I don’t go out for fast food very much these days.  Now I remember why. 

I snuck away from the corporate chains just long enough  to squeeze in some personal business.  I had the audacity to be away from my email for 2 hours.  You bet, somebody had to have an email answered immediately during those 2 hours, so I got a phone call from the top.

It was made clear to me that I was expected back “in the loop” before much longer.  Having had no food yet for the day, and it getting near 3 pm, I went through a McDonald’s drive through on my way home.

I got one of the worst meals of my life, which is saying something.  Back when a value meal was three bucks, I didn’t expect a lot, but come on.  I rang up $6.29 on a chicken sandwich combo and it was inedible.  Burnt bread ( both halves were black inside)  and a rubbery round sponge of chicken, wilted lettuce, and a ranch sauce that resembled glue. 

Naturally, I discovered this once I was back home (where I work)  and had 5 minutes to eat before having to respond back to the crisis du jour.  

I know that fast-food represents the ultimate in “buyer beware.”  I know people are underpaid and the food is cheap by design.  I know people are human and make mistakes and that’s why I check the bag before leaving the drive up window.

Now, apparently I have to open my sandwich and inspect it before pulling away.  I wouldn’t care if they forgot the lettuce or put too much sauce on there.  All I ask, is for something that’s not completely disgusting.  My expectations are low.

What did I do about this Chicken McNasty meal?  Not a damn thing.  I didn’t have time to go back and complain. In the big scheme of things it’s a sandwich.  But it’s not the first time I’ve had really old, or really bad, food from a McDonald’s. 

Eating there is like gambling.  You get edible food just often enough, to keep going back.