Boo! Subway sucks, it's the shittiest sub store I've ever been to.
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/112284/subway-passes-mcdonalds
QuoteSubway Passes McDonald's
by Julie Jargon
Monday, March 7, 2011
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It's official: the Subway sandwich chain has surpassed McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD - News) as the world's largest restaurant chain, in terms of units.
At the end of last year, Subway had 33,749 restaurants worldwide, compared to McDonald's 32,737. The burger giant disclosed its year-end store count in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing late last month.
The race for global dominance is an important one for an industry that's mostly saturated in the U.S. High unemployment and economic uncertainty have battered the restaurant industry in the U.S., and chains are increasingly looking overseas for growth, particularly in Asia.
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Starbucks Corp. Honda (Nasdaq: SBUX - News) recently said it plans to triple its number of outlets in China, for example. Dunkin' Brands Inc., parent of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, plans to open thousands of new outlets in China in coming years as well as its first stores in Vietnam in the next 18 months. Subway just opened its 1,000th location in Asia, including its first in Vietnam.
Subway, which opened its first international restaurant in 1984, in Bahrain, expects its number of international restaurants to exceed its domestic ones by 2020, says Don Fertman, Subway's Chief Development Officer. The chain currently has just over 24,000 restaurants in the U.S., where it generated $10.5 billion of its $15.2 billion in revenue last year.
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The closely held company, owned by Doctor's Associates Inc., does not disclose its profits.
McDonald's is still the leader when it comes to sales. The burger chain reported $24 billion in revenue last year. "We remain focused on listening to and serving our customers, and are committed to being better, not just bigger," a McDonald's spokeswoman says.
Subway, which surpassed the number of McDonald's in the U.S. about nine years ago, expects China to eventually become one of its largest markets. The sandwich shop only has 199 restaurants in China now, but expects to have more than 500 by 2015.
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Subway has achieved its rapid growth, in part, by opening outlets in non-traditional locations such as an automobile showroom in California, an appliance store in Brazil, a ferry terminal in Seattle, a riverboat in Germany, a zoo in Taiwan, a Goodwill store in South Carolina, a high school in Detroit and a church in Buffalo, New York.
"We're continually looking at just about any opportunity for someone to buy a sandwich, wherever that might be. The closer we can get to the customer, the better," Mr. Fertman says, explaining that it now has almost 8,000 Subways in unusual locations. "The non-traditional is becoming traditional."
The company has some concerns about the economies of certain international markets, such as Germany and the United Kingdom. The company is trying to develop more affordable offerings in those countries, similar to the $5 foot-long sandwiches that have been successful in the U.S.
"Finding that kind of value proposition in those countries is essential," Mr. Fertman says.
Subway is too dear.
But it is freaky how quickly it has taken off. The first ones I can remember seeing in the UK were less than 10 years ago, now they're absolutely everywhere, constantly leap frogging each other into better spots.
It's that fucking Jared. Fucking Jew.
McD's will always reign supreme. Golden Arches forever.*
*Five Guys an honorable mention.
Quote from: Tyr on March 07, 2011, 07:26:07 PM
Subway is too dear.
But it is freaky how quickly it has taken off. The first ones I can remember seeing in the UK were less than 10 years ago, now they're absolutely everywhere, constantly leap frogging each other into better spots.
And the quality of their food has gone down dramatically too.
:yes:
I used to like Subway when I was younger, but newer chains blow it away. There's a Subway by my office but hardly anyone goes there. The Jimmy John's around the corner is always packed however.
I used to wolf down Subway's meatball sub like it was crack, until one time I got one that was all gristly and nasty.
Number of shops is a lame comparison. I'd bet Mickey's blows them away in volume.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 07, 2011, 07:39:48 PM
Number of shops is a lame comparison. I'd bet Mickey's blows them away in volume.
I would imagine so.
Quizno's makes a far, far better sandwich than Subway.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 07, 2011, 07:39:48 PM
I used to wolf down Subway's meatball sub like it was crack, until one time I got one that was all gristly and nasty.
Number of shops is a lame comparison. I'd bet Mickey's blows them away in volume.
They always try to put a gallon of sauce on mine. If I wanted Ragu, I'd drink a jar from out of my kitchen.
Quote from: Neil on March 07, 2011, 07:42:49 PM
Quizno's makes a far, far better sandwich than Subway.
I do like Quizno's better, but IMO Quizno's is overpriced. Also, they want to toast everything, which is an irritating gimmick.
Subway also has franchise on military bases.
