Like many Americans, I have had a long (and happy!) history with good ‘ole Mickey D’s! In fact, my 6th birthday party was held at McDonald’s! While the iconic golden arches conjure up many memories for me, I’d have to say one of my favorites is when McDonald’s had a Beanie Baby happy meal campaign, which, of course, was brilliantly launched at the height of the 90s Beanie Baby craze. Naturally, I had to collect every single one, so this meant many, many visits to McDonald’s! From a McFlurry treat after a 7th grade school play to a six-piece Chicken McNugget with fries after a college night out in Boston (…24 hours McDonald’s in Brighton, I’m looking at you…), my memories at McDonald’s are never-ending, and recently, I was able to add another one to my list.
On Friday, May 5, I was invited to take a firsthand look at the latest updates that McDonald’s is rolling out, which lucky for me, included a taste-test of the newly launched Signature Crafted Menu with a special visit from McDonald’s Chef Mike Lingo.
The McDonald’s in Everett, located at 128 Broadway, is one of 11 restaurants in the region to offer a completely updated ordering experience through a self-service touchscreen kiosk. Appropriately titled, the “Just for You” experience allows diners to order exactly what they want (i.e. choose the protein, bun, sides, and drink of their choice), and then pay for the meal directly through the kiosk. Better yet, select locations in Massachusetts are now offering table service where a crew member will deliver your ordered food straight to where you are sitting.
My usual go-to at McDonald’s is the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and I was thrilled to learn that the newly launched Signature Crafted menu has three unique options that pair perfectly with grilled chicken, and make it way less boring! Putting an emphasis on “choice,” the Signature Crafted recipes allow the customer to select a freshly prepared quarter-pounder 100% beef patty, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken, or Artisan Grilled Chicken as well as choose either a sesame seed bun or toasted Artisan Roll.
The Signature Crafted menu is offered as follows:
- Pico Guacamole: Smooth and creamy meets chunky and spicy with white cheddar cheese, guacamole made with 100% Hass avocados, freshly prepared Pico de Gallo, crisp leaf lettuce and creamy buttermilk ranch sauce made with real buttermilk and sour cream blended with shallots, garlic and spices. Served with a fresh lime wedge.
- Sweet BBQ Bacon: Sweet BBQ heat meets savory, with grilled onions, thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, creamy white cheddar, delicious BBQ sauce, all topped with golden crispy onions.
- Maple Bacon Dijon: A satisfying combination of sweet and savory, with grilled onions, thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon with sweet maple seasoning, white cheddar, crisp leaf lettuce and a creamy Dijon sauce.
I tried the Pico Guacamole with Artisan Grilled Chicken and it was delicious. Let’s just say that I’ve come a long way from the little girl whose McDonald’s order was a #2, special-ordered with just ketchup and extra pickles…!
As a fun bonus, I even got to play around with the highly coveted Frork; a silicon fork-shaped base with an opening at the top that allows you to insert three French fries and create your own “frork” a.k.a a fork made of fries (get it?!). Apparently, the frork is quite the hot commodity and some folks are taking to social media in the quest to track one down at their local McDonald’s!
Whether you only visit McDonald’s on your road trip rest stop breaks or are a regular and devoted diner, I encourage you to branch out from your usual order and try one of the new Signature Crafted items on your next visit. Hey, there may not be a Beanie Baby in your happy meal, but I can promise full flavor and fresh, innovative choices!
Thank you to McDonald’s for sponsoring this post!