Thursday, January 29, 2009

My Dirty Little Secret

It's nothing too scandalous, really. But it is something I sometimes feel compelled to keep hidden away, out of sight from the prying eyes of food purists.

Here it is: I like McDonald's food.

Yes, you read that correctly. Of course, it's not something I would want to eat every day -- or even every month, for that matter -- but sometimes I feel the urge for a Big Mac and those salty, soggy fries. And with The Man out of town on a business trip, my time has come. I shall wait for the cover of darkness and slink up to Notting Hill Gate where my love will be consummated (or consumed).

Like any North American child, my love affair began when I was a child. McDonald's was an after-church treat sometimes, something to salivate over during the sermon. When I turned sixteen, I even got a summer job at a branch in my hometown. I hated working there, but there was one big perk -- we could eat for free. Yup, even my summer scoffing everything from McLobster's (a lobster roll, available only in the Maritimes) to McChicken's didn't turn me off the food. Nor did the rats in the garbage-composting room.


Notting Hill Gate.

London McDonald's make me laugh with their up-scale attempts. My local at Notting Hill Gate has fresh flowers on the tables, sofas in the window and Wi-Fi access. The restaurant at Edgware Road has a funkier interior design than many of the restaurant surrounding it. And Princess Diana's former McDonald's on High Street Kensington is one of the poshest ones I've ever seen.


Edgware Road

But I don't need the added accessories. My love for the Big Mac is, and shall remain, pure and unsullied.


Holborn, Central London.

10 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

They do have the best fries.

Kerry Allen said...

Around here, you're lucky if your feet don't become glued to the floor, and you get interior decorating? Color me jealous.

And hungry.

MikeH said...

Marsha, that was very brave of you to "come out" like that. I, for one, have yet to step one foot inside the McDonalds on our high street, but I shed a silent, hidden tear when Burger King closed.

Criss L. Cox said...

Shhh... don't tell anyone... but sometimes I still crave McDonald's chicken nuggets. Even though I am pretty confident there is very little chicken in them (therefore, as a vegetarian, I probably could get away with eating them... no?) Their chicken nuggets and barbecue sauce are THE BEST. And the fries are also pretty heavenly, even if they are soaked in devil fat before serving.

Marsha said...

Thank you all for your support and understanding.

I've finished my Big Mac Meal (plus apple pie). It as good whilst eating it, but I'm actually still hungry!

Elle Field said...

I have to say at the McDonalds just off Oxford Circus, I have seen a fair few drug exchanges in the downstairs seating area in my time! :O The Kings Road McD's is my "local" when I'm in London.

If I could have their fries with the crispy strips and a Pepsi Max from KFC, I would be very happy! Although I do like the McNuggets too (just not as much as crispy strips)!

Kimberly said...

Sometimes I've been known to indulge in a McHappy Meal. Having just come back from a trip to France I was shocked to see how "upscale" the McDonald's are there! It almost makes you think you don't have to hang your head in shame as you enter through the doors.

Anonymous said...

Hi !
I went to London 3 years ago and in my memory there was a burger king near the McDonald, just beside the Nothing Hill Gate Underground's way out ?
Is it true or a dream ???
Thanks
Bertrand

Marsha said...

Hi Bertrand!

Yes, there is indeed a Burger King close by. It's not as posh as the McDonald's, though.

Shebam said...

But, i thank that it was on the same street, just near the McDo !!!
You know, it's a gambling with my girl friend and i think i'am right.
It was 3 years ago and i rememberded the wooper's silver paper...