Foodies all across the country are being treated to a range of Mediterranean inspired cuisine from today - all thanks to fast-food chain McDonald's.
The infamous golden arches has decided to give their menu a bit of an exotic shake-up in time for summer, which has led to them axing four popular menu items (RIP garlic cheese dippers, you'll be sorely missed.)
From June 8 to July 26, McDonald's fans will be able to get a range of new items that have been inspired from warm countries such as Italy, Cyprus and Spain.
Featured on the menu over the coming months will be four new burgers, which includes The Italian Stack, the Crispy Chicken Italiano, The Spanish Stack and The Chicken Fiesta.
Later on, the new menu will also include the return of the Mozzarella Dippers, Halloumi Fries, a Tiramisu McFlurry and a Spanish inspired fruit punch.
Today officially marked the introduction of the fast-food giants Italian- inspired menu and, let me tell you something, I think that this might be one of McDonald's best moves.
Now, I know that sounds like exceptionally high praise, but, if I am being honest, I'm a huge fan of Italian food. Chicken Alfredo, Pizza and Lasagne are arguably up there as the absolute god-tier level of food and no I won't accept any criticism on that take.
As a huge fan of that exotic cuisine, I felt like I had no choice but to rush out to my local McDonald's to try out a few of the new menu items.
And, while the dark, grey and drizzly weather was not very Italian, I refused to let it spoil my chances of at least getting the mouth-watering taste of Italy.
I managed to pick up two of the new items to try out;
- Italian Stack - £5.39
McFlurry Tiramisu - £1.69
The Italian Stack
First up, we absolutely have to talk about this burger, because, quite frankly, I have never tried anything quite like it - well not from McDonald's, or any other fast-food chain.
Not only is this burger a brand new offering, but it offers them the taste of Lasagne. Yes, you read that correct, McDonald's has created a burger inspired by an Italian classic.
If you're a fan of that comforting and cheesy dish - a bit like me - then I have a feeling that this new burger is one you will want to get your hands on.
The Italian Stack is made up of two beef patties, mozzarella slices, crispy onions, rich tomato sauce, béchamel sauce, and lettuce that is served in a tomato and herb style bun.
Even before I had managed to tuck into the burger, I was quite impressed as it came in a sleek new box that looks like a classic Italian café or restaurant. I'm already getting the Italian vibes well before I have even taken a bite, so that's a good sign.
As for the presentation of the burger, I actually think that this might be the best looking burger McDonald's has ever given me. Usually you get a mess of meat, garnish and sauce that is half sliding out of the burger and ends up everywhere.
This was not the case with The Italian Stack, as it was fairly clean and stayed put together. The only nit-pick I have, was that there was a lot of garnish, way more than usual, and a lot of it had to be taken out.
Now, on to the star of the show, the actual flavour - which is where this burger becomes an absolute game-changer for me.
Based on the ingredients above, it should come as an absolute surprise to no-one that The Italian Stack tastes just like lasagne in a burger. It has the tangy tomato sauce and the creamy cheese sauce that explodes in your mouth and is exactly like the classic Italian dish. The tomato and herb style bun was also a nice touch, as it gives a pleasingly fresh taste to the sauces.
Honestly, this was a solid win for me, and I am really surprised that the geniuses at McDonald's hadn't thought of this sooner.
Tiramisu McFlurry
Next up on my taste of Italy was the rather divisive Tiramisu McFlurry. Some reactions on social media has seen some shoppers absolutely 'loving it', while a few others have said it is 'disappointing.'
Alongside my love for lasagne, I don't think I have ever mentioned that I absolutely love tiramisu for dessert. If I am out for dinner and I see that particular coffee-based dessert is on the menu, it is absolutely getting ordered.
So, when McDonald's introduced this McFlurry on to the menu, then you all absolutely know that I didn't think twice before hitting the order button.
This dessert comes with your regular vanilla McFlurry ice cream that is topped with biscuit pieces and a coffee and chocolate based sauce.
On first bite, it just tasted like plain old vanilla ice cream with a biscuit-y topping, so I was initially disappointed. But, after I had given it a good swirl around, then the flavours of coffee and chocolate mixed with the vanilla and I was instantly happier.
I'm a huge fan of coffee, so I liked the coffee based sauce, but I can understand some people hesitance. That being said, it's actually not too overpowering and is very light, which makes it a bit more appealing for non-caffeine folks.
Overall verdict
Honestly, I have to say this Italian-inspired menu might be by far one of the best things that McDonald's has ever introduced - and that is coming from someone who was sold on the Chicken Big Mac.
Quite frankly, I think The Italian Stack is an absolute game-changer and the Tiramisu McFlurry was a deliciously creamy dessert that will appeal to coffee and non-coffee fans alike.
I really have no bad things to say about either menu items that I have tried, which is quite a rarity for a fast-food order that can occasionally be a hit or a miss.
If you ever get the chance to try out any of the new Italian-themed food items, then I can easily recommend. I am eagerly looking forward to their Taste of Spain and Cyprus Menu in July 27.
McDonald's Taste of Italy menu will be available in store and via the app from June 8 until July 26.
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