My list includes Fast Foods and foods that can be eaten in a hurry. It’s based on what I’ve eaten over the last five years (2003-07).
Quality, flavor and price were the main criteria in my selection process. Sodas and coffee drinks on the list are only for specific food chains and countries. Bakery items on this list are only those individually wrapped and ready for quick consumption.
There will be 50 total on my list of favorites; 25 this time and 25 next time. Yes, I do love sweet snacks and desserts!
"Yummy 25" Foods and Beverages
1. Taro Pies, McDonald's, Thailand
Ube Pies, McDonald's, Philippines (yes, it's a tie.)
2. Belochka ice creams, sold in many locations, Ukraine
3. Halo-Halo, Chowking, Philippines
4. Coke at McDonald's, Thailand (This Coca-Cola mix is much better than in the U.S.)
5. Bangus, Chowking, Philippines
6. Iced Coffee, McDonald's, Thailand
7. Blueberry French Toast Sticks, Jack in the Box, U.S.
8. Jolly Spaghetti, Jollibee, Philippines
9. Sausage McMuffin with Egg, McDonald's, U.S.
10. EZ Go meal, Thai green curry chicken and rice, 7-Eleven, Thailand
11. Golden Fish (fried fish), Chester's Grill, Thailand
12. Spaghetti, Chester's Grill, Thailand
13. Piece of chicken, rice and vegetables, KFC, Thailand
14. Iced Coffee, McDonald’s, U.S.
15. Number 2 chicken meal, KFC, Thailand
16. Iceberg ice creams, (many locations), Ukraine
17. Almond Brownie, S&P Bakery, Thailand
18. Coffee ice cream (my favorite “mix-in” is white chocolate chips), Cold Stone Creamery, US
19. Chocolate Coconut Donut, Dunkin' Donuts, Thailand
20. Strawberry Glazed Donut, Dunkin’ Donuts, Thailand
21. Iced Americano (with half and half), Starbucks, U.S.
22. Glazed Lemon Filled Doughnut, Krispy Kreme, U.S
23. Filet-O-Fish, McDonald’s, Thailand
24. Bud’s Ice Cream of San Francisco, Green Tea ice cream, Thailand
25. Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake, Carl’s Jr., U.S.
Note: This list is part 1 of my list of favorite foods and beverages sold at fast-food chains and quick-service restaurants, coffee shops, donut shops, bakery outlets and stores. It includes not only fast foods and beverages but ones that were bought and/or eaten on the go.
My main reason for expanding the definition of “fast food” is that these companies and brands are in competition for some of the same customers and often are close together on street blocks and in shopping malls.
Some of the foods on my list may not be the exact names. I am mainly interested in identifying the foods, the restaurants, or stores where I bought them and the country where I bought and ate the foods. I cannot eat every food on the each menu and don’t plan to.
I visited the Philippines and Thailand in 2005 and Ukraine in 2003 . I have not been to those countries since that time. Availability of these foods may have changed along with prices and other factors.
This is about what I love to eat and where I ate it. I did not have a blog or any intention of writing about fast food in 2005, and prior to that time, when I was overseas. In fact, I did not even know what a blog was back then. Sounds kinda funny, but it’s true.
Fast foods in Thailand and the Philippines were so yummy and the restaurants spotlessly clean, for the most part, I thought they deserved special recognition from me as a writer. I used to work as a writer, but now I’m just doing it because I enjoy it. I’m not currently making money as a writer.
For the most part, I did not include in my list foods bought in grocery stores or supermarkets. There are exceptions. I’ve decided to have a separate list for fast-food experiences, which would include hanging out in coffee shops, bakeries and other places where there nice atmosphere and it's affordable for many people to go there for some some fun on occasion. The coffee and espresso drinks included on today’s list are there because McDonald’s is listed with its iced coffee, and so should its competitors.
This is NOT a list for the year 2007, but rather it covers five years--2003 through 2007-- so I will elaborate on it as time permits into January 2008 or perhaps longer.
I did not put any hamburgers on my list because they are not among my favorite foods. Chicken sandwiches, fried chicken, chicken strips, fried fish, breakfast sandwiches, (sometimes) spaghetti, ice cream, other snacks, desserts and soda pop are what I love to eat.
However, I know most people who eat fast food love hamburgers and French fries. That’s great! Enjoy! Hope your meals and snacks are always wonderful.
