Creamy. Dreamy. Absolutely Necessary.
It took me well into my twenties to begin my love affair with this indulgent, versatile, and delectable treat that could spread its cream over just about anything. It all started with the classic BLT — only this superstar does not even make it into the acronym! I am talking about mayonnaise. On sandwiches, in salads, as a marinade, or deviled eggs — this stuff is just heaven. One of my favorite ways to prepare chicken is to season and then smear a generous amount of mayonnaise and Dijon blend onto the chicken, followed up with a sprinkle of Parmigiano and fine bread crumb. Again, without the mayonnaise, it simply would not work. Mayonnaise is a superstar, so why settle for average when it comes to this culinary crème de la crème?
It was a few years ago when Scott and I were exploring the NYC Fancy Foods Show at the Javits Center and found ourselves in a hallway of French pantry items. We tasted many everyday pantry items, like Dijons (there are countless flavored Dijons — all of them unique, but been there and done that). There was a variety of ketchups too — very tasty and well crafted. The star, of course, that we reached came in a little glass jar with the colors of the French flag by Martin-Pouret. The jar reads Mayonnaise d’Orléans L’Onctueuse. We tasted and fell for it immediately.
What makes this stand apart is the addition of ingredients like rosemary extract, mustard seeds, and turmeric — along with those French eggs and vinegars too! Regardless of the particulars, this condiment is truly special. Scott and I agreed that we needed to bring this to the shop — and we did. It has arrived!
A few weeks back, inspired by the few warm days we've shared and some dill in the fridge, I decided to whip up some potato salad, and the star was most definitely the mayonnaise. It does not need much. All I can say is: give it a try. I am certain that if you pop in to visit us at the shop, we would be happy to give you a taste to experience your own world of creamy joy! Take home a jar or two and gather some good bread, a tomato — heck, maybe even some fantastic bacon — and just go to town! It’s the little things that bring us joy, and in this little jar you'll be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy.
xoxo,
Joe
Photo: John Nantes