You know a chain is in the death throes of quality when it's picked up on a military base.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 07, 2011, 07:39:48 PM
I used to wolf down Subway's meatball sub like it was crack, until one time I got one that was all gristly and nasty.
Number of shops is a lame comparison. I'd bet Mickey's blows them away in volume.
I used to love that one too. Though it always felt bad to eat, it was messy and you literally did have to wolf it down, swallow the meatballs in one.
It just doesn't do it these days though.
Quote from: Neil on March 07, 2011, 07:42:49 PM
Quizno's makes a far, far better sandwich than Subway.
Not a big fan of Quizno's sauces. Too sickly sweet.
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 07, 2011, 07:46:56 PM
Subway also has franchise on military bases.
You know a chain is in the death throes of quality when it's picked up on a military base.
And in a bunch of Wally World's. Nothing sounds better than going to eat in a Wal Mart.
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 07, 2011, 07:46:56 PM
Subway also has franchise on military bases.
You know a chain is in the death throes of quality when it's picked up on a military base.
IIRC there's a Subway at Gitmo. But I think there is also a McDonald's there.
Maybe they torture the Camp X-Ray dudes with Subway 'Italian subs'. :x
There is both Subway and McDonald's on my brother's navy ship. :P
Quote from: Tyr on March 07, 2011, 07:26:07 PM
Subway is too dear.
How much they charging over yonder? Here you get a foot of food for 5 bucks. Not very dear.
How do they staff fastfoot joints at Gitmo? On a navy ship? :huh:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 07, 2011, 07:54:44 PM
How do they staff fastfoot joints at Gitmo? On a navy ship? :huh:
I'd bet the Gitmo is staffed by KBR or some other contractor.
IIRC the Subway @ Gitmo is off duty personnel, since Cubans ain't allowed to go there anymore to work.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 07, 2011, 07:49:08 PM
Quote from: Neil on March 07, 2011, 07:42:49 PM
Quizno's makes a far, far better sandwich than Subway.
Not a big fan of Quizno's sauces. Too sickly sweet.
Too much sauce, no idea what's in it.
I like that I can just get plain, fat-free mustard at Subway.
Mr. Sub is good too, but I haven't lived near one for awhile.
Subway's veggie & cheese sub is great. :mmm:
Most Air Force bases have a Burger King...I've seen one with a McDonalds. The other notable fact about on-base franchises, is that the quality is noticeably below that as those off-base (probably due to being staffed by dependents).
Most, as said, have a Subway, a Cinnabon, and some other chains that are basically run by the Army Air Force Exchange Service.
Many bases nowadays have a Starbucks as well, though oddly, those have, so far, been pretty comparable to a regular Starbucks you might see anywhere (whether that is good or bad, is up to you).
Kadena AFB in Okinawa (and this is more true of the overseas, America-deprived bases) had a Chilis and there was a Macaroni Grill on the Marine Corp base. Both were actually pretty good in comparison with the stateside equivalent. But that makes sense to provide better quality for folks overseas (even though Okinawa is awesome enough without Americrap).
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 07, 2011, 08:09:21 PM
Most Air Force bases have a Burger King...I've seen one with a McDonalds. The other notable fact about on-base franchises, is that the quality is noticeably below that as those off-base (probably due to being staffed by dependents).
Why are dependents worse workers than off base types?
Quote from: jimmy olsen on March 07, 2011, 08:11:20 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 07, 2011, 08:09:21 PM
Most Air Force bases have a Burger King...I've seen one with a McDonalds. The other notable fact about on-base franchises, is that the quality is noticeably below that as those off-base (probably due to being staffed by dependents).
Why are dependents worse workers than off base types?
By and large, dependents are, of course, the spouses and kids of military members (most likely enlisted). Most of these military peeps will rotate in and out every 3-4 years. That means you have workers who know it is basically a temporary job with no real future. Or are military brats who couldn't get anything better off base (this is worse stateside than overseas, I think, as overseas, there might not be much choice). I think the biggest thing I notice about employees at the Base Exchange, and other related stores, is that they don't care/are indifferent/have poor customer service skills compared to outside.
This is probably not helped by the fact that they are basically an extension of a government-monopoly that is masqueraded by a "private business". They may have corporate names...but services and hiring are essentially run by AAFES, not the actual company. And this means not just the employees...the facilities and service in general is usually inferior overall.
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 07, 2011, 08:09:21 PM
Most Air Force bases have a Burger King...I've seen one with a McDonalds. The other notable fact about on-base franchises, is that the quality is noticeably below that as those off-base (probably due to being staffed by dependents).
I find that's true for any franchise "on-site." The fast food places(Wendy's, Chik Fil-A, etc) on UF's campus are always inferior to the regular thing.