Note: Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. I have no connection to any of the companies or brands. I do NOT own or operate a business that sells food. I am a writer, a customer of fast-food restaurants, and I like fast food. These are my opinions or reviews. They were written by me, unless otherwise noted, and my articles, reviews, opinions, entries and posts are NOT influenced by any company or individual working in a fast-food company. Thank you.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Hello
It's taking me longer than I thought it would to finish my list of favorite fast foods. I hope to get it completed soon.
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Happy Holidays!!!
A small correction was made to the previous post. Thanks for reading. Happy Holidays!!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tasted Seven Hamburgers -- Today!!!
Small burgers are still a good deal on most fast-food menus. But which of the fast-food chains makes the best small burger? My answer: Carl's Jr.
Just like talking to you, Scott writes...
Today I ordered a hamburger from a fast-food restaurant for the first time in more than two years. Make that seven hamburgers. Actually I only ate several bites of the seven burgers. What‘s left is in the fridge. The dog is smiling, I think. Wait! Do dogs smile? Sure they do, when there’s burgers in the refrigerator. haha
This morning before lunch-time rush hour, I ordered six hamburgers at six different fast-food locations, opting for the smallest and cheapest burger on each menu.
These days some fast-food chains are boasting that “bigger is better,” but I’m not falling for their line. Besides, the space in my stomach is reserved for the best, not the biggest foods on the menu. There’s no need to waste money or go off my diet.
Anyway, these fast-food restaurants were close together (most of them were across the street from each other), there wasn’t much traffic before noon, so it was easy to get through six drive-thrus in something like 20 minutes. I drove right home, snapped a few pictures and had a burger party. All by myself.
Oh yeah, Dolly, the cute “piggy” oops I mean black lab, was begging for burgers. It’s a good thing dogs can’t read. (After I finished, she did get a burger treat. No buns though.)
Somehow in all the commotion, one of the burgers got left out of the photos. Perhaps burger experts could guess which one was not pictured. But you would need to “know buns“ in order to get it right. lol
Here’s today’s burger report:
Every day a hamburger is crowned a champion by some fast food dude. The winner of my contest is the hamburger that tasted better than the others.
The best hamburger of seven local fast-food restaurants was from Carl’s Jr.
The cashier at the drive-thru window told me it’s a quarter-pound burger. It’s a yummy, juicy burger for just $1.49. The other burgers cost around 50 cents less, but they were not as good.
Other contenders were: McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, A&W, Dairy Queen, and Jack in the Box. Those hamburgers cost 95 cents, $1.00, 90 cents, 2 for $2.00 (see explanation below), $1.25, and $1.00 respectively.
The best of the so-called big three (first three mentioned) was Wendy’s, followed by Burger King and McDonald’s. (Note: I wanted to buy a burger from Jack in the Box, but it was on the other end of town and I needed to hurry. So I went and tasted that burger in the afternoon.)
In my opinion, of these seven burger chains, the A&W burger was second because it was almost equal in quality to the one from Carl’s Jr.
What a burger costs is also a factor when two burgers are similar in quality.
The A&W hamburger costs more than the others when it’s not on sale. Regularly it is $2.09 for one burger, according to the drive-thru menu and A&W crew member taking my order. But today it was the reduced price of 2 hamburgers for $2.
It tastes great but is simple next to the impressive burger from Carl‘s Jr.
In my opinion, Wendy’s is third overall, with Burger King placing fourth, and Jack in the Box fifth. Dairy Queen and McDonald’s tied at the bottom of the list, but my guess is they put more emphasis on their bigger burgers.
McDonald’s has some of the best menu items, including breakfast sandwiches and iced coffee, which enables it to compete with global coffee giant Starbucks. Dairy Queen is known for its delicious frozen desserts. I really like those two fast-food chains a lot.
Note: I do NOT have a hamburger bias, and have NO stake whatsoever in which burger is best. This is my review and my opinion about fast-food hamburgers.
This blog and its writer have no connection to any of the fast-food chains. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Just like talking to you, Scott writes...
Today I ordered a hamburger from a fast-food restaurant for the first time in more than two years. Make that seven hamburgers. Actually I only ate several bites of the seven burgers. What‘s left is in the fridge. The dog is smiling, I think. Wait! Do dogs smile? Sure they do, when there’s burgers in the refrigerator. haha
This morning before lunch-time rush hour, I ordered six hamburgers at six different fast-food locations, opting for the smallest and cheapest burger on each menu.
These days some fast-food chains are boasting that “bigger is better,” but I’m not falling for their line. Besides, the space in my stomach is reserved for the best, not the biggest foods on the menu. There’s no need to waste money or go off my diet.
Anyway, these fast-food restaurants were close together (most of them were across the street from each other), there wasn’t much traffic before noon, so it was easy to get through six drive-thrus in something like 20 minutes. I drove right home, snapped a few pictures and had a burger party. All by myself.
