People who don’t know me very well are always surprised to see me in the drive-through line at Taco Bell.
They expect me to only dine at five-star restaurants or those hole-in-the-wall eateries that just knowing where to find them puts me in a league of hip eaters.
Oh, that’s so not me.
I’m always surprised that people consider me a foodie since I don’t see myself in the same ranks of local critics like Joan Namkoong, Kaui Philpotts or our own Mari Taketa. (Read Ed Morita’s post on the difference between a foodie and a food snob.) I just love to eat — and I like to tell people about it. Does that make me a foodie? Or does that just make me a very chatty eater?
I came across an essay on Salon.com last night by Francis Lam, who, on his way to a chefs conference on sustainable foods, found himself in the line at McDonald’s, succumbing to his craving for pasteurized processed chicken food product.
I have some excuses. I was hungry and waiting for a four-hour bus ride, and sometimes, when you are hungry and waiting for a four-hour bus ride, and you grew up with parents who fed you fast food as a treat, you have to ask yourself: Are you better than your upbringing? Are you better than your history? And my answer, yesterday, was, “McNuggets.” McNuggets I have loved.
I like what I like — and if you have a similar palette as mine, then chances are you’ll like what I like, too. But that doesn’t mean my palette is as refined — or as adventurous — as Anthony Bourdain’s. I’m more about the overall taste of brown gravy and perfectly cooked onions over a nice scoop of fluffy white rice.
And I’m no fast-food snob.
I go to McDonald’s so often I know the woman who works the early-morning shift at the drive-through — by first name — for my daily fix of Diet Coke. In fact, I just had a cheeseburger Happy Meal last night for dinner.
I love Chicken McNuggets, Mexican pizzas and cinnamon twists from Taco Bell, chicken sandwiches from Jack in the Box and anything from Arby’s. I realize these aren’t the healthiest — or foodie-est — options, especially with the growing obesity rates (and my waistline), but I can’t help myself. It’s fast, it’s food, I’m good to go.
And I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Any of you have a fast-food confession to make?
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To read all of Cat’s blogs, visit www.nonstophonolulu.com/thedailydish. Follow Cat on Twitter @thedailydish or send her an e-mail at [email protected]
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45 Comments
u know i haven’t been 2 Arby’s and i might have been 2 Jack in the Box twice in my life. i usually go 2 McDonald’s at least 2 times a month. i love 2 eat tacos from Taco Bell at least once a year. nothing wrong w/ eating fast foods i grew up with.
I think my palate is pretty adventurous and I’m a foodie. But like you, when I want a quick snack, I’ll run to cheap fast food. One of my most comforting snacks while waiting at The Tube in London was a Filet-o-Fish. Our very own Diane Seo introduced me to the repertoire of a Taco Bell bean burrito paired with POG slush. But for me, the stuff has to be cheap to make it a true fast food comfort thing. Arby’s sandwiches are kind of expensive, as are Jack In The Box (most times).
Preach!
Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, and Burger King are pretty much staples if I decide to make a fast-food run. You’re right, not healthy, but they’ve got delicious food that is often times pretty cheap.
Who’s accusing Cat of only dining at five-star restaurants or hip hole-in-the-wall eateries? She totally laid back, and what you read and see is what you get. BTW, I love the Funnel Cake Pic, Cat! My favorite. I just had one at the UH game the other week. She would show up to the KHNL Morning show with her McDonald’s drink in hand, and I would ask her what’s for breakfast afterwards at Rainbow Drive-in. She is also a thoughful person, she would stop by Kamehameha Bakery and bring Taro Donuts for us. I’m all for eating Fast Foods, but like everything else, in moderation.
@MikeJocson Just had 1 Taro Haupia this morning.
In Hawai`i: Burger King Jr. Whopper or a Regular Burger King. Not eating that much fries any more since everyone is using 0-Transfat oil. The taste is just not there without the Palm Oil.
Once in a while I’ll drop by JITB for a Breakfast Jack. Even rarer is a visit to Taco Bell.
If I’m in California or Nevada: Combo #1 – Double Double, Fries, and Drink. I custom order the DD with no cheese, no sauce, Extra Grilled Onions. Last time I was in Vegas for a conference, 4 meals at In N Out plus a couple of DD’s for the plane ride home. [Note: In N Out cuts their potatoes on site so the fries are freshly made which is way different in taste and texture from the frozen stuff the big guys use.]
Cat, if you read this in time, there’s might be a McD’s right near the entrance to Versaille. The Big Mac might be referred to as “The Royal”.
Make that “Regular Burger King” to be “Regular Burger King Whopper” depending how hungry I am.
