Thanks to Arkansas Times pal Ashli Ahrens for spotting small jars of Duke’s Mayonnaise at the Dollar Tree store in Riverdale and then hipping Yours Truly to their culinary significance via Facebook. We don’t know if other Dollar Trees in Central Arkansas have Duke’s right now, but as of 5 p.m. yesterday, the one in Riverdale had at least two cases of 8 oz. jars.
Why the excitement about what can be the blandest of condiments? Because Duke’s, first whipped up in a boarding house kitchen in Greenville, S.C. in 1917, and sold continuously since then, might be the greatest ever expression of the humblest of condiments. CNN’s foodie site Eatocracy has declared a tomato and Duke’s sandwich to be, and we’re quoting here, “the best sandwich in the universe.”
That’s a high bar, but they might be right. I tried a little on a turkey sandwich last night, and let me tell you: while it likely didn’t do a damn thing for my cholesterol, Duke’s made that bit of bread and bird positively sing with its tangy, creamy flavor. As noted in the CNN story, it’s markedly less sweet than any other mayo you’ll find, but that’s not really a problem. It’s easily one of the best condiments I’ve ever tried. Ever. In my life.
If you’re within the sound of my voice, rush on down to Dollar Tree. We also hear they may sell Duke’s locally at certain specialty stores like Whole Foods, but this is definitely a way to get it on the cheap.