Oh yeah, Dolly, the cute “piggy” oops I mean black lab, was begging for burgers. It’s a good thing dogs can’t read. (After I finished, she did get a burger treat. No buns though.)
Somehow in all the commotion, one of the burgers got left out of the photos. Perhaps burger experts could guess which one was not pictured. But you would need to “know buns“ in order to get it right. lol
Here’s today’s burger report:
Every day a hamburger is crowned a champion by some fast food dude. The winner of my contest is the hamburger that tasted better than the others.
The best hamburger of seven local fast-food restaurants was from Carl’s Jr.
The cashier at the drive-thru window told me it’s a quarter-pound burger. It’s a yummy, juicy burger for just $1.49. The other burgers cost around 50 cents less, but they were not as good.
Other contenders were: McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, A&W, Dairy Queen, and Jack in the Box. Those hamburgers cost 95 cents, $1.00, 90 cents, 2 for $2.00 (see explanation below), $1.25, and $1.00 respectively.
The best of the so-called big three (first three mentioned) was Wendy’s, followed by Burger King and McDonald’s. (Note: I wanted to buy a burger from Jack in the Box, but it was on the other end of town and I needed to hurry. So I went and tasted that burger in the afternoon.)
In my opinion, of these seven burger chains, the A&W burger was second because it was almost equal in quality to the one from Carl’s Jr.
What a burger costs is also a factor when two burgers are similar in quality.
The A&W hamburger costs more than the others when it’s not on sale. Regularly it is $2.09 for one burger, according to the drive-thru menu and A&W crew member taking my order. But today it was the reduced price of 2 hamburgers for $2.
It tastes great but is simple next to the impressive burger from Carl‘s Jr.
In my opinion, Wendy’s is third overall, with Burger King placing fourth, and Jack in the Box fifth. Dairy Queen and McDonald’s tied at the bottom of the list, but my guess is they put more emphasis on their bigger burgers.
McDonald’s has some of the best menu items, including breakfast sandwiches and iced coffee, which enables it to compete with global coffee giant Starbucks. Dairy Queen is known for its delicious frozen desserts. I really like those two fast-food chains a lot.
Note: I do NOT have a hamburger bias, and have NO stake whatsoever in which burger is best. This is my review and my opinion about fast-food hamburgers.
This blog and its writer have no connection to any of the fast-food chains. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Beautiful Cake by S&P Bakery in Thailand
Fancy cake from S&P Bakery
in Thailand
Some people have more than one birthday party every year. This beautiful cake makes me think they are right!
Holidays are also good times to snack on sweets, so I'm glad they are almost here.
Making me hungry!!!
My friend, N., told me by telephone that S&P Bakery is one of the favorites of Thai people because the bakery uses the best ingredients in their cakes. In Thailand, other bakeries sell cakes that cost less than this one (in the photo), but the cakes made by S&P bakery are of very good quality. My birthday cake was rich and had the flavor of much butter, said N., paraphrased here.
It sure looks delicious, N!
Note: Photos by N.
Written by Scott.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Happy Birthday to my friend!!!
Today is my friend N.'s birthday! Spaghetti is a great food on birthdays! So I decided to send the spicy seafood spaghetti and a few other foods on the website menu for S&P Delivery in Thailand, which makes it simple to order and send a meal or cake. It's very convenient for me, as I live in America.
I also like the desserts and snacks made by S&P Bakery. When I was in Thailand, there was an S&P Bakery outlet very close to where I was staying. It offered a variety of delicious sweets to snack on, such as individually wrapped brownies with almonds and slices of fruitcake at very low prices.
These delicious snacks/desserts (we ate them for breakfast) qualify for my list of favorite foods because my criteria are the food doesn't cost too much or at least not more than it should, it is consistently yummy and can be bought in a "fast" or "quick-service" restaurant, store, bakery, coffee or donut shop. And because it's my list, I'll put whatever I want on it. Back to the birthday party!
In a birthday phone conversation, my friend told me the spaghetti was very good! I've ordered food online before, I like this way of ordering and plan to do it again. Just wish I could have been there so I could have some spaghetti, and cake. My friend, whose favorite color is pink, celebrated with the family. Sounds like a lot of fun! Happy Birthday!!! I hope this will be a great year in your life!!!
I also like the desserts and snacks made by S&P Bakery. When I was in Thailand, there was an S&P Bakery outlet very close to where I was staying. It offered a variety of delicious sweets to snack on, such as individually wrapped brownies with almonds and slices of fruitcake at very low prices.
