It Comes With A Price

Oh, McDonald's. We were such good friends. At the very least we were good business partners. I, the loyal client, willing to shell out a buck or two for the consistent quality products that you, my trustworthy supplier, would provide. Our ties grew stronger with time.

When you changed your sandwich containers from wrappers to little boxes, it rendered me scared and confused. But I soon realized that the empty half of the opened box doubled as a holder for your delicious french fries, and thus your genius was understood. I was able to take a small change here or there.

And then the whole world flipped upside down, McDonald's. And you ruined everything.

I came to this revelation about a week ago, when I visited one of your franchise establishments somewhere in Northern Montgomery County. While approaching my place of purchase, I noticed advertisements for McCafe, a new line of Lattes and Mochas offered at a reasonable price. I decided to give your McCafe a shot, knowing you hadn't steered me wrong in the past. I went to the drive-thru window and ordered a delicious Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddles sandwich, along with a Caramel Latte.

As usual, the McGriddles sandwich was delicious. The sausage was flavorful, juicy, and had a friendly texture, the egg and cheese was twisting in savory swirls on my tongue, with a hint of syrupy goodness. I couldn't wait to wash down my first bite with my new tasty beverage.

I first knew that something was amiss when I could smell the caramel. The drink was horrible. I've never before consumed anything at a McDonald's that I didn't like, but I had to admit it was awful. It tasted as if the milk, or milk substitute, had turned, along with ever other ingredient in my Latte.

I didn't even swallow my first mouthful, refusing to let this liquid filth become part of my body.

McCafe left me with an "ewww" look on my face, and a trail of Latte on the side of my car. Of course it could be that this drink slipped through quality control, and maybe these drinks are normally tasty, but I'm afraid that I won't ever find that out, because I will never drink from McCafe again.

I am disappointed with you, McDonald's. I will now hesitate to accept any new product you offer after having to question your waning brilliance. You've broken a sacred trust that may never be repaired.

Unfortunately I must echo the warnings issued by Starbucks; beware of a cheaper cup of coffee, it comes with a price.