Grass Valley, CA — The Humpty Dumpty Kitchen has introduced a new twist that’s raising eyebrows and chuckles alike. In an unexpected nod to the palates of its devoted clientele, the restaurant has taken to labeling mayonnaise as “spicy” on its menu. Mayonnaise, that mild, creamy, universally accepted as the least challenging condiment in the fridge, now comes with a warning label.
“It’s all in good fun,” says line cook and long-time Grass Valley local, Hank Snow, whose father first flipped eggs on the old griddle back in 1968. “We had a regular, old Carl, who’d joke that anything with a pinch of pepper made his eyes water. One day, someone dared to call mayonnaise ‘spicy,’ and it just kind of stuck. The owners thought, why not?”
At the counter where regulars have been swapping stories for decades, the “spicy” label has become a running gag.
Earl, mid-bite of his usual Humpty’s Favorite with an extra side of bacon, wipes his mouth and chimes in, “It’s a statement, really. We like what we like, and if that makes us simple, so be it. But that mayonnaise? Fiery stuff.” The table erupts in laughter, the kind that makes strangers smile from across the room.
But not everyone is content to let the humor slide without commentary. The younger, avocado-toast crowd from Nevada City has taken to social media to mock what they see as another “Grass Valley moment.” One viral post read, “First it was kale as ‘rabbit food,’ now mayo’s got a heat rating. What next, butter labeled as ‘extra bold’?”
Hank shrugs off the teasing.
“We know who we are. If calling mayonnaise ‘spicy’ brings a smile or a playful nudge, then we’re doing something right. Besides,” he added with a wink, “if they think that’s bold, wait until they see what we call salsa.”
