Over five years ago, I posted that McDonald's was no longer my favourite restaurant:
Over the years, though, I find that I go to McDonald's less and less. Partly that is because I just cannot eat the way I used to. But my past two visits to two different outlets were more than disappointing. Both times, the burgers were far too salty. And both times the McFlurries (which are nowhere near as good as DQ Blizzards anyway) tasted really awful — sort of sour or something. And, now that I think about it, the shakes have tasted off lately at other times, too.
Because I am now on a low-carb diet, I haven't been to a McDonald's for quite some time. But because today is McHappy Day, and McDonald's is giving a dollar to Ronald McDonald House for every large-ish item ordered, I decided to give them a try. I went to the one near where we live, in downtown London. I was very pleasantly surprised.
- That particular McDonald's is in a fairly undesireable part of the city. People claim that corner is the major centre for drug deals here. Inside, in the past, the customers and the wait staff have been surly, slow, unpleasant, etc. This time was different. The wait staff were cheery, friendly, and amazingly quick. I think their brightness spilled over, and the customers there seemed to be enjoying themselves more than I remember from the past.
- The burgers were good again. They weren't too salty, and the cheese didn't taste like some putrid concoction.
- And now that they've computerized the special orders, we got what we ordered: double quarter-pounders plain, double Big Mac with no sauce or pickles. (we throw away the buns to reduce the carbs).
- And, to top it all off, Ronald McDonald House is a really decent charity.