (that comes to mind) would be mayonnaise or mayonnaise-based products, or dairy-based anything (ie. salad dressings).

I can't stand it when a restaurant doesn't use Heinz Ketchup. Generic watery catsup does not appeal to me at all.

I can't stand it when a restaurant doesn't use Heinz Ketchup. Generic watery catsup does not appeal to me at all.

i like how you used both spellings in your post.
clever, clever!

Also, I have seen restaurants that refill ketchup bottles (new ketchup on top of old) ICK! I wonder how long it would take to finally see the bottom of the bottle.

What an interesting point, I have never thought of it that way.
One of the small things I look for in a restaurant is how full and clean the condiments are. I would much rather have a "married" bottle put in front of me than one that is half full, and especially one whose lid is encrusted in gunk. With mustard it is a bit different, I think, because people are putting utensils into it. I like ramekins for my mustard, but then again I do admit to being a bit pretentious.
It is all sort of moot now since most of the catsup bottles for service have non-removable plastic lids.

I used to like Ketchup when I was a kid. It tastes different now.
Red Gold makes a good one IMO.

I don't want it sitting on the table.....I might order pasta or some such.

ketchup is so sweet and sugary that it really overpowers most food. I like it better when it is mixed with a hot sauce to cut the sweetness.

One of the newer developments from our good freinds at Heinz is the red plastic bottle with a non-removeable lid. No more marrying but you can't see how much is left in the bottle. More often than not I've found that they are mostly empty when I grab one at an establishment that uses them. But back to the marrying issue. Yes, this is a very common practice. It has been done at every place I have worked, except for one which used the aforementioned red bottles. I personally don't see what the problem is to combine a very shelf stable product, who's shelf life could probably be carbon dated. If a place is marrying ketchup, it is probably marrying other things as well. (A-1 Sauce, mustards, etc.) However, the turn over of product of most condiments is quite quick in most places, so I doubt there is any cause for alarm of getting any old or spoiled products.

Marrying Devices
Ketchup Cleanliness

Personally, I like my ketchup at room temperature. I've always hated putting cold condiments on hot food.

Personally, I like my ketchup at room temperature. I've always hated putting cold condiments on hot food.

I'm with you Aaron. Although it's a struggle getting life-long ketchup-chillers to accept that the Heinz does just fine in the pantry.

I remember a trip to France with friends.... we all ordered, and the last order was Steak and Fries..... I looked at my friend, and just said ...."Don't do it,
don't you dare"!. He did, the waiter went nuts! We let it slide because we were in France, and MOST of us new better.

I guess Aioli would have been a better response?

I remember a trip to France with friends.... we all ordered, and the last order was Steak and Fries..... I looked at my friend, and just said ...."Don't do it,
don't you dare"!. He did, the waiter went nuts! We let it slide because we were in France, and MOST of us new better.

In Holland it was a mixture of mayo and mustard on the fries -- very good.