The harsh lighting accosted my eyes the minute I walked into a the Mcdonalds at Festival Walk, dedicated to recycled plastic in horribly bright colors, bouncing off every ‘easy-to-clean’ surface. The first thought that came to mind was to turn right around and walk back out, shortly followed by ‘They’d better make this worth my while’. I stole a glance at Ronald McDonald and winced. Clowns were never meant to be scary. A loud groan somewhere around my knees jerked me out of my reverie, and I peered down to look at a rather queasy, green kid whom I hurriedly side-stepped. The place, of course, was packed with children running amok. I maneuvered my way to one of the counters and waited (somewhat impatiently) in line, debating over the fluorescent-lit menu shimmering over the staffs’ heads. What was up with their new line of salads? The photos depicting them looked nothing like the real thing, and I quietly pondered this new ‘healthy- marketing ploy. The mother in front of me had a death-grip on her (wailing) child’s hand, promising her a nice cone of ice-cream in a soothing tone. It wasn’t working. Again, I had to remind myself that I was here on business, and that led to the unpleasant thought that the last time I had been here, I had been drunk. The coffee had been weak and I went home with not just a hangover, but severe stomach cramps. Steeling myself, I approached the counter and smiled wickedly. “Super size me!” I proclaimed, as I smacked my money down onto the steel countertop. Heads turned. A frown flickered across the woman’s face before she replaced her frown with a rather strained smile. “And which meal would that be, Sir?” her emphasis on ‘sir’ was not missed. Trust me when I say they’re all robots. I opted for a Big Mac™ Meal, encompassing a huge burger, fries, and an extremely large cup of coke. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed for the extra $1.50 I had to pay. I picked up my (recycled) tray and managed to snag a bright yellow seat near a window, receiving glares from a couple who attempted to get there first. Alls fair in food and war, I say. For the first time in my career, I wished I were somewhere else. Alaska, maybe. Raw whale blubber would have been better than what I’d been subjected to. I glanced over at the table next to mine and watched a kid burst into tears when the toy she’d received with her food fell apart. So much for it being called a happy meal. I turned back to my food, and worked my way unwrapping and opening everything. For a restaurant which claims to be environmentally friendly, a lot of materials sure are wasted, from the paper that wraps your straw right down to the sheet lining your tray. The food, I must say, was satisfying, in an oily sense. The burger was ‘big’, with plenty of mayonnaise, lettuce and meat. By the time I finished it, my jaw ached, yet I strove on, battling my way through succulently oily French-fries and the gigantic cup of coke, which, need I say, aided digestion in the most unappealing manner. I left with a distended stomach and my craving for greasy fast-food fixed. Cheap, easy and I must admit, quite good on the palate. Just avoid the six year olds. Oh, and the coffee.
-Moi- 2004.
posted by: Farfarello (reply)
post date: 03.24.05 (12:31 am)
Written perfectly, happens to me everytime, and i never learn!
posted by: VodkaB (reply)
post date: 03.24.05 (6:37 am)
Reply to: uniquelaughter
*grin* Cheers!
posted by: zuki50 (reply)
post date: 03.24.05 (7:20 pm)
Reply to: VodkaB
McDonalds isn't that bad, is it? I don't drink the coffee, so I don't know.
posted by: VodkaB (reply)
post date: 03.24.05 (7:21 pm)
Reply to: zuki50
*chuckles* a poor attempt at being satirical. actually, I like McDs. tis all good
posted by: zuki50 (reply)
post date: 03.24.05 (7:33 pm)
Reply to: VodkaB
Ahhh....I just get soooo used to being the devil's advocate. I guess it's in my nature to disagree, regardless of my beliefs....the conversations are never ending.
posted by: VodkaB (reply)
post date: 03.24.05 (11:09 pm)
