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2010-04-01
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Who would've thought there is much to write about McDonald's? The truth is -- there isn't.There are at least 7 McDonald's in Wan Chai alone, with this one as the latest opening. With jacked up prices and shrunk sizes, it doesn't take an expert to figure out that a lot has changed. What hasn't changed though, is the consistency in quality control -- what used to be standardized "everyone gets the same thing" quality has now transformed into personalized "everyone can have a little something diffe
There are at least 7 McDonald's in Wan Chai alone, with this one as the latest opening. With jacked up prices and shrunk sizes, it doesn't take an expert to figure out that a lot has changed. What hasn't changed though, is the consistency in quality control -- what used to be standardized "everyone gets the same thing" quality has now transformed into personalized "everyone can have a little something different". More ketchup, hold the mustard, no onions, more pickles..etc. You can even skip the sausage in the sausage egg mcMuffin, and they'd charge you full price. It's the age of personalization based on choices, and we make no apologies for the step forward. This, after all, is an age where choices are valued.
In the newly renovated McDonald's here, you need to go down a flight of stairs to reach the counter, not so convenient of a feature if the store is expecting lines at lunch. Facing the counter is a long corridor leading to an enlarged space full of tables, with a full long communion table in the middle and short stools to match. It's where diners are forced to make friends with (and make space for) the person next to you. There are some comfortable seating, the chairs look nicer but why wouldn't they consider swapping it all into comfortable seating? Oh wait, it's FAST food after all...
While the kitchen is on full force with their jitters on the very first day, it's crucial to note that despite made on order, the burger tasted exactly what it would taste like elsewhere, and the hash brown, dripping with oil, has the pleasant crispiness but also the soaked-in-oil-for-too-long greasiness as well, and from someone who has had McDonald's as a kid, these little patties are nowhere near a 'good' hash browns. The coffee, however is what I came here for. It's not exactly the best, and in no match with a real coffee place like Cafe Corridor in CWB or even the newly opened Kenon just 3 blocks away, and coming out of a machine on the spot doesn't help the fact that its slightly too smoky aftertaste is killing the beverage and certainly not the best palatable thing out there for an early morning at work.
Then why would people still come?
Convenience -- Our habits or choices driven by how easily something is delivered to us. It also has a certain sense of comfort knowing that something is going to fill you up with the exact way it tastes the way you know how. There is nothing wrong with finding comfort in something you know how it taste without having to taste it, and relying on them when you need them. Even I will guarantee my return for yet another cup of coffee when I needed a quick a caffeine fix, be it early in the morning before work or 2 in the morning on deadline days (This shop opens 24 hours a day). If there is anything that may drive some people away, it's the flight of stairs (the people with bad knees, or chronic laziness to walk them).
So yes, there is likelihood of returns for a coffee should that be necessary to make my day flow just a tiny bit better, or smoother. Food...not so much, and the smiles that used to come "free" from the staff. There's certainly not many freebies around, as those come in very short supply, and not just in this shop alone.
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