Derek’s Big Mac Challenge

I, Derek, have taken it upon myself to taste a Big Mac in each country we visit. This blob is dedicated to all that is Big Mac and will contain many pictures of me stuffing my face with a Big Mac.

Shanghai, China: Being convenient as always, a store was not hard to find. Translation of “Big Mac” was slightly difficult but the point and wave technique worked successfully. The classic “box” wrap preserved the freshness and taste of the burger. Overall the Big Mac was great, beware the pickles though, probably best left out of the burger as they tasted like pickled Korean entrees…

Stuttgart, Germany: A McDonalds was hard to find in Stuttgart but after some walking and pub hopping we stumbled across one. The fresh bun and delicious meat patties went down the gullet very quickly, the “Big Mac” tasted very much like a “Big Mac” back home. With all the beautiful German food around it is hard to stay true to the “Big Mac” challenge…

Innsbruck, Austria: Austria is riddled with stores and a Big Mac was not hard to find, and, after a long day going up and down cable cars it was well deserved. I have to say this one tasted a lot like the German Big Mac.

Zurich, Switzerland: After a big night out with Silvana and plenty of beer we passed a McDonalds on our way home. It was about that time of night that a tasty Big Mac will help settle the stomach. The Big Mac was a little dry as I was scraping the bottom of the barrel at that time of night, however the store itself was impressive with Internet and audio facilities, Big Mac Italy here I come!

Italy: Derek’s Big Mac Challenge encountered a small hiccup through Italy. I was unable to eat a Big Mac although several opportunities were given (If you liked to wait in queues for 40+ minutes). However, my brother Randal (who was in Venice when we were there) did manage to have an Italian Big Mac. He said “Italy big macs are crap”, so I wasn’t disappointed about missing out on them. Let the challenge continue in Spain!

Barcelona, Spain: To make up for Italy two Big Macs were to be consumed in Spain… at the same time. We found a McDonalds on the water front of the Olympic Village and decided that this was the one must have been for the athletes. I ordered two Big Macs and proceeded to stuff my face. This was done at speed; before my brain realized I couldn’t eat anymore. Spanish Big Macs are the greasiest of the lot and had a few burnt bits throughout, giving it a crunchy texture.