I hardly ever go to Arby’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Popeye’s, or Wendy’s. For me they aren’t that conveniently located.
@harrycovair Wow, I went to the McD by Versailles. They serve their FF w/mayo.
The Hong Kong McD had “shake shake” fries. Put your fries in a bag & shake it with flavored powder, like onion or kim chee.
Okay, I’ll admit it. I like Arby’s beef and cheddar, Wendy’s burgers, and fast food milkshakes of all kinds. As unhealthy as they are, McDonalds chicken nuggets and fries dipped in their sweet and sour sauce are still oddly delicious.
Hi my name is @Ynaku and I am NOT a Fast Food Snob. 🙂 I go to Hilo Downtown and know some by name. I stop by JiB, BK and TB. Arby’s once in awhile since they are in the mall and don;t have drive thru. I’m so busy and eat on the run. If I have time I go to drive inns for lunch.
I meant to say Hilo Downtown McD 🙂
I shamelessly profess I’m a fast-food snob. But twelve of my FourSquare mayorships plainly unwrap my dark and greasy secret. 🙂
@hawaii2000 You can’t hide anything anymore with Foursquare. Go on and admit it.
@Sushi Damn you, FourSquare! 🙂
Since I live mainland I must have a In-N-Out cheeseburger at least once a month. I try to stay away but it doesn’t help when the nearest In-N-Out is right across the street from the hospital where I work.
I’m with you @jaydee. In-N-Out cheeseburgers rock! I usually hit In-N-Out right after my Costco trips cuz they’re right across the street. But you gotta eat the fries quick cuz they taste way better when they’re blazing hot!
@kaname650 @jaydee. In-N-Out is phenomenal. I don’t know what their secret is, my oh my I love some In-N-Out.
@JMattHicks @kaname650 @jaydee There is no In-N-Out where I live. I’m jealous. Please tell me of this place’s wonders.
@Sushi @kaname650 @jaydee It’s like Never Never Land in a burger. I’m thinking about dedicating a week to it on my blog.
@Sushi @JMattHicks @kaname650 @jaydee In N Out is not a franchise. The family owns ALL of the outlets.
The main claim to fame is the * * freshness of the ingredients * *, the bread, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, and especially the burgers. One of their rules is that the outlet must be near a major thoroughfare and accessible to their delivery trucks. That’s why places like Lompoc, CA does not have an In N Out outlet. The nearest one, as of two years ago, is in Santa Barbara. Found this out the hard way.
Here’s a post about one guy’s quest to reverse engineer an In N Out Double Double Burger.
https://www.minyanville.com/dailyfeed/reverse-engineering-in-n-out/
https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/07/in-n-outs-double-double-animal-style-burger-recipe.html
Enjoy your quest to create your own In N Out Burger.
[My apologies in advance to Non Stop Honolulu for posting these two links.]
@harrycovair I have heard this about In-N-Out. Of course, I live across the country from California so don’t have any near me. Time to live vicariously and reverse engineer my own burger, then.
@Sushi Forgot to mention, with In N Out’s Animal Style they spread the mustard onto the raw burger (I assume raw) then it’s fried normally. This creates another taste variance which to me does taste good. I prefer mines the normal way with the meat encased by veggies and a split bun. Now if only In N Out would toast the bun that would be even better!
@harrycovair @Sushi @kaname650 @jaydee Awesome, thanks for the knowledge.
I’m still trying to figure out all of this “secret menu” stuff…
@JMattHicks @Sushi @kaname650 @jaydee In N Out even has a meatless version for the Vegans. Imagine, going to a burger place and ordering a sandwich – hold the beef.
What ever combination, outside of the normal Double Double configuration is on the “secret menu” list. Triple Burger, Quad Burger, Fries with Grilled Onions, Fries with the Secret Sauce, the combination seems endless.
@JMattHicks @Sushi @kaname650 @jaydee In N Out even has a meatless version for the Vegans. Imagine, going to a burger place and ordering a sandwich – hold the beef.
What ever combination, outside of the normal Double Double configuration is on the “secret menu” list. Triple Burger, Quad Burger, Fries with Grilled Onions, Fries with the Secret Sauce, the combination seems endless.
@Sushi If you ever fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) there’s an In N Out only a 4 min drive (barring traffic of course) on Sepulveda Blvd, just north of the airport exit.
If you’re seated on the right side of the plane (window) and you’re landing on Runway 24R (right most runway landing towards the Pacific Ocean) your landing gear will practically kiss the In N Out Burger sign upon landing. That is one of the MOST BUSIEST In N Out that I know of. I’ve waited for 20 to 25 minutes for my order before and that’s after I stood in line to get my order in.
