Fast Food Inc. – Page 3

The Manhattan Fish Market

May 22, 2008 by HB

manhattan fish market

The
Manhattan Fish Market (MFM) is a high end fast food eating establishment
in the vein of T.G.I. Friday’s and Chili’s Grill & Bar. The Spring has
one of the franchise outlets and Irene brought us there for lunch coz we
didn’t eat on the flight to Kuching.

mfm interior

The Manhattan Fish Market traces its
history back to the Fulton Fish Market in Manhattan, New York. The 180
year linage of the Manhattan Fish Market under the Brooklyn Bridge is the
basis of this seafood restaurant franchise. MFM specializes in seafood of
all sorts – fish, oysters, mussels, lobsters, crab etc. If it has fins or
a shell, it’s probably on the menu at The Manhattan Fish Market.

mfm tv

The MFM
outlet at The Spring shopping mall has a wood based interior with solid
timber dominating the features, a rather environmentally unfriendly but
warm design implementation. The localization attempt has a huge plasma TV
showing a video from Ikan Terhandal Malaysia (Expert Fishing Malaysia), a
monthly magazine for fishing enthusiasts with a VCD showing recreational
fishing amateur footage.

mfm wood

The Manhattan Fish Market also has a consistent
theme – the focus is on seafood and there are old framed posters of fish,
lobster and crab on the walls, presumably the very same ads from the
Fulton Fish Market nearly two centuries ago.

mfm board

The table has the signature
MFM chopping board in place of the usual plate setting in other
restaurants. This trademark is from the Fulton Fish Market days when fresh
tuna (and other catch) were brought in and chopped up before being
sold.

mfm quencher

Captain’s Quencher (RM 6.90)

This is a carbonated orange twist that I ordered. Very refreshing and thirst quenching. No misleading naming conventions here. 🙂

mfm espresso

Espresso (RM 12)

A much needed shot of caffeine to jolt myself awake…

mfm mussels

Garlic Butter Mussels (RM 13.90)

Delicious poached mussels in creamy Manhattan garlic butter sauce. Comes with slices of baguettes.

The mussels in garlic sauce tastes absolutely divine! There weren’t
enough to go around.

mfm catch

Grilled Catch of the Day (RM 17.90)

Grilled catch of the day complete with
Manhattan garlic butter sauce – a healthier choice (presumably compared
to their famous Manhattan Fish & Chips)

Irene had the grilled catch of the day (think it was halibut for that Saturday)

mfm platter

Manhattan Seafood Platter For
Two (RM 42.90)

Deep fried fish fillet, calamari, oysters, and prawns served with chips and garlic rice.

mfm flaming

I shared the Manhattan
Seafood Platter For Two with Phoenix. The waiter had a can of combustible
material and flamed the platter in front of us. This flaming treatment
chars the top of the platter and ensures the carbon goodness is
transmitted properly. 😉

mfm us

The Manhattan Seafood Platter is meant for two
(2) people but even the three of us couldn’t finish it. The serving
portions at The Manhattan Fish Market is generous, meant for larger
appetites than ours. I think the flaming treatment got too close to Phoenix coz her face seems a bit charred from it.

mfm irene

It was really good to meet up with you again on
this trip, Irene! 🙂

mfm logo

The Manhattan Fish Market – now available in
Sarawak.

The Big Mac Chomp Challenge

May 6, 2008 by HB

big mac chomp challenge

The Big Mac Chant Challenge is the latest craze in town. It is perhaps one of the best marketing efforts by McDonald’s in recent memory. However, I would like to propose a new challenge – The Big Mac Chomp Challenge.

You can probably do the Big Mac Chant within four seconds…but can you do the Big Mac CHOMP within four seconds?

big mac chomp

Can you EAT

“Two all-beef patties,
special sauce, lettuce,
cheese, pickles, onions
on a sesame seed bun”

within four seconds?!?!

This is what separates the men from the boys. Watch and weep. 😉

I used the coupon I won yesterday to redeem a Big Mac and got the McDonald’s staff to clock me doing the Big Mac Chomp. My first attempt started well but Faye accidentally pressed the stop button just as I was taking my first bite so I had to do a second take. It’s here for entertainment purposes.