And, most military wives/kids you see at the BX or Commissary ooze with a "worthless leech on their husband/wife" vibe.
There's a Tim Hortons in the big Alliance Base in Afghanistan.
Quote from: stjaba on March 07, 2011, 08:30:13 PM
I find that's true for any franchise "on-site." The fast food places(Wendy's, Chik Fil-A, etc) on UF's campus are always inferior to the regular thing.
That reminds me of the Burger King we had at the student union in college. One time I was there after class and this international student tried to order a "Whooper". All of the people there started laughing and calling her a 'retahd'. She started crying. :)
Quote from: Caliga on March 07, 2011, 07:51:36 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 07, 2011, 07:46:56 PM
Subway also has franchise on military bases.
You know a chain is in the death throes of quality when it's picked up on a military base.
IIRC there's a Subway at Gitmo. But I think there is also a McDonald's there.
Maybe they torture the Camp X-Ray dudes with Subway 'Italian subs'. :x
When I ate meat, Italian subs were the shit. I can't imagine not liking them. Pepperoni and salami and provolone and peppers and so forth, what's not to enjoy?
I've started eating Subway again semi-regularly because 1)it's right next to the school and 2)the egg subs they do for breakfast are pretty neat. It's a glorified delivery device for jalapenos and banana peppers, but I feel less ripped off paying $5 when I get an egg with it.
McDonald's, on the other hand, even when I did eat meat, I usually only ate at when it was after 11pm or something and everything else was closed.
Quote from: Ideologue on March 07, 2011, 09:06:45 PM
When I ate meat, Italian subs were the shit. I can't imagine not liking them. Pepperoni and salami and provolone and peppers and so forth, what's not to enjoy?
My point was that they're not enjoyable when made by Subway. :P
Subway food is horrible. I tried their food many times. They put so much stuff there that the result should be at least ok. But somehow, the end result is always extremely disappointing.
I am biased when it comes to McDonald's. There was a time when I genuinely thought that I would work for McDonald's for the rest of my life. Not because I thought I would flip burgers when I grow up. But because I thought in 20 year's time, McDonald's would be the sole employer in the whole world.
Quote from: Monoriu on March 08, 2011, 05:19:16 AM
Subway food is horrible. I tried their food many times. They put so much stuff there that the result should be at least ok. But somehow, the end result is always extremely disappointing.
I am biased when it comes to McDonald's. There was a time when I genuinely thought that I would work for McDonald's for the rest of my life. Not because I thought I would flip burgers when I grow up. But because I thought in 20 year's time, McDonald's would be the sole employer in the whole world.
For most people, that's a horrifyingly distopian vision of the future ... ;)
Quote from: Malthus on March 08, 2011, 08:44:27 AM
For most people, that's a horrifyingly distopian, yet delicious, vision of the future ... ;)
:)
Taco Bell was the only restaurant to survive the Franchise Wars. Now all restaurants are Taco Bell.
Strange you don't get Taco Bell over here considering how big it seems to be over there. The first time I ever had a taco was just a year or two ago.
Quote from: Tyr on March 08, 2011, 10:12:06 AM
Strange you don't get Taco Bell over here considering how big it seems to be over there. The first time I ever had a taco was just a year or two ago.
It's a conspiracy by the pharma industry. They don't want to lose the lucrative laxatives market.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 07, 2011, 08:35:21 PM
There's a Tim Hortons in the big Alliance Base in Afghanistan.
top lunch restaurant $ in Canada. Over McD and Subway.
No Taco Bell's here, either. The only tacos I get are the ones I make myself (oddly, supermarkets have all the stuff necessary). Subway has less than 10 restaurants in Austria, but their target seems to be 160+ for 2015. :huh:
Mostly, I'm just glad to see McDonald's get dethroned in at least one way. It's a company that's completely built on market saturation; their burgers taste like crap and their french fries taste like grease.
Mcdonalds burgers are just...yeah...not sure they're even meat.
The fries though are good, prefer them to BK.
But I'm glad to see them be dethroned, I'm not a fan.
I have a confession to make: I have never in my life eaten at McDonalds (although I occasionally peed in their bathrooms, if the need was overwhelming). Their food tastes so foul that I never had the urge to try it.
Quote from: DGuller on March 08, 2011, 10:52:37 AM
I have a confession to make: I have never in my life eaten at McDonalds (although I occasionally peed in their bathrooms, if the need was overwhelming). Their food tastes so foul that I never had the urge to try it.
I'm going to assume you meant "'looks' so foul" or "'smells' so foul;" if you've never eaten there, how would you know what it tastes like?
