Controversial?
So, the other day, I felt the need for some McDonald's when we were driving around that area at dinner time.  I noticed the light at that particular intersection was not working, but I didn't think much of it.  I pull up to the drive-thru and see a sign on the speaker that says, "Sorry, we're closed because we have no power."  Are you kidding me???  I was really craving their Diet Coke...not to mention the food.  Okay, fine, I'll settle and go across the street to Burger King then.  The thought crossed my mind that BK might be in the same predicament, but it was fleeting and I headed over there.  As I pull up, I see several employees standing around outside.  Obviously, they're not open.  I was just going to peel out since I knew what was going on, but one of their employees kept waving her arms at me.  So, I stopped and she (of course) said, "Sorry, we're closed because the power's out."  I said, "Darn, I already tried McDonald's, but was hoping you guys would still be open."  And one of the male employees jokingly yelled, "Oh, so we weren't your first choice?"  And I retorted with, "Well, ever since you changed your fries years ago..."  THEN, I peeled out, tires screeching (just kidding about the exit, but not about what I said). 

First of all, let me say, God did not want me eating fast food that night, apparently (I really made up for it today though, ugh!).  Secondly, Mike was not with me that night.  When I told him about this situation and encounter later (not really thinking that much of it), he found it hilarious and said I needed to blog about it.  Not sure why.  Probably because it is true--Burger King is NEVER our first choice when choosing between it and McDonald's and I got called out on it by one of their own :-)  I really did not think much of it when I said that McDonald's was closed, but SNAP, I was busted.  Who cares?  Anyway, back to how McDonald's is ALWAYS our first choice.  Like I mentioned, because of the fries!!!  Mike and I equally have strong feelings about it and are in agreement completely (see why our marriage works so well?  haha).  I went to Burger King often as a kid and throughout my younger years (I sound old!) and loved it.  There was never a fry issue.  I have fond memories of the place, including searching through their trash to look for my retainer that I had inadvertently thrown away (since it was sitting, wrapped in a napkin, on my tray).  Fun stuff--it has happened to ALL of you, several times, who wore retainers as kids!!!

Anyway, there was a point in time when they significantly changed their fries.  Mike and I were trying to remember when and he said something like 10 years ago.  He has such a vivid memory for the important stuff, I tell ya (really, he has an excellent memory).  Sure enough, my web savvy husband found
 this article. 1997....that's when my love affair for Burger King fizzled (apparently...I didn't remember the specific time frame we broke up) and McDonald's slid into first place for me.  And I know they've changed the fries some even since this major change, but the verdict is still the same...blech, blah, no thank you.  Don't get me wrong...certainly if we end up there, I begrudgingly force those fries down because that's what you have with a burger, but we don't end up there that often (unless we have a coupon for a free sandwich, or something--I'm not kidding).  Their fries have a crispy coating on them...this is our issue.  They're just not right.

So, I thought this situation I found myself in the other night brought up one of life's major dilemmas...McDonalds or Burger King???  You know I am saying this all in jest, right?  (kinda)  I don't frequent McDonald's THAT often and I certainly don't ponder this decision on a regular basis, but I know it's a little controversial, huh?  Yeah, I know this blog tackles the serious issues.  So, again, I do not know either establishments' menus extensively, nor have I eaten a huge variety from it, but just off the top of my head, how do I compare the two?

FRIES--well, you know...duh.  McDonald's fries are All-American.  Best when hot and salty and dipped in ketchup.  Although, this is the truth...listen carefully...they are the only, I repeat ONLY, fries that I will eat WITHOUT ketchup (such as when you go through the drive-thru) because they are THAT good.  Am I right, or am I right???  (Oh, and I've seen "Super Size Me" and it initially bothered me a little--as far as the fries not breaking down appropriately once ingested--but I got over it pretty fast--wanted to mention in case someone was going to comment on this!).

BURGERS--Honestly, I might throw you for a loop here, I prefer the flame-broiled goodness at Burger King. I like the Jr. Whopper or just a cheeseburger.   Seems like better quality meat and not as much bun as at McD's.

CHICKEN--Let's see...as far as individual chicken pieces, BK wins by a landslide with their tenders vs. McD's pathetic nuggets.  I'm sorry, but again, it's the quality of the chicken (and the breading, too).  And I've always had a soft spot for BK's original chicken sandwich (with the long bun...do they still prepare it this way? Haven't had it forever).

REFRESHMENTS--I am partial to McDonald's drinks in general.  Their Coke and Diet Coke is sweet and the best out there.  Ain't nothin' beats a McDonald's Coke except...their Sweet Tea :-)  I also enjoy their French Vanilla Cappuccino, although not every McDonald's location sells it (which is very frustrating, I must say).

HONORABLE MENTIONS--Vanilla soft serve ice cream cone at McD's (only 3 Weight Watchers points), the original Egg McMuffin and Hash brown at McD's--do NOT get me started on those coin-shaped greasy hash browns at BK (do they still do those?  I have no idea).  McD's apple pie, but dang that hot gooey, apple-ness burns the crap out of your tongue, right?  I know if you're a big onion ring person (like Mike), they're pretty good at BK...a good substitute for those "fries."  See, that's the thing, they know their fries are nasty, so they offer substitutions...besides the onion rings, aren't they offering like cheesy tots or something weird as an alternative as well.  What is THAT about?  Desperation, I tell you. 

Okay, I could probably go on and on about other miscellaneous menu items, but I shall stop there.  If this post stirs anything in you at all, please comment and share your opinion because I KNOW some of you have strong opinions about this topic, or am I the only one???  See, this blog tackles real-life issues and is SO scandalous!!  Heehee!!

Oh, and when you look back at my list....you will see that BK wins in some of the really major categories like Burgers and Chicken, but the fries are the clincher...and keep me coming back for more...and more.

So, which do you prefer....McDonald's or Burger King???  And why???

Mike:

I pretty much agree with Amy. McD's fries are the best but I prefer the taste of the BK burgers.

I have an idea, everybody should hop into their Hummer H2's and buy a Double Whopper with cheese then idle across the street to McDonalds for a large fry and Coke. All the while lighting Cuban cigars with dollar bills. Can you think of a better way to spend your economic stimulus check?

...And If anyone says Hardees is their favorite, I'm deleting their comment.