Lunch at McDonalds. Desperate measures really. I had grandchildren with me, who usually like to dine in better establishments these days. But they were hungry, and McDonalds was convenient, too convenient really. Why is it when hunger pangs start, that there is always a McDonalds available!
What a mistake. This lunch was the worst meal I have ever eaten, well this was not completely true. The dreadful pizza in Milan, and another in the mountains of France, plus a late lunch in Sienna, would have to be classed as the worst meals I have eaten, and these are countries that prize themselves on extra good food. So no excuse there.
Fast food, and the UK habit of reheating food badly, plus leaving food to sit in warmers, was at its worse on this particular day. The meat was lukewarm and rubbery and had no taste, other than the overload of salt and sugar. And the artificial additives. Or was it meat? Hard to tell really. It was unpalatable anyway. The coffee weak. The melted cheese clung coldly to the meat, and were they really buns holding it all together. Stale and unappetising. Even Jackson and Isabel struggled through their meal, alhough they were fascinated by the electronic games board being beamed down on our table. Designed to take one's mind off the meal I am sure.
The idea of McDonalds appeals to us all. Comfort food. And quick. But the reality of eating it is another thing. Even Raphy, aged three and a half, who was initially excited about eating in McDonalds in the Netherlands, with an abundance of mayonnaise and ketchup, quickly realised that the chicken nuggets had a very unusual flavour and texture, and were not to his liking.
Yet we have used McCafe in different countries (not the UK) and found the coffee to be good, and the array of cakes appetizing. There are often comfortable seating areas, with couches and armchairs. We also had to have breakfast at one in Greymouth, New Zealand, as it was the only place open on a Good Friday morning. I think I had a toasted roll and jam, not something you can go far wrong with really. And I believe that in Australia, McDonalds always cooks food fresh, which compensates a bit for the awfulness of the ingredients.
But back to the UK, people accept preheated fast food, that sits around in a warmer, so no doubt McDonalds takes advantage of this, which makes the experience of eating a McDonalds' burger worse than ever.
And to think that many children, and adults, eat this stuff regularly, due to its cheapness and convenience. Worrying.
On a final note, when I complained, on the day of the truly awful lunch, a staff member offered to give us a free dessert. Just to complete the nastiness of the experience I think. My stomach recoiled at the thought, so I quickly declined the offer, resolving never to set food inside a McDonalds again.
I may make an exception though, and drink coffee at a McCafe, but not in this country.
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