Anyway, I can't believe you guys prefer Mickey D's fries over BK fries. At least you can still taste the potato in the BK fries. Both McDonald's and Wendy's have these nasty things that just taste like grease- I'm not even sure they're potato.
Grease is what makes french fries so good.
:yes:
I want potato I go and get some chips instead.
Man i just woke up and now craving some fries, bastards!
Quote from: Tyr on March 08, 2011, 10:12:06 AM
Strange you don't get Taco Bell over here considering how big it seems to be over there. The first time I ever had a taco was just a year or two ago.
Taco Bell had a few stores in London in the 80s but they didn't do very well and got shut down. They've just opened a couple more in Essex and have plans to expand.
Chilango in Fleet Street is pretty good for cheap, tasty burrittos
Quote from: DontSayBanana on March 08, 2011, 10:44:21 AM
Mostly, I'm just glad to see McDonald's get dethroned in at least one way. It's a company that's completely built on market saturation; their burgers taste like crap and their french fries taste like grease.
I think you mean Salt, the friest they taste like salt.
McD's over here is not too bad, but I don't like their regular stuff (except the beef wrap) and check what specials they have.
I greatly prefer BK which has several burgers I like (Steakhouse, Whoppers, Big King, Extra Long Chili Cheese ...). Plus, their fries are far superior.
I like KFC, but their range of choice is limited over here, and overpriced when compared to, say, BK.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 08, 2011, 11:47:14 AM
I think you mean Salt, the friest they taste like salt.
The Wendy's ones, yes. All the local McD's, though... just grease. Occasionally, grease with a hint of salt, but mostly just grease. They're disgusting.
I never had McD's in the US maybe it's more grease there?
Quote from: Caliga on March 07, 2011, 08:37:02 PM
Quote from: stjaba on March 07, 2011, 08:30:13 PM
I find that's true for any franchise "on-site." The fast food places(Wendy's, Chik Fil-A, etc) on UF's campus are always inferior to the regular thing.
That reminds me of the Burger King we had at the student union in college. One time I was there after class and this international student tried to order a "Whooper".
You hear Swedes doing that sometimes. It always makes me feel good for a couple of seconds. :)
The fries in the Metro Cadet Mickey D's in Paris were pretty good.
Don't ask why I was eating at McDonald's in France.
I ate at a McDonald's in Genoa. :Embarrass:
I also at at one in London. :blush:
Actually, the latter admission is less embarassing, come to think of it.
Definitely love McD's fries. The angus burgers they sell are pretty good too, but I prefer BKs burgers.
Quote from: Caliga on March 08, 2011, 06:09:17 PM
I ate at a McDonald's in Genoa. :Embarrass:
I also at at one in London. :blush:
Actually, the latter admission is less embarassing, come to think of it.
Why is it embarassing at all? That's what fast food franchises are there for, so that you would know what you're getting when you're in unfamiliar areas.
If I were in an unfamiliar city like Paris, I would defnitely not waste my time trying to figure out where I can eat there. Why take the chance, when I know that I can walk into any Burger King in Paris and get the same Triple Stacker I can get in Jersey City.
It's better in France, you can get a beer or a glass of wine to wash it down with.
McDonalds is exceptionally good if you have a couple of grouchy and hungry kids sitting in the back of the car and you are touring France......or Italy.........or Germany...
In those circumstances a visit to a proper restaurant might well result in bloody mutiny................the subsequent court martials and hangings could cast a shadow on the rest of the trip :(
So instead you pull in to the next set of golden arches and peace is restored. I've always wondered what adults without children are doing there though :hmm:
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on March 08, 2011, 06:32:58 PMI've always wondered what adults without children are doing there though :hmm:
Reliving their childhoods?
Quote from: citizen k on March 08, 2011, 06:35:44 PM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on March 08, 2011, 06:32:58 PMI've always wondered what adults without children are doing there though :hmm:
Reliving their childhoods?
By bringing themselves much closer to death? :huh:
Ingesting the required amount of grease and salt an American needs every day to function.
Quote from: DGuller on March 08, 2011, 06:20:51 PM
If I were in an unfamiliar city like Paris, I would defnitely not waste my time trying to figure out where I can eat there. Why take the chance, when I know that I can walk into any Burger King in Paris and get the same Triple Stacker I can get in Jersey City.
:huh: :o :( :x :yucky: :rolleyes:
Quote from: garbon on March 08, 2011, 07:07:19 PM
Quote from: DGuller on March 08, 2011, 06:20:51 PM
If I were in an unfamiliar city like Paris, I would defnitely not waste my time trying to figure out where I can eat there. Why take the chance, when I know that I can walk into any Burger King in Paris and get the same Triple Stacker I can get in Jersey City.
