A Krystal by any other name

Had my first experience with White Castle hamburgers Thursday. Krystals, they're not.

This is another of those many touchstones that determine whether you're a Yankee or not. If you grew up in the North, especially the MidWest, then you grew up on White Castles. If you grew up in the South, then it's Krystals.

Which came first? White Castle was born in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, while Krystal showed up 11 years later in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There's been countless analysis, battles and critiques comparing the two brands over the years, and just like The Civil ..., er., the War Between the States, it's unlikely that one side is going to abandon their loyalties anytime soon.

So with an admitted bias, I'm going to add my hillbilly voice the cacophony of voices comparing the two. First, the venue: I had my White Castles just south of the Port Authority Bus Terminal along 8th Avenue, not the seedy side of Manhattan but definitely not a hub of fine dining either.

The line was long, and when I got to the counter I was faced with a myraid of choices. In addition to hamburgers, cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches, which Krystal has on their menu, I was also faced with a Jalipeno Cheeseburger, a BBQ Pulled Pork White Castle (I wasn't brave or foolhardy enough to try this!), a Fish Sandwich, Cheese Sticks, Clam Sticks and something called "Fish Nibblers." They also, bodaciously enough, had something labeled "Surf and Turf" on the menu. Didn't even want to know what that was!

My bottom line? I ordered two traditional White Castles. They were greasier than Krystals (which is really saying something!) which made the bun soggier. The meat itself was identical to a Krystal's (I assume it's meat. Now I'm not so sure) and the only major flavoring difference was a big one: If you're a White Castle person, apparently you're used to the fact it comes with ketchup. Krystal people know the thing that makes it a Krystal are three things: Onion, pickle and mustard. Not having mustard was a big surprise to the palette, and made the dining experience a little otherworldly.

Want to tell me why White Castle rocks your world, or why Krystals still rule? Cast your vote and make your case by hitting the "Comments" link below.

Comments

[Busy Mom]

Krystal. Because it's Krystal. Ketchup? Really?

[Vdegeorge]

I was just discussing the wonderful deliciousness that are White Castles earlier. The thought of mustard in White Castles made me recoil with an audible noise of disgust. So I would say you touched on something big with the mustard difference. Now, ketchup should not be served ON a White Castle, but rather dipped.

In the past few years I have learned to, in an act that is surely blasphemy, order without onions. This alleviates the inevitable... ahem... issues that I assume accompanies both phylum of said hamburgers.

I also see KY in green, but I can assure you that Louisville is SOLIDLY White Castle country.

[Bill]

I think the green states are ones that have both Krystal and White Castle. I know driving through that when you get down to Corbin there's lots of Krystals.

[Sarah Banick]

I don't eat meat anymore, but I gotta admit that I preferred WC. I had my first ones in Kentucky at age 17. The excessive grease was part of the charm - they slid down your throat without even chewing. That same melt-in-your- mouth texture as Krispy Kreme donuts. For a while they were available in the Kroger frozen food section here in Atlanta; maybe they still are. But in my view, no grease has ever performed its mission as well as that of a Varsity onion ring!!!

[Hunter Marks]

Damn! Now I'm going to have to drive 50 miles to Newport TN to the nearest Krystal. White Castle?? Ketchup?? What vile concoction is that? Really enjoy your blog. But why does it always make me think of the movie "Soylent Green"?

[moncler coats]

I also follow through Google Reader!

[Susan Atchley]

Yet another of the many differences between Northern and Southern palates....along with cornbread-Northern tastes sweet, like a cake while Southern is buttery, crispy and savory. South has cornbread dressing while the North makes theirs with bread. BBQ...tomato based or vinegar. Grits haven't crossed the Mason-Dixon line...and yes, it's Krystals for me!