I am on my way home from Las Vegas after attending the Word of Mouth Marketing Association's annual conference and had to stop at In-N-Out on my way to the airport.
As I was placing my order in the drive-thru my taxi driver heard me ordering a Double-Double with onions. He said "Make it 'animal style'." I was sure I had no idea what that meant. He said "grilled onions and extra sauce."
I knew about the grilled onions, but not this animal style business. I was skeptical so I made sure to tell the In-N-Out guy just give me the Double-Double with grilled onions. But the cabbie wouldn't have it. He insisted I do it animal style.
In the face of such certainty, and with a bit of adventure, I told the guy at drive-thru to make it animal style.
I've been going to In-N-Out every trip to the West coast for the past 15 years and had never done it animal style. Never even heard of it. I was an animal style virgin. I felt so naive and vulnerable.
But no more.
With great anticipation I ripped into the first bite, and it did not disappoint.
It was a little more greasy than what I was used to but the flavor was richer beyond my wildest dreams. I devoured it with a raw, hungry passion. I didn't want it to end but knew it must.
The cabbie says he's made the recommendation to 150 people and I can see why.
I tipped him extra in appreciation when he dropped me off at the airport.
My first time doing it animal style was special indeed. Maybe it can be for you too. As it turns out, a relevant word of mouth recommendation, with a bit of surprise and delight, is good for everyone.
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