A year or two ago I was reading Danny Meyer's book, Setting the Table. Danny is the renowned New York restaurateur known for everything from the high-end Union Square Grill and Gramercy Tavern to the down-and-dirty deliciousness of Blue Smoke and Shake Shack.
In his book, he writes about his childhood, and how he noticed that there was a difference in the types of families that preferred Miracle Whip or Hellmann's Mayonnaise. As a Miracle Whip lover, I was intrigued. And yet, he said no more about it in his book.
Then, one day I happened to have the opportunity to meet him, and ask him my question. It was in the middle of lunch at the Gramercy Tavern, in front of a table of guests. "Danny!" I said, "I read your book, and you talk about the difference between people who like Miracle Whip over Hellmann's, but you never say what that difference is. What is it?"
He blushed, and demurred. And right then and there, I knew. People who prefer Miracle Whip are the type of people who ask uncomfortable questions in public places... in other words, the socially less sophisticated. That's me! In fact, I'm so Miracle Whip that even though I was mortified for a few days, I brought it up to him again the next time I ran into him at a party. I just can't help myself. That's why I'm sharing this embarrassing story with you!
So anyway, I want to take a vote. It's time for the ultimate Miracle Whip Versus Mayo Smackdown. Which one will win? Vote now at our poll on www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com.
May the best condiment win (but for me, it will always be Miracle Whip).
For more from Maria Rodale, go to www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com.