McDonald's — Review by emmymade
Not specified, United States — Fast Food, American
The reviewer tried McDonald's new Big Arch sandwich that went viral after the CEO's unenthusiastic reaction. Despite the gourmet appearance with multiple seeds and double patties, the sandwich was ultimately disappointing due to its dry bun, excessive meat, and poorly balanced flavors.
What was great: The appearance with poppy and sesame seeds, the crispy lettuce texture
What could improve: The sandwich was too thick and difficult to bite, dry bun, too much meat that felt meatball-like, unbalanced overall, the sweet and tangy sauce with an unpleasant spice (possibly clove), crispy onions were not noticeable
The Dishes
The reviewer ordered the Big Arch sandwich, which features a toasted bun topped with poppy seeds and sesame seeds, lettuce, a mysterious sauce, pickles, two beef patties, two slices of cheese, and crispy onions. The sandwich cost $8.59, which the reviewer noted was not particularly inexpensive for just the sandwich without a meal.
The Experience
McDonald's attempted a more gourmet approach with this sandwich, as evidenced by the multiple seeds on the bun and the double patty construction. However, the execution fell short of expectations. The thick construction made it difficult to take a satisfying bite, and the overall experience felt dry and poorly balanced. The bun, which was toasted beforehand, contributed to the dryness rather than enhancing the sandwich.
The Flavor Profile
The first bite was noticeably dry, though the second bite proved slightly better with a bit more moisture. The meat itself was very thick and somewhat meatball-like in texture, with the reviewer feeling there was simply too much meat in the sandwich. While the lettuce provided a pleasant crunch, the sauce was problematic - it was sweet and tangy but included a spice (possibly clove) that the reviewer did not enjoy. The crispy onions, which should have added textural interest, were not noticeable in either texture or flavor.
Notable Moments
I just simply want this to be a Big Mac, which I think is perfect.
This final statement encapsulates the reviewer's sentiment - they felt McDonald's already had a superior burger in the Big Mac and that the Big Arch was an unnecessary and disappointing alternative.
Value and Pricing
At $8.59 for just the sandwich, the price point was considered not inexpensive, making the disappointing quality even more frustrating for the reviewer.
The Verdict
The Big Arch fails to deliver despite its viral reputation and gourmet presentation. The combination of a dry bun, excessive meat, unbalanced flavors, and poor execution makes this sandwich a disappointment. The reviewer recommends sticking with McDonald's classic Big Mac instead, which offers superior balance and satisfaction.