Breaking the Fast

This week, I did something I hadn't done in years: I ate a burger from McDonald's. 

Why?  Morbid curiosity.  Reading about food production, again.  Realizing, after a variety of food poisoning experiences from a wide range of restaurants since South Africa, that anyplace could make me sick. 

Keep in mind that the last time I had McDonald's was an attempt to stave off a hangover a few months ago.  I didn't have any red meat.  And I got violently ill.  Nevertheless, my interest was piqued when I had a flame-broiled burger from a unique place at the food court in my building.  I hadn't had time to make lunch that day, and Mike Lee had told me his last experience there (and his first in years) had been really good.  So I got a Big N' Tasty with cheese.  It's typical - you try to replicate a good experience with something cheaper.

And you know what?  It sucked.  It tasted like cafeteria food.  It was the worst burger I've had in a while.  Should I have just gone with a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder?  I doubt it.  It reminded me yet again why I stopped eating burgers from there and avoid their food in general.  It's one thing to eat fast food.  It's another thing to eat fast food that tastes like crap.  Guess what?  The extra money for better-tasting food is worth it.   Given how prices have gone up for eating out, that only makes me feel a little bit better.

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