A couple of weeks ago I got the following e-mail:
Hi Ali –
I just did a Google search for “I Love Mayonnaise,” and believe it or not you’re the first result. Great blog by the way!
I own a little food company up in Seattle. Our first product, Bacon Salt, has done very well, but the main reason I’m contacting you is that we just launched something new I thought you’d be interested in. It’s called Baconnaise, and it’s exactly what it sounds like – bacon-flavored mayonnaise. The website is at www.baconnaise.com. It’s great on BLT’s, fries, burgers, sandwiches, dips, salads, fish, chicken and a lot more.
We’re looking for a few good product testers that would be willing to post their reviews of the product on their blogs and give us their feedback. If you’re interested, please let us know and send us your address, then we’ll send you a free jar of Baconnaise to try out.
Thanks sincerely,
Dave
Bacon-flavored mayonnaise? How could I resist? So I wrote back.
Dave,
Being the number one Google search for "I love mayonnaise" is a point of pride with me. Really.
Thank you for contacting me. I've heard of both Bacon Salt and Baconnaise, from either Buzzfeed, Serious Eats (or both), so I would be honored to try Baconnaise and post about it. I love bacon about as much as I love mayo (and no, I don't weigh 300 pounds) (yet), and my first reaction upon reading the word "baconnaise" was salivation. My second was "that's gotta be so much better than Dijonnaise." And I might have to put that in my blog post about the stuff. Hope you don't mind.
My name is Alison [redacted], and my address is [redacted]
Best (or Hellmann's, if you're me),Alison
A few days later, I received a package in the mail. It was a Saturday, but I think we waited until the following Monday to crack open the Baconnaise.
Below the fold is my video review of Baconnaise. I crack myself up with the hand-wiping; the jars are a little greasy and I didn't want to get any mayo on my laptop!
And yes, the video is also on YouTube. But I didn't like the way it looked, and thought Dailymotion might have it going on. Meh. It might just be the way iMovie makes stuff.
Oh, Alison,
Do you realize that you are introducing this product to people (like myself) who have no self control? I will be thinking about eating it until I get a jar of the product!
Posted by: Teresa | November 25, 2008 at 16:43
fantastic. i come first for "boring pajamas", but i don't really see a marketing opportunity there. really. no.
enjoy the baconnaise. :P
Posted by: ingrid | November 25, 2008 at 17:53
I'm probably never going to taste Baconaisse, but nevertheless I enjoyed watching the video review. Mrs. Thinks, you should do this more often. And I'd even be interested in seeing you review less invented products... like, broccoli. Could you review broccoli? I'm sure you could.
A question regarding the potential variety of Baconnaise use: Do you think it could possibly be used with fish? You know the wacky British with their fish&chips with vinegar and other bizarre fluids on. Could Baconnaise fit in there somewhere?
Just playing with the export potential of this product.
Take care,
K
Posted by: Karsten | November 25, 2008 at 18:16
Baconnaise sounds gross, greasy and unhealthy as hell. But your video sold me on wanting to give it a try.
Posted by: Scott Beveridge | November 25, 2008 at 18:32
omg ali, you crack me up! i'm not a fan of bacon or mayonnaise, but i just about died laughing watching this. i think you should apply to be their spokesperson, lol.
ps. you look super cute in the video, love the hair!!
Posted by: ksam | November 25, 2008 at 18:33
Baconnaise sounds faaaabulous. I'm appalled that you'd sully such a tasty treat with something as putrid as celery, though. Vile weed!
And, yes, you could totally do a half-hour infomercial on Baconnaise. ;-)
Posted by: Denise | November 25, 2008 at 18:42
Holy Crap! A full-text feed! I just had to click through in order to say thanks ;-)
Oh - and great review, too....
Posted by: Doug | November 25, 2008 at 18:50
I will definitely be buying this stuff in the future. I LOVE Bacon!
Bacon, Bacon, Bacon!
Posted by: anica | November 25, 2008 at 19:00
I will probably be able to get my hands on this easily and my husband would love it. I wonder if I have to go to Seattle or if they have it in my area 35 miles south.
Posted by: Margaret | November 25, 2008 at 20:47
I'll be ordering by the case.
Posted by: Tiffany | November 25, 2008 at 23:49
Are you using it on Thanksgiving?
Posted by: The CEO | November 26, 2008 at 00:14
Your story is so much better than the four words implied! I really was expecting a story about a sandwich, and instead I learn about a whole new company -- from Seattle to boot!
Posted by: Bety C. | November 26, 2008 at 00:45
Who knew Google rankings could be so profitable for the casual blogger? You are the cutest person on the whole internet today.
Posted by: Joolie | November 26, 2008 at 01:04
You really need to become the spokesperson for a product. I would definitely hire you to talk about my condiments. You're adorable and natural on camera!
Okay I supposed you're forgiven for not doing the BN video. :( I think this can be you're new tradition. A fascinating American product we're totally missing out on here in France.
Posted by: misschris | November 26, 2008 at 03:03
haha "you're" sorry about that. I had to make that mistake on YOUR blog too, dang.
Posted by: misschris | November 26, 2008 at 03:04
Just great! Now, I want to try this. How can I get it? And, yes, review more foods, and try to get them (the baconnaise folks) to hire you as their spokesperson!
Posted by: Elisabeth | November 26, 2008 at 17:43
You are just TOO CUTE! I love bacon, but I hate mayo! So as cute as you are, you have not sold me on the Baconnaise product. I am off to make Cherry Coca Cola Salad for Thanksgiving. HAPPY TURKEY DAY!
Posted by: Audra | November 26, 2008 at 22:32
I want some! I volunterr to be a tester!
Posted by: Susan | November 29, 2008 at 14:57
You ate it all up in nine days! You're my hero! This was great fun. Nice job.
Posted by: Kathryn | November 30, 2008 at 00:10
Oh how lucky you!! I've heard of this and have always wanted to try it.
You look great! And you're so funny, I looked into the empty container and knew that I HAVE TO TRY THIS!!!
Can't wait to see your future product reviews!
Posted by: White On Rice Couple | November 30, 2008 at 16:07
I'm guessing the stuff is not kosher.
However, I may still order some for my son. He is agnostic and cares nothing for such matters.
On another note: That little paper guy in your recent flickr photos...is that who I'm thinking it is?
How did you come by him?
Will you send him to me next?
Posted by: ɹǝƃƃolquǝʞoʇ | November 30, 2008 at 21:33
I am so going to buy some of this stuff. We have three jars (one of each flavor) of their bacon salt and it only makes sense to complete the pantry collection with Baconaise.
Posted by: Karan | December 04, 2008 at 20:53