The McDonald’s crew were kind enough to pour me a cup of Coke after the first failed attempt and furnished me with a second complimentary Big Mac since I ruined the first. Thanks people! This is the second and final attempt at the Big Mac Chomp:

I didn’t manage to stuff everything in within four seconds. I reckon I would have made it if I took one bite (of one quarter of the Big Mac) each second but I nearly chocked on the final bite and couldn’t get it down. The remains are here if you have a burning urge to see it:

remains

It tastes surprisingly good even after being pre-chewed. 😉

lovin it

i’m lovin’ it!

mcdonalds crew

A big thank you goes out to the crew of McDonald’s Sibu. Thanks for the support! 🙂

Mega Mac and Big Mac Chant

May 5, 2008 by HB

mega mac

McDonald’s is now offering the Mega Mac for a limited time only. The Mega Mac is a super sized Big Mac with four (4) beef patties instead of the usual two. It retails for RM 14.50 for a large value meal.

mega mac meal

I went there after work today since I felt like I could handle the four patty behemoth, having skipped lunch and all.

mega mac burger

It is basically a huge Big Mac with double the amount of patties.

mega mac patties

There’s nothing new about Big Macs (having being around since time immemorial, or so it seems) but there’s something appealing about biting into the largest burger ever produced by McDonald’s (exception being the Half Pounder promotion in Australia).

big mac chant challenge

The Big Mac Chant is also doing the rounds this time with an online and offline advertising blitz. It’s a phrase you have to say within four seconds (probable tie in to the four beef patties a.k.a, “four times the kick” Mega Mac) to win a free Big Mac.

big mac chant coupon

To qualify for the Big Mac Chant, you have to purchase a McValue Meal which entitles you to one (1) entry coupon valid for “one chant, one chance” at the Big Mac Chant Challenge Counter.

I was the only one at the Big Mac Chant Challenge Counter at that hour and I guess I was probably the first in Sibu to attempt it (since they had to set up the counter for me) but I did it in 3 seconds flat. 🙂

It was very appealing experience to have the McDonald’s crew crowd around the counter to watch me do it. I could hear people coming from the kitchen area asking the timer whether I did it and several comments of “Cepatnya” (He’s fast) from the crew. Heh!

big mac chant

Guide to the Big Mac Chant:

Two all-beef patties, special sauce, – 1 second
lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, – 1 second
on a sesame seed bun. – 1 second

It’s essential to finish the entire chant in one breath so take a nice, deep breath before attempting the Big Mac Chant. Most people can probably finish it in about 3 seconds if you take a minute or two to practice first.

handle it

I can handle it!

Starbucks Halloween themed promotional drinks

September 21, 2006 by HB

pumpkin starbucks

Starbucks came out with three (3) different drinks to commemorate Halloween. The drinks were launched last year in the US, which seems to be the test market. Dubbed “The perfect union of sweetness and spice”, this pumpkin infused coffee tastes great.

pumpkin spice coffee

Rene ordered the Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee (RM 14) which tastes great (but not after you have the Frappuccino, which makes it seem bland).The spice (think it’s nutmeg) adds a lot to the drink and you can actually taste the pumpkin if you close your eyes and think of farms. 😉

pumpkin frappuccino

I had the Pumpkin Spice Iced Frappuccino Blended Coffee (RM 15.50) which administers a dose of Zen to the user with each sip. It is really that good, it should be put on the must try list. It’s a little sweet though, but the nutmeg offsets that.

pumpkin latte

This is the Pumpkin Spice Latte (RM 14) which is the third and final promotional drink. It’s a latte with generous helpings of nutmeg and it’s a really good drink if you’re only wearing a T-shit in Genting Highlands.

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CBTL Breakfast

September 15, 2006 by HB

brek o day

Brek ‘O’ Day (RM 11.50)

tasty toast treat

Tasty Toast Treat (RM 9.50)

wasabi mango salad

Wasabi Mango Salad (RM 12.00)
A new taste sensation – chunks of fresh mango, tomato, cucumber, and red capsicum in a creamy Wasabi dressing that would make you say “Yum!”.

salmon egg muffin

Salmon & Egg Muffin (RM 12.00)
Succulent slices of smoked salmon in an English muffin, topped with a poached egg and served with a fresh side salad.

poached egg

I really like the poached egg…

salad with nuts

…and the assorted nuts in the salad.