:huh: :o :( :x :yucky: :rolleyes:
It's more like :w00t: :licklips: :o :x :(.
One thing that sticks in my mind about McD's and Europe....
Long ago, about 16-17 years back(when I visited there), in a fit of environmental activist pressure, McDonalds had dumped their infamous styrofoam packing in the United States (a change which had been in place for some years already).
Europe was still using it.
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 08, 2011, 07:22:11 PM
One thing that sticks in my mind about McD's and Europe....
Long ago, about 16-17 years back(when I visited there), in a fit of environmental activist pressure, McDonalds had dumped their infamous styrofoam packing in the United States (a change which had been in place for some years already).
Europe was still using it.
I miss the clamshell containers. You could pile your fries into the lid.
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on March 08, 2011, 06:32:58 PM
So instead you pull in to the next set of golden arches and peace is restored. I've always wondered what adults without children are doing there though :hmm:
In a hurry.
Or don't want to face the shame of going to a proper place alone.
Quote from: Ed Anger on March 08, 2011, 07:30:19 PM
I miss the clamshell containers. You could pile your fries into the lid.
They still have them for things like the Quarter Pounder.
Quote from: DGuller on March 08, 2011, 07:18:24 PM
Quote from: garbon on March 08, 2011, 07:07:19 PM
Quote from: DGuller on March 08, 2011, 06:20:51 PM
If I were in an unfamiliar city like Paris, I would defnitely not waste my time trying to figure out where I can eat there. Why take the chance, when I know that I can walk into any Burger King in Paris and get the same Triple Stacker I can get in Jersey City.
:huh: :o :( :x :yucky: :rolleyes:
It's more like :w00t: :licklips: :o :x :(.
<_<
Quote from: garbon on March 08, 2011, 07:41:42 PM
They still have them for things like the Quarter Pounder.
Nuh-uh.
I wouldn't know. Last Big Mac I ate was at least 5 years ago. I'm there to let the kids go nuts in the playroom and drop their food on the floor :(
The only thing I'd ever order at a McDs is an Egg McMuffin...and them don't get no clamshells.
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 08, 2011, 07:58:25 PM
The only thing I'd ever order at a McDs is an Egg McMuffin...and them don't get no clamshells.
I got a Big Breakfast on the way to work today. I had a large bowel movement 2 hours later.
Quote from: Ed Anger on March 08, 2011, 08:04:00 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 08, 2011, 07:58:25 PM
The only thing I'd ever order at a McDs is an Egg McMuffin...and them don't get no clamshells.
I got a Big Breakfast on the way to work today. I had a large bowel movement 2 hours later.
McDonald's pancakes... :shudder:
Quote from: Caliga on March 08, 2011, 05:15:34 AM
Quote from: Ideologue on March 07, 2011, 09:06:45 PM
When I ate meat, Italian subs were the shit. I can't imagine not liking them. Pepperoni and salami and provolone and peppers and so forth, what's not to enjoy?
My point was that they're not enjoyable when made by Subway. :P
My point was the
Subway Italian subs were awesome. :secret:
Quote from: garbon on March 08, 2011, 07:07:19 PM
Quote from: DGuller on March 08, 2011, 06:20:51 PM
If I were in an unfamiliar city like Paris, I would defnitely not waste my time trying to figure out where I can eat there. Why take the chance, when I know that I can walk into any Burger King in Paris and get the same Triple Stacker I can get in Jersey City.
:huh: :o :( :x :yucky: :rolleyes:
Especially in the age of the Internet, yeah, that's just crazy parochial.
I guess if you didn't want to go to Paris in the first place and were determined to extract absolutely no value from the trip, a meal at a French McDonald's would be a good idea.
Quote from: Ideologue on March 09, 2011, 03:30:45 AM
My point was the Subway Italian subs were awesome. :secret:
er, ok. This tells me that South Carolina has a poor indigenous sandwich culture, unlike say any Northeastern city. :(
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/mar/08/tourist-distractions
How do you feel when people ask your advice about where to eat out and then speed off as far in the other direction as they can? I had two such visitors recently - two lovely intelligent young Danish interns – who asked me to recommend some decent restaurants in London. They come from Copenhagen, a city that boasts Noma, the world's best restaurant, and they are big food lovers, so I was mindful not to let them down. They wanted curry.
I recommended the superb Pakistani restaurant Tayyabs for its outstanding pakoras and tandoori lamb cutlets. "Do NOT get waylaid on Brick Lane," I warned them. "Especially avoid any restaurant with a waiter clutching a laminated menu and beckoning you in from the doorway." On seeing two glum faces the next day I knew they had stuck to the tourist restaurant highway.
