Michael Lippman

Driving the other day, I heard this on "Marketplace" , the NPR show:  fast food in ; casual dining out .  Why?  Because of the economy, stupid.  Because casual dining is on average 3 times more expensive than fast food.  (Chili's, Applebee's, TGI Friday's given as examples of casual dining.)  Also, fast food joints like McDonald's and Burger King are doing more to make it "acceptable", not embarrassing, for people to eat there -- like adding healthier food choices, halogen lamps, more upscale design and menu items. 

All right, so I'm the guy who hasn't been to McDonald's for about a decade, precisely because I haven't found it "acceptable".  So ever since hearing that report I've been driving by various McDonalds and looking at them rather longingly.  I used to meet my friend Peter once or twice a week at the McDonalds on 72nd and Broadway in NY for a Big Mac and fries and we would ooh and ah the whole way through.  Big Macs taste good! (or at least they used to.) 

So this morning I stopped by a McDonalds in West LA.  Let's say this, the menu and the decor at this particular store did nothing for me.  But what did was the huge Nutrition Information Chart .  First thing I checked out: Big Mac is 540 calories.  Not so terrible, in my estimation.  I will eat one soon, I promise.

This morning I stuck to a cup of coffee.  I've heard recently that the coffee at McDonalds has gotten pretty good.  I've heard it favorably compared to Starbucks (and I'm not a dis-er of Starbuck's, but that's for another day.)

So?  The coffee was excellent.  Reminded me of the old Dunkin' Donuts coffee I used to drink back in college.  Smooth, full, delicious.  Not weak, not thin.  I'm not going to give extensive tasting notes because I'm sorry, but coffee is NOT wine, and contrary to what crazy coffee aficionados might argue, it does not have the complexity EVER of wine, and should not be discussed in such exalted terms.  I want it to taste good, to be medium- to full-bodied, have enough acidity so it doesn't sit heavily on my palate, and give me a good jolt. And I've already said way too much!

Oh, and my server asked if I wanted her to put the cream in my coffee, or if she should give it to me on the side.  Love the question.  And love my answer, too:  You put it in.   It's sort of like when someone else butters your bagel.  It just tastes better.

So, I hereby declare it eminently acceptable to drink McDonalds coffee -- which is a good start in my book.  I'll be back!