Last of the Tomatoes Commemorative Sandwich

We all have our favorite rites that mark important moments. For the tomato-obsessed this is a poignant time of year - only a few more days, perhaps weeks, of splendid tomatoes. Short of eating them out of hand, we must each experience what for us is our own primal tomato. After twisting the fruit from the plant and eating it right there and then, this is mine.

Ingredients

• 2 slices balloon white bread (the kind you never admit to buying)

• 1 to 3 tablespoons Hellman's jarred mayonnaise (never homemade, and never ever Miracle Whip)

• Finely sliced onion

• salt

• Ripe, utterly outstanding tomatoes 

Instructions 

Lay out the slices of bread. Slather with mayonnaise. Lay a bed (not too much, not too little) of onion on one slice. Lightly salt. Thick slice tomatoes vertically, not horizontally, eating the rounded ends as prelude to the main event. Set slices on the bread, salt lightly and cover with second slice. Cut in half and eat immediately. Accompany with plenty of napkins.