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Project MISER Day 2: KFC Meltz and Chick'n Fingers

September 2, 2006 by HB

kfc

I went to KFC just now with Cherie and Joanne to get dinner. KFC is having a dual promotion – the KFC Meltz and Chick’n Fingers.

kfc meltz

KFC Meltz is being heavily promoted by print and other media and is a tortilla based wrap with BBQ chicken meat which is similar in concept and taste to the KFC Chick’n Fingers.

kfc meltz promo

The KFC Meltz meal comes with:
1 Cheesy BBQ Meltz
1 Fun Fries (R)
1 Carbonated Drink (R)
and costs RM 8.39

kfc chickn fingers promo

The KFC Chick’n Fingers comes in sets of 4 and 8 and goes for RM 4.10 for the set of 4. It is described as “Try new chick’n fingers in BBQ flavor! So crunchy, yummy and easy to eat!”

kfc total

The entire meal I ordered cost RM 13.12 but it’s not counted since this post (and meal) is proudly sponsored by:

kfc cherie

Cherie! She paid for my meal after hearing about Project MISER month.

kfc meltz box

The KFC Meltz comes in a custom designed box…

kfc meltz inside

…which reveals the sliced wrap.

kfc meltz look

This is what it looks like inside.

kfc meltz cherie

This is what it looks like after Cherie customized it.

kfc chickn fingers

The KFC Chick’n Fingers came in a set of four (4)…

kfc chickn fingers bite

…and tastes like chicken (seriously though, what did you think it’s going to taste like? Lamb?)

Thanks for sponsoring dinner and thanks for being there for me when I needed it Cherie.

Remainder: RM 212.20

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McDonald's Foldover McValue Meal (New Recipe)

August 24, 2006 by HB

McDonald’s came out with a new and improved version of their Grilled Chicken Foldover [sixthseal.com] for reasons which I can’t comprehend since the first implementation tasted fine to me.

mcd open till late

I capitalized on the new 2 am closing hours and went to McDonald’s at 1 am in the morning to check out their Grilled Chicken Foldover with the new recipe.

foldover value meal

The Foldover McValue Meal costs RM 9.90 for a large meal with fries and Coke. I noticed that the packaging for the Grilled Chicken Foldover has changed as well.

mcd new chicken foldover

The Grilled Chicken Foldover now comes in a muted brown instead of a dark rouge packaging and the graphics has been given an overhaul as well, probably to differentiate the “old” Grilled Chicken Foldover and the “new” Grilled Chicken Foldover.

mcd new chicken foldover open

The ad for the new Grilled Chicken Foldover describes it as “Lightly-grilled chicken patties, fresh lettuce, onions and tomatoes. Now with enhanced garlic flavor in our mayonnaise and added veggies like carrots, red and white cabbage.”

mcd new chicken foldover bite

The same flatbread and dual chicken patty concept is used and the only recipe changes are garlic and some vegetables. I ate it last night and it tasted the same to me.

I honestly can’t tell the difference between the old and new Grilled Chicken Foldover.

I’m sorry, but I just can’t.

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Coffee Bean Honeydew Ice Blended

August 18, 2006 by HB

cb honeydew

Coffee Bean has been my regular hangout for the past couple of days, being the pretentious fuck I am (read related posts to get the joke) and I noticed they had a new promotion going – the Honeydew Ice Blended.

cb honeydew promo

Perfect! Nothing like a nice honeydew ice blended drink to take the edge off the day while seated al fresco with my friends sipping the drink and smoking cigarettes while the Air Pollutant Index (API) breaches the 150 mark. It’s like sipping pina coladas in the Bahamas, I swear.

cb honeydew make

This is perhaps one of the more defining sixthseal.com shots – the obligatory “Hello, I am making your drink, sir” shot.

cb honeydew drink

The Coffee Bean Honeydew Ice Blended goes for RM 12 and comes with a whipped cream topping – it’s a very refreshing drink on a hazy evening. The cake is an Oreo Extreme cheesecake. It’s great too.

cb meet oops frappe

Meet the cast in the making of the Coffee Bean Honeydew Ice Blended post!

(oops…wrong coffee establishment)

That’s actually Frappe.

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McDonalds in Thailand

August 12, 2006 by HB

mcdonalds thailand

McDonald’s in Thailand has one important menu item that Malaysia doesn’t – pork. The Thai sure love their pork (and mangos) over here. I make it a point to go to McDonald’s in every country I visit (and managed to drag MDC with me despite her new found reluctance for all things McDonalds).

mcdonalds interior

The McDonald’s at Siam Paragon (the newest shopping center in Bangkok) has a nice interior – there is ample seating and iPod stations for listening to music. I checked out the Thai McDonald’s menu and couldn’t read it so I got passed and English menu. I found four different menu items – McSalad Shaker, Samurai Pork Burger, McPork Burger and Pepper Chicken Burger and ordered them all.

Samurai Pork Burger (66 baht)

samurai pork burger wrapper

The Samurai Pork Burger was ordered as a large value meal so it came with fries and Coke. The Samurai Pork Burger is wrapped in an appropriately aggressive red wrapper.

samurai pork burger

Samurai Pork Burger consists of a pork patty topped with mayonnaise and lettuce. I don’t know what’s so Samurai about this concoction but it tastes great eating pork. Malaysia doesn’t server pork due to religious considerations.

