McRib Issues...

The only truly redeeming menu item for McDonald's is the McRib. Sure, the Big Mac and all of the other sandwiches are ok, but I have a "take-it-or-leave-it" disposition about them. McDonald's isn't my favorite place to go for food, I usually only visit when I need something cheap, or relatively fast... or it's really, really late at night and they are the only thing open... that's fast.

But I am willing to brave the crappy service and other issues that I've come to expect from fast food restaurants in general for the McRib. It goes back several years, and is also a shimmering memory of my father (discusing how he had a McRib when they first came out, and mentioning how they "toned down" the sauce by the next time they were out)... Maybe it is because they don't have ther McRib on the regular menu that I am more inclined to venture forth...

Anyway, I digress to the point of my story. I like McRibs, I'm not too much of a fan of McDonald's. Normally, I get the sandwich sans onions - which has become a craps shoot. The other night, despite the "No Onion" request, and special tag, it had onions. Today, I got two sandwiches, asking for both to be sans onions... and the server heard this, registered this, but apparently only pushed the key once, and I got one with and one without... But another digression...

I examined the menu board while waiting in line. Most places give a listing of "Meal" or "Sandwich Only" pricing, but I didn't see any such listing for the McRib - just the meal pricing. When I finally got to the register, I indicated that I would be eating in the restaurant, and then I asked my question, "How much is it for just the McRib sandwich."

The response that I got was one of those wonderful, make-you-want-to-step-in-front-of-a-bus types. "I have no idea," she said, staring back at me. Nice, bitch.

As she stood there for a few seconds, obviously not intending to go through any extra effort of looking for herself, I followed with my next, nicely phrased question. "Is there a way to find out?" Yeah, sure. It might sound a little condescending, but this should be basic common sense in a customer service position.

She leaned forward for a moment, and turned to look at the menu board where the signage was backlit by glowing flourescent lamps. I could see the hamsters spinning inside their wheel, sensing that she wanted to say something like, "If you had read the sign...", but the hamsters stopped, and held to the wire treads, spinning wildly... as if the thought quickly changed to, "Oh, crap... he can read, which is why he asked." No shit. If the price were listed, I wouldn't have to ask - duh! The hamster wheel tottered a bit, as she looked up the price in the register.

I placed my order, which as I mentioned before, was keyed incorrectly, and I ate, and left the restaurant. Personally, I like the convenience of going out for food, but I'm finally getting back to the point of "Why bother?"... After this run for the McRib, I imagine I'll slide back to my older habits of trying to eat less crap, and going for more "home cooked" fare...

But for now, could you please pass some napkins?