The following week they were craving steak. Where did they go? The Angus Steak House in Leicester Square. I had recommended the express menu (pdf) at Hawksmoor, round the corner in Covent Garden. This is not snobbery, it's about good food and value for money - £22.50 in Hawskmoor buys a delicious salad of nuts, blue cheese, fresh leaves drizzled with a sublime dressing, an outstanding steak and triple-cooked or beef dripping chips followed by a mini ice cream sundae. Angus is a typical tourist gaff, located in a prime spot with bright, beckoning lights. The food is truly grotesque, costs more (pdf) than Hawksmoor, and the service is lousy, as evidenced by this wonderfully repellent description. I had little sympathy for their decision, but it did leave me wondering why they bothered asking for advice.
Two American friends were quite open about their reasons for taking their 10-year-old to TGI Friday's in Cheltenham recently: because it would be in the child's "comfort zone". It was as familiar to them as many a place back home, so they thought it was a safe bet for an enjoyable meal. It was not. They said the fried macaroni and cheese could have doubled as Polyfilla, and the ribs were like sawdust. They could have gone to Brasserie Blanc, with its special children's menu of grilled chicken, fishcake, delicious macaroni cheese, mixed salads, and ice cream, far superior food and, again, spent less than at Friday's.
In Leeds some Italian colleagues decided on Café Rouge because of the central location and familiarity. Just around the corner is Brasserie Forty 4, where, if you rock up earlyish as tourists are wont to do, £22.95 buys three delicious courses and wine.
Visitors choosing to eat at bad restaurants set the reputation of British food back some significant way. Bearing in mind the relatively high quality of restaurants that now exist in the UK, it's a real shame that so many people take home tales of woe about food atrocities. Part of the problem has to be that high profile restaurants – those touting for passing trade with massive shop fronts on a main road - are as a rule not as good as those which are a bit more hidden away.
But this is true pretty much everywhere, and is surely the reason visitors ask for advice in the first place. Quite how it is that so many tourists still end up in the places they encounter on their sightseeing paths is a mystery to me.
It's only natural to behave differently on holidays or business trips than at home, perhaps it's that very thing that creates some truly awful food experiences. Maybe people want to discover something new for themselves, uncover a surprising gem, rather than follow guidebooks or personal recommendations. But then again, I can't imagine my Danish friends going to somewhere like an Angus Steak House back home, so why do so here?
The reason why London, one of the greatest cities in the world for restauraunts, has such a bad reputation for food is because you tourists are such fucking idiots.
McDonalds and the ilk I can get. It quick, cheap and relatively painless.
TGI Fridays and all that though...now those places I just don't get. I went to Frankie and Bennies the other week, one of the worst pizzas I've ever had. And its just like a normal restaurant in most respects, why oh why couldn't we have gone to a good, cheaper, independant Italian place?
I make it a point to go to McD's when abroad just to see how different & similar it is.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 09, 2011, 07:10:17 AM
I make it a point to go to McD's when abroad just to see how different & similar it is.
If only all tourists had your boundless intellectual curiosity :(
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 09, 2011, 07:10:17 AM
I make it a point to go to McD's when abroad just to see how different & similar it is.
I did go to one in France just to have a goat's cheese salad and a beer. :mmm:
Damn this thread. It made me go against my principles and tastebuds to get a Subway for lunch. Then Gups made me feel guilty about it :mad:
Quote from: Gups on March 09, 2011, 06:27:35 AM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/mar/08/tourist-distractions
How do you feel when people ask your advice about where to eat out and then speed off as far in the other direction as they can? I had two such visitors recently - two lovely intelligent young Danish interns – who asked me to recommend some decent restaurants in London. They come from Copenhagen, a city that boasts Noma, the world's best restaurant, and they are big food lovers, so I was mindful not to let them down. They wanted curry.
I recommended the superb Pakistani restaurant Tayyabs for its outstanding pakoras and tandoori lamb cutlets. "Do NOT get waylaid on Brick Lane," I warned them. "Especially avoid any restaurant with a waiter clutching a laminated menu and beckoning you in from the doorway." On seeing two glum faces the next day I knew they had stuck to the tourist restaurant highway.