@harrycovair In N Out’s secret Menu: https://www.badmouth.net/in-n-outs-secret-menu/
@macnut @JMattHicks @Sushi As @macnut pointed out, the combination of burger, fries, bread, veggies, and condiments are endless. Thus the Secret Menu. On the other hand, In N Out’s official stance on the Secret Menu is https://www.in-n-out.com/secretmenu.asp. I am utterly amazed at how a hamburger joint based upon 4 basic items has expanded into something akin to a cult following.
wow. for once i fit the stereotype. i don’t do fast food, w/ 2 exceptions: mcd french fries and ice milk cone, both abt once a yr, both childhood comfort flavors.
@nonstopmari If I ever see you on the West Coast (CA/NV), I’m buying you an In N Out Double Double (my style, see below). You’ll never look at a Fast Food Hamburger joint in the same light!
@nonstopmari If I ever see you on the West Coast (CA/NV), I’m buying you an In N Out Double Double (my style, see below). You’ll never look at a Fast Food Hamburger joint in the same way again!
No, really. Look at all the other comments about In N Out Burger.
@harrycovair hey, i’m not a hard sell! i will go anywhere for good food. in N out is now on my bucket list. and don’t forget, i’m having a double double!
Taco Bell rules in the value food category without a whole lot of deep frying. And Cat is so FUUDie; who else could serve up Fridays like that?
I gotta say that one of my fast food guilty pleasures has always been McD’s breakfast menu, when I was a kid eating at the Golden Arches in the morning was the ultimate. Especially the hash browns. Even now on those very rare days when rush hour traffic is less hellacious and I pull into town earlier than usual the thought always pops in my mind that hey, I have time to get myself a McGriddle or other breakfast item! 🙂 My current favorite “cheap eats” meal from McDs is two apple pies for $1 plus a small coffee.
One of my fast food guilty pleasures has always been McDonald’s breakfast menu. When I was a kid it was the ultimate to eat something from the Golden Arches in the morning. Even nowadays if traffic is less hellacious and I happen to arrive in town a little early the thought always pops into my head “hey, I have some time to run over and get a McGriddle or other breakfast item!” 🙂 My current favorite cheap McD’s breakfast is two apple pies for a buck and a small coffee.
cat you are a foodie and so is mari … i love the variety of food you write about and photograph … great thing about you (and Mari and Melissa) is that i think you would be comfortable in any place or crowd … as long as the food is at least decent
@Maxcat u’re right abt all of us. i’ve eaten chicken mixed w/ bones and speckled w/ dead ants bc some kind monks bought it for me (was yum). i just don’t enjoy the taste of fast food chicken, or lettuce, or meat, or eggs.
@nonstopmari So when you were in Scotland did you ever try their “fast food”, like fish n’ chips, deep fried pizza/Mars bars/haggis?
@808marv luv fish ‘n chips w/ malt vinegar, never tried df pizza/mars bar, and MARV!!! haggis is NOT fast food! takes time to stuff a stomach w/ all those yums and boil til done. one of the more advanced traditional recipes of scotland. : >
@nonstopmari oh I know that haggis is not really fast food but it seems that some fish n’ chip shops over there have taken to deep frying it. So it’s kinda giving it the fast food treatment right? 🙂 Here’s a video of someone not from Scotland trying it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11eCuUp-fqo
@808marv my new hero, fr. roderick! thnx marv, deep-fried haggis is definitely off my bucket list now.
@nonstopmari @808marv A bunch of us locals were in Edinburgh doing the tourist thing. We took in a show that served dinner. The second main dish was Haggis. Before it was served the spokesperson got up and explained how Haggis is prepared and what goes in it. Needless to say I got 3 servings of Haggis that night. This would probably go better with Mochi Rice or Thai Sticky Rice.
@harrycovair @nonstopmari @808marv I’ve had haggis & eggs before….IMHO it makes a great breakfast meat!!!
@Melissa808 @harrycovair @nonstopmari @808marv Local boy, rice goes good with everything.
I know the Haggis is binded (bound?) by Oatmeal but the richness of the Haggis “meats” needs a starch of sorts to mellow out the taste. Once in a great while I’ll buy Na`au and stuff it with salted Mochi Rice and some beans. Think of it as Joong with an edible casing instead of the traditional Bamboo Leaf.
Hello Cat!
As long as you like to eat all kinds of fuud and enjoy it, that’s the main thing.
Have a safe and GREAT trip!