Rome, Italy: McDonald's & Il Mac

Europe has always protested against the McDonalisation of its space, not just because it taints the rich heritage and quaint architecture of its buildings, but also because of how it has completely simplified food and nullified the art of cooking. Cooking and culinary arts, as many of us know, is something that the Europeans are extremely proud of, and to have this fast-food giant opening branch after branch all around Europe has been a phenomenon that has been resented for years.


Still, it makes perfect business sense, heritage and art or not, and boy do the young ones love it. So the least McDonald's in Europe could do is to add an European flavour to it, or create multiple European renditions of the all-American burger. The Il Mac is just one of the many unique creations in Italy, which features fresh beef patties and panini-style buns.


It's odd to be excited about McDonald's, or to love it so much when you're overseas, but trust me when I say it's perfect comfort food wherever you go. Moreover, it's always nice to see how the burger has evolved in different countries, and if that is still not enough for you, then perhaps cost is something else that's worth thinking about. McDonald's in Italy is no doubt more expensive when compared to a similar set meal in Singapore, but it is still relatively cheaper when matched with the main courses found in many trattorias in Italy. Lastly, it's a splendid choice of food to just indulge in while lazing around in the hotel room!


Essentially, I liked the Il Mac. The beefy patty was actually quite moist and tender, more so than any burger that I've ever had from McDonald's. The pane cotto bread was slightly rough but at least it wasn't tough to chew on at all, as many breads in Italy (at least the ones we've been served so far) would prove otherwise. In short, delightful burger.

Price
About €8 for a set meal.

Place
Termini Stazione Centrale,
Rome, Italy.

Pictures taken with the Canon EOS 500D.