The McPanino Classic

I never, ever eat fast food at home, but now I cannot get enough of my gourmet boxed lunch, a la Happy Meal. McDonald's has become as hypnotic for me as the vineyards in Tuscany are for a sommelier. Of course, this could not be further from Italian food, which is probably why it is always ridiculously crowded in every McDonald’s. They are sick and tired of their own food too. Can’t blame them.

McDonald’s in Italy is a dining experience, or so it seems. Every store has a manager that is dressed in Armani or Gucci or some designer suit; and, he stands in his store, keeping it pristine, greeting the people, making sure the food is expedited in a delicious, fresh manner etc. Definitely never saw a McD’s manager in the States sporting an Armani suit to work or demanding high-quality Big Macs or fresh fries from his staff. This was an experience in an of itself, which I highly recommend.

You will never be able to find a Parmigiano Big Mac or a McPanino, which is their version of the Egg McMuffin, in the States. These are tasty treats and undoubtedly a nice break from the typical Italian fare. At least for me, it satisfied my hunger and gave me an appreciation for anything furthest from Italian food and Nutella now.

Oddly enough, McDonald's is almost as ubiquitous as Italian coffee bars in Milan (not quite), but let's just say that there are more McD's establishments in Milan than in any other city in the entire country... This explains why I cannot resist the temptation...I mean, I only live two minutes away from one... Speaking of which, I am getting hungry now and the delectable, little cheeseburgers are beckoning me...