These delicious snacks/desserts (we ate them for breakfast) qualify for my list of favorite foods because my criteria are the food doesn't cost too much or at least not more than it should, it is consistently yummy and can be bought in a "fast" or "quick-service" restaurant, store, bakery, coffee or donut shop. And because it's my list, I'll put whatever I want on it. Back to the birthday party!
In a birthday phone conversation, my friend told me the spaghetti was very good! I've ordered food online before, I like this way of ordering and plan to do it again. Just wish I could have been there so I could have some spaghetti, and cake. My friend, whose favorite color is pink, celebrated with the family. Sounds like a lot of fun! Happy Birthday!!! I hope this will be a great year in your life!!!
I just thought of something...
Spaghetti
Yeah, I'm always thinking of food, but this word has special meaning today, besides the fact that it will be on my list of favorite fast foods. Next time I'll explain why the word is pink.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
A nice meal at Dairy Queen
Chicken Strip Basket at Dairy Queen
One of my favorite meals is the Chicken Strip Basket at Dairy Queen. I used to live across the street from a Dairy Queen and often went there for something to eat, or just to drink my favorite sodas mixed together. In the '90s, I loved to mix Dr. Pepper and Diet Coke because I could get the sweetness, flavor and carbonation almost perfect.
Peanut Buster Parfait by Dairy Queen is yummy!
I don't let the cold outside stand in my way when I want ice cream. I have been known to eat ice cream in the winter, so don't be surprised if I write more about frozen desserts this month.
Photos: Scott McLean
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Parade in America
The street was blocked off before the parade
began Saturday in Ontario, Oregon, USA.
Parade reaches downtown
Winter Wonderland Parade Queen and
Princesses ride in style.
Here comes the Grand Marshal!!!
Grand Marshal of the Winter Wonderland Parade
waves and tells parade-goers "Merry Christmas!"
All this work-- me taking photos, the man of the hour and his wife waving--made us hungry, so we went out for lunch. I ordered the Chicken Strip Basket and Peanut Buster Parfait at Dairy Queen. I forget what Dad and Mom had to eat. But I gave Mom half (well ok, less than half) of my ice cream treat, which was even more delicious than I remember it being the previous time I ate it.
Photos: Scott McLean
Small Parade and My Big Appetite
Saturday began with thoughts of fast food. Well, what's new?! I like eating on the weekend. It's wise to eat during the week too, even if sometimes I forget to do it. But what I'm really saying is it's fun to eat fast food with friends or family when we can take our time and don't have to hurry so much.
Before going out for a bite to eat yesterday, I went to the local parade because my Dad and Mom were IN THE PARADE. Dad was the parade's Grand Marshal. (No, Dolly, the cute dog with a big appetite, was not in the parade. haha)
It's called the Winter Wonderland Parade. When I was a kid, we used to help decorate the floats, or just acted silly and kept asking when the parade was going to start, then we would find a good spot to watch the parade and grab candy when they threw it to us kids. As I recall, those were great times.
We didn't have to worry about gaining weight and when we went out for pizza after the parade, I remember eating almost a whole pizza once, or at least four or five pieces. I also caught a fish longer than I was tall one summer, or at least it was a keeper. LOL
Anyway, yesterday I was getting hungry walking around in the cold with two cameras, waiting for the parade to begin. I almost forgot to say it's cold here, so it could snow before long.
Since I hadn't eaten much before going to the parade, I just stuck around for a while, snapped some photos, and then met my folks over at Dairy Queen for a late lunch.
I will post some parade photos next time.
Before going out for a bite to eat yesterday, I went to the local parade because my Dad and Mom were IN THE PARADE. Dad was the parade's Grand Marshal. (No, Dolly, the cute dog with a big appetite, was not in the parade. haha)
It's called the Winter Wonderland Parade. When I was a kid, we used to help decorate the floats, or just acted silly and kept asking when the parade was going to start, then we would find a good spot to watch the parade and grab candy when they threw it to us kids. As I recall, those were great times.
We didn't have to worry about gaining weight and when we went out for pizza after the parade, I remember eating almost a whole pizza once, or at least four or five pieces. I also caught a fish longer than I was tall one summer, or at least it was a keeper. LOL
Anyway, yesterday I was getting hungry walking around in the cold with two cameras, waiting for the parade to begin. I almost forgot to say it's cold here, so it could snow before long.
Since I hadn't eaten much before going to the parade, I just stuck around for a while, snapped some photos, and then met my folks over at Dairy Queen for a late lunch.
I will post some parade photos next time.
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