As a globetrotting McDonald’s enthusiast and author of McAtlas: A Global Guide to the Golden Arches, I can confidently say that my taste buds have been on quite the journey! From the crisp air of The McSki in Sälen, Sweden, to the bustling streets of the McDonald’s on Dongmen Street in Shenzhen, China, each location offers a unique twist on the classic Big Mac.

A dedicated McDonald’s enthusiast, who also happens to be an author, has visited more than 100 of their outlets globally, and here are his top five preferred ones.

Since the year 2019, Gary has enjoyed dining at well over a hundred McDonald’s restaurants across the globe. His travels have taken him to more than 55 nations on six different continents, during which he discovered numerous distinctive McDonald’s eateries.

Gary frequently stopped by McDonald’s when he traveled abroad because it offered a sense of familiarity and comfort. However, an iftar meal at a McDonald’s during Ramadan in 2018 made him ponder if maybe it wasn’t just the consistency of their fries across different countries that was significant, but rather, what they incorporated into their local menus to stay relevant and prosper.

In “McAtlas: A Worldwide Companion to the Golden Arches,” published on November 29th, Gary shares his personal encounters at numerous McDonald’s eateries he visited. Moreover, he even listed the top five essential destinations for any fast-food enthusiast.

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The McSki in Sälen, Sweden

After a six-hour journey, Gary eventually reached The McSki in Sälen, Sweden. However tough the trip was, the author emphasized that it was definitely a worthwhile expedition.

In all my travels, the McDonald’s I encountered at the McSki is undeniably the most remarkable,” the author remarked. “The air up there is so pure and invigorating – it feels as if you’re standing on mountain peaks. When I dropped by, it was surprisingly quiet. It was almost like having the entire place to myself, just enjoying the serene ambiance.

The McDonald’s on Dongmen Street in Shenzhen, China

Gary described the McDonald’s on Dongmen Street in Shenzhen, China, as “quite remarkable.” This establishment was opened back in 1990 and managed to serve more than 40,000 customers on its very first day. It has a seating capacity of 460 people.

Gary expressed his fondness for the Shenzhen area in China,” he stated, “as it housed the very first McDonald’s in China, during an era when China hadn’t yet completely welcomed American corporations.

The airplane McDonald’s in Taupō, New Zealand

The McDonald’s situated at Taupō, New Zealand, which previously operated as an aircraft, was acquired by the company back in 1990. This historic site, as pointed out by Gary, is a renowned landmark.

The UFO-shaped McDonald’s in New Mexico, US

In New Mexico, USA, the McDonald’s that resembles a UFO particularly intrigued Gary beyond its unusual design. He was equally captivated by the on-site gift shop. “It has a gift shop,” Gary commented, “and that’s impressive to me because it means they offer merchandise – something I find really neat.

The Méqui1000 in São Paulo, Brazil

The Méqui1000 in São Paulo, Brazil, undergoes regular transformations featuring lively artwork during various seasons, primarily for advertising reasons. Upon his visit, Gary was taken aback by its distinct aesthetic.

“It looks like the White House but decorated as a kindergartner’s art project,” he said.

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2024-11-30 21:24