McPork Burger (19 baht)

mcpork burger wrapper

McPork Burger! I just love the name. McPork! McPork! McPork!

mcpork burger

The McPork Burger is the lower end offering (equivalent to a no frills cheeseburger) priced at 19 baht (about RM 1.90) and it comes in a purple wrapper and has pork in it. Mmm…(Mc)Pork.

Pepper Chicken Burger (23 baht)

pepper chicken burger wrapper

MDC ordered this one coz I ordered all the pork. The pepper chicken burger comes in a blue wrapper and tastes like chicken. 😉

pepper chicken burger

Pepper Chicken Burger in Thailand is not slathered with pepper sauce but rather grounded pepper on a deep fried crumbly chicken patty. It’s alright, but it’s not pork.

McSalad Shaker (32 baht)

mcsalad shaker

McSalad Shaker is the current promotion in Thailand and it’s salad in a plastic container with a choice of “Salad Cream” (mayo) or 1000 Island Dressing.

mcsalad shaker contents

The McSalad Shaker in Thailand has REAL HAM as in ham made out of pork like God intended it to. MDC says it makes all the difference in the salad. It certainly made it very savory.

mcsalad shaker dressing

I put the Salad Cream into the McSalad Shaker…

mcsalad shaker shake

…and shook it as per the instructions. It was quite fun actually, or perhaps I’m just retarded.

mcsalad shaker shaken

This is what the McSalad Shaker looks like after it’s been…er, shaken.

mcsalad shaker done

MDC and I agreed that it tasted great. They have cherry tomatoes, lettuce, carrots and most importantly – ham!

mcdonalds end

McDonald’s in Thailand is great if you have a hankering for pork since we don’t get pork in Malaysia.

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McDonald's Spicy FIFA World Cup Soccer Star promotion

June 5, 2006 by HB

McDonald’s is having a promotion in line with the upcoming World Cup football season – it’s called the McDonald’s Spicy FIFA World Cup Soccer Star promotion and they have four meal sets with a spicy theme to commemorate the event.

McDonald’s Spicy FIFA World Cup promotion comes with the tagline “The heat is on! Support your star!” with four menu items designated Soccer Star A (Spicy Chicken Supreme), Soccer Star B (Spicy Chicken McNuggets), Soccer Star C (Spicy Ayam Goreng McD) and Soccer Star D (Spicy Chicken McDeluxe).

The McDonald’s Spicy FIFA World Cup Soccer Star promotion also includes the option of purchasing GOLEO VI (Soccer Star E) for RM 9.90 each. There are four options – Striker Red, Defender Yellow, Referee Black and Winger White. GOLEO VI is the 2006 FIFA World Cup Official Mascot.

McDonald’s Spicy FIFA World Cup Soccer Star promotion.

Soccer Star A
Spicy Chicken Supreme
Time Out! It’s a tender chicken patty with fiery spices, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce and creamy special sauce in a wheat bran bun.

Soccer Star B
Spicy Chicken McNuggets
Get a kick out of delicious boneless chicken meat! It’s the favorite Chicken McNuggets with a spicy twist!

Soccer Star C
Spicy Ayam Goreng McD
Tackle the sizzling local flavor of fresh premium quality chicken!

Soccer Star D
Spicy Chicken McDeluxe
You’ve met your match! Breaded whole muscle chicken thigh in a special spice marinade, topped with crisp lettuce and creamy special sauce in a cornmeal bun!

There are two new items in this promotion – the Spicy Chicken Supreme and Spicy Chicken McNuggets. The Spicy Chicken Supreme comes in a long card box and is a sub style sandwich with a long chicken patty with spiced batter inside a wheat bran bun.

Spicy Chicken Supreme tastes good – the spiced chicken patty goes well with the wheat bran bun. It would make a nice addition to the permanent menu of McDonald’s as this sandwich is large and filling.

However, the Spicy Chicken McNuggets is the real gem in this promotion. McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets has been given the spicy treatment and the result is fabulous! The Spicy Chicken McNuggets are coated with a special chilli infused batter that truly elevates it from a variant menu item to a valid new addition.

Spicy Chicken McNuggets are surprisingly hot. The batter is really spicy, even by my standards. It’s a must try for people who haven’t tasted this yet…I was surprised a mass market appeal franchise like McDonald’s would make such spicy items. It gets two thumbs up from me!

McDonald’s Spicy FIFA World Cup Soccer Star promotion also features GOLEO VI as a primary attraction – I got Striker Red and Defender Yellow for RM 9.90 each.

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