I know this picture isn't great - Magge took it.
Location: Trujillo, Mall Aventura Plaza
Cost of a Big Mac value meal: 12.50 nuevos soles (about $4.40)
Comparative cost to local food: Relatively expensive. The restaurant that serves the volunteers charges 4 nuevos soles ($1.40) for soup or salad and a main dish. Unfortunately, that main dish is almost invariably chicken and rice. And not variations of chicken and rice.
Special menu items: The same Mexican burger that was on the Ecuadorian McDonald's menu is also on the menu here, confirming my thoughts in Quito that it was a Latin American item. This McDonald's had KFC-style fried chicken, which I have never seen before, and included in the fried chicken family combo are homestyle fries. I have to admit that it looked delicious, and I was tempted to get it for Magge and myself, but instead ended up going with a Big Mac combo.
Taste test: Similar to the Ecuadorian golden arches, the ingredients here tasted fresher than American McDonald's. Perhaps it just seemed that way because we're tired of chicken and rice. The middle slice of bread in my Big Mac, which I typically throw away because it is too soggy, was dry for maybe the third time in my life.
Popularity: The restaurant was roughly half full for dinner. The neighboring KFC was much busier, which probably speaks to the quality of McD's fried chicken.
Other comments: Trujillo's McDonald's is very sleek and clean, which makes sense given its newness and flagship status for post-Lima Peruvian expansion. It comes with the bells and whistles of a fancy Playland, two birthday rooms (both of which have been full the two times we've walked past the location) and an adjoining McCafé.
In addition to the standard ketchup and mustard dispensers, mayonnaise is also available (it also was in the Quito McDonald's, but I forgot to mention that). The locals slather it on their french fries, much like the Belgians do. South Americans and Belgians love mayonnaise more than any person should.
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Did Magge have the Big Mac meal as well? Will she have a say on whether it lives up to her expectations too? Is the décor the same as you find in the U.S.A.? Is this one better than the one in Quito? (Perhaps ranking them in order of preference will be quite interesting at the end of the trip.) This comparative analysis of McDondals is beginning to take on an important role in your travels and can't wait to read the next tasting evaluation.
ReplyDeleteI hope and wish your Christmas dinner will be more festive than what you had at McDonalds! We will be thinking of both of you as we eat turkey, potatoes, gravy, side dish of veggies, fresh cranberry sauce followed by dessert... fudge bars! xo
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Magge had a quarter pounder with cheese, and she loved it. I will probably do a ranking of all the McD's when we're through. As of now, I think Trujillo gets the nod over Quito for its superior location (next to a movie theater) and nicer playground.
ReplyDeleteOops, that was supposed to be Santa Claus with gift. *<]:-))## (Colin helps me create a better one. Hopefully it comes through properly this time.)
ReplyDeleteI love the art work! Mayonnaise on french fries, interesting! I am so excited about you venturing to the Peruvian Amazon, eager to hear more. Miss you guys lots - M
ReplyDeleteMarcia, You are way too easy to please. That art work is crappy and makes me look amateurish. The copy and paste feature does not work well on this blog! Jeffrey knows that all my artwork seems to turn into a monkey for one reason or another but this Santa claus with gift looks like nothing identifiable. I will send you by email the art work that should have appeared and then compare the artistry. :)
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, I have read up on and seen beautiful pictures of the Amazon Basin and it is simply awe-inspiring. The lush scenery and all certainly are pulling you towards it for a closer visit. How much more picturesque landscape and magnificence can you handle? xo
Sounds like you are enjoying the McDonald's ;). Did you happen to try the mayonnaise on the french fries? On the other hands Belgians might think Canadiens are the odd ones, slathering their fries with gravy! Miss you tons!
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