The following week they were craving steak. Where did they go? The Angus Steak House in Leicester Square. I had recommended the express menu (pdf) at Hawksmoor, round the corner in Covent Garden. This is not snobbery, it's about good food and value for money - £22.50 in Hawskmoor buys a delicious salad of nuts, blue cheese, fresh leaves drizzled with a sublime dressing, an outstanding steak and triple-cooked or beef dripping chips followed by a mini ice cream sundae. Angus is a typical tourist gaff, located in a prime spot with bright, beckoning lights. The food is truly grotesque, costs more (pdf) than Hawksmoor, and the service is lousy, as evidenced by this wonderfully repellent description. I had little sympathy for their decision, but it did leave me wondering why they bothered asking for advice.
Two American friends were quite open about their reasons for taking their 10-year-old to TGI Friday's in Cheltenham recently: because it would be in the child's "comfort zone". It was as familiar to them as many a place back home, so they thought it was a safe bet for an enjoyable meal. It was not. They said the fried macaroni and cheese could have doubled as Polyfilla, and the ribs were like sawdust. They could have gone to Brasserie Blanc, with its special children's menu of grilled chicken, fishcake, delicious macaroni cheese, mixed salads, and ice cream, far superior food and, again, spent less than at Friday's.
In Leeds some Italian colleagues decided on Café Rouge because of the central location and familiarity. Just around the corner is Brasserie Forty 4, where, if you rock up earlyish as tourists are wont to do, £22.95 buys three delicious courses and wine.
Visitors choosing to eat at bad restaurants set the reputation of British food back some significant way. Bearing in mind the relatively high quality of restaurants that now exist in the UK, it's a real shame that so many people take home tales of woe about food atrocities. Part of the problem has to be that high profile restaurants – those touting for passing trade with massive shop fronts on a main road - are as a rule not as good as those which are a bit more hidden away.
But this is true pretty much everywhere, and is surely the reason visitors ask for advice in the first place. Quite how it is that so many tourists still end up in the places they encounter on their sightseeing paths is a mystery to me.
It's only natural to behave differently on holidays or business trips than at home, perhaps it's that very thing that creates some truly awful food experiences. Maybe people want to discover something new for themselves, uncover a surprising gem, rather than follow guidebooks or personal recommendations. But then again, I can't imagine my Danish friends going to somewhere like an Angus Steak House back home, so why do so here?
The reason why London, one of the greatest cities in the world for restauraunts, has such a bad reputation for food is because you tourists are such fucking idiots.
Yes, blame the customer. Always productive.
Quote from: Gups on March 09, 2011, 06:27:35 AM
The reason why London, one of the greatest cities in the world for restauraunts, has such a bad reputation for food is because you tourists are such fucking idiots.
We won the war you Limey bastard.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 09, 2011, 07:10:17 AM
I make it a point to go to McD's when abroad just to see how different & similar it is.
The one I went to in London was exactly the same, except it was more expensive.
The one in Genoa actually had some stuff on the menu I've never seen stateside. For example, they had this weird Caribbean chicken sandwich. Princesca or I got it (forget who) and shared it. It was actually pretty good. IIRC it was a grilled chicken sandwich with some kind of spicy-sweet sauce.
Quote from: Gups on March 09, 2011, 06:27:35 AM
The reason why London, one of the greatest cities in the world for restauraunts, has such a bad reputation for food is because you tourists are such fucking idiots.
Actually, I mostly ate Indian food when I was in London. :contract:
It was definitely better than American Indian food, too. :cool:
I guess I should have made a distinction between traditional British food and modern British food. :)
Quote from: Gups on March 09, 2011, 06:27:35 AM
The reason why London, one of the greatest cities in the world for restauraunts, has such a bad reputation for food is because you tourists are such fucking idiots.
At least I managed to get the Languish mob to your recommended curry house off Brick Lane, Gups. I think everyone was delighted with the food and the price (for London). :)
Europe always seems to be a few years behind...which is good. You can still find curly fries in some parts of the continent :mmm:
Quote from: Caliga on March 09, 2011, 08:01:45 AM
I guess I should have made a distinction between traditional British food and modern British food. :)
What would you call traditionally British though? Fish and chips (which varies massively)? Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding? Heston Blumenthal with test-tubes steaming with dry ice?
We've had Indian restaurants here since 1812 and ate Raj-inspired food before that. As this predates and definable American cuisine, doesn't it count as traditional?
Quote from: Caliga on March 09, 2011, 07:59:20 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 09, 2011, 07:10:17 AM
I make it a point to go to McD's when abroad just to see how different & similar it is.
The one I went to in London was exactly the same, except it was more expensive.
The one in Genoa actually had some stuff on the menu I've never seen stateside. For example, they had this weird Caribbean chicken sandwich. Princesca or I got it (forget who) and shared it. It was actually pretty good. IIRC it was a grilled chicken sandwich with some kind of spicy-sweet sauce.
