Ah, the Michelin star, the true mark of culinary excellence. An accolade that chefs the world over work their entire lives to earn and strive even harder to keep. And it's now available at your neighbourhood McDonald's for the bargain price of 33RMB.
Hark! Like a cardiac Christmas miracle, an angel has come from on high with tidings of great joy. Flanked by golden arches, McDonald's China has delivered unto us a slice of pure Michelin-starred joy. Well, sort of.
Lord knows we love a good Macky D's promo, from the smog-inspired 'Modern China Burgers' to the inimitable Black Sesame Soft Serve. When they're good, they're good. But when they're bad, man, are they bad.
The 'Modern China Burger'
Black Sesame Soft Serve
The latest China-based promo from the master of all things fast and arguably food is aimed squarely at the burgeoning global 'foodie' class. With the Michelin hysteria accompanying the launch of the Michelin Guide in Shanghai, the time seems right for the people who brought the world such marvels as the McRib sandwich to raise the bar yet again.
We give you the McDonald's Michelin Menu brought to you courtesy of twice-starred Michelin chef Ramón Frexia, who's cashing in his Michelin chips with this bad boy.
Hey, chefs work long, unforgiving hours, often for little to no recognition. Earning a Michelin star is an honour, and we take no issue with hardworking chefs cashing in on the hysteria that surrounds modern dining.
Anyway, presenting... the 'BBQ Pineapple Beef Burger'...
... and the 'Signature Sauce Bacon Burger'.
Suggested beverage pairing? The 2016 'Sangria Flavour' drink.
Naturally, we dropped everything and went and tried all of it. Here's what we found.
The 'BBQ Pineapple Beef Burger' is actually not bad, or, not bad as far as a Macca's burger is concerned. And hey, who doesn't like 'grilled' syrupy pineapple rings? It's like a punch-bowl floater with some barbecue sauce on a sweet bun vaguely reminiscent of brioche. Haters gonna hate, but it's a tastefully tropical riff on the cheeseburger.
The 'Signature Sauce Bacon Burger' is a bit riskier, and as a result a bit more disgusting. The 'bacon' is a floppy door-stopper while the 'caramelised onions' remind us that vegetables exist in this cruel world, just not in this burger.
Again, not far from the normal menu offerings, which is to say filled with regret and garnished with a soupçon of self-loathing. Par for the course, really. Get it now, or don't, until January 10 nationwide.
More from Time Out Shanghai
Where to buy Christmas trees and decorations in Shanghai
How to use the new Uber China app