I went to the one in London's central station(I think that's what it's called?). It was extremely different for me.
1) They offered milkshakes.
2) Trios were priced by size instead of by type.
3) No Poutine.
It was also the new look McD's at a time the McD's here had the 80s look.
They don't have milkshakes at Canadian (Quebec?) McDonald's outlets? :blink:
We don't have poutine here either, and I dunno what the fuck a trio is.
Quote from: Caliga on March 09, 2011, 08:11:22 AM
They don't have milkshakes at Canadian (Quebec?) McDonald's outlets? :blink:
We don't have poutine here either, and I dunno what the fuck a trio is.
Sounds like a trio is a combo meal. I'm also surprised they don't have "milk" shakes in Quebec.
Quote from: Brazen on March 09, 2011, 08:07:13 AM
What would you call traditionally British though? Fish and chips (which varies massively)? Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding? Heston Blumenthal with test-tubes steaming with dry ice?
We've had Indian restaurants here since 1812 and ate Raj-inspired food before that. As this predates and definable American cuisine, doesn't it count as traditional?
I guess I was thinking more along the lines of roast beef and yorkshire pudding.
I think Americans are typically unimpressed with this sort of cuisine because it's identical to our 'traditional' cuisine, for obvious reasons.
I didn't realize you have had Indian restaurants for so long, but surely one can make a distinction between Indian cuisine and British cuisine despite that fact?
Yeah Combo. Sandwich, drink, sides.
Re Milkshakes, I have since learned that they tried but it didn't work. McD's closer to the US or other Provinces are suppose to carry it but I've never seen it.
Quote from: Tyr on March 09, 2011, 08:05:43 AM
Europe always seems to be a few years behind...which is good. You can still find curly fries in some parts of the continent :mmm:
I guess the UK doesn't have Arby's?
Quote from: Caliga on March 09, 2011, 08:18:42 AM
Quote from: Brazen on March 09, 2011, 08:07:13 AM
What would you call traditionally British though? Fish and chips (which varies massively)? Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding? Heston Blumenthal with test-tubes steaming with dry ice?
We've had Indian restaurants here since 1812 and ate Raj-inspired food before that. As this predates and definable American cuisine, doesn't it count as traditional?
I guess I was thinking more along the lines of roast beef and yorkshire pudding.
I think Americans are typically unimpressed with this sort of cuisine because it's identical to our 'traditional' cuisine, for obvious reasons.
I didn't realize you have had Indian restaurants for so long, but surely one can make a distinction between Indian cuisine and British cuisine despite that fact?
Nobody really knows what traditional British cuisine is. There's a few dishes like Lancashire hotpot or potted shrimps but not many. We have probably the best puddings in the world and possibly the best cheeses. We're good at condiments and preserves. But really our native cuisine sucks. It's nowhere near as interesting or diverse as American cuisine let alone Italian or Spanish.
If you want to go on and declare your national cuisine to be Indian, I'll endorse it as one of the world's best. :mmm:
Quote from: Gups on March 09, 2011, 08:47:44 AM
Nobody really knows what traditional British cuisine is. There's a few dishes like Lancashire hotpot or potted shrimps but not many. We have probably the best puddings in the world and possibly the best cheeses. We're good at condiments and preserves. But really our native cuisine sucks. It's nowhere near as interesting or diverse as American cuisine let alone Italian or Spanish.
I have been introduced to cawl, proper Welsh rarebit and the best roast lamb ever since a Welshman dodged the crossbows to cross the borders into my territory.
Welsh saltmarsh lamb :licklips:
Actually yeah, I had very good rarebit at Fortnum & Mason. :)
This thread made me think of this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayOr5wd219Q (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayOr5wd219Q)
For some reason in belgium we only have McDonalds, Quick and Pizza Hut from the international Fastfood chains. For some reason Burger King and KFC are in Netherlands, France and Germany but not in Belgium. I always wondered why?
Quote from: Ideologue on March 09, 2011, 03:34:12 AM
Especially in the age of the Internet, yeah, that's just crazy parochial.
I guess if you didn't want to go to Paris in the first place and were determined to extract absolutely no value from the trip, a meal at a French McDonald's would be a good idea.
Yeah that's the only thing I could think.
For the record, I didn't want to go to either McDonalds. In the case of London, my brother insisted because he was thirsty and drinks are cheaper there according to him (he had been doing a workstudy in London for close to a year at that point so I assumed he knew what he was talking about).
In the case of Genoa, Princesca wanted to go to see "how McDonald's is different here". Aside from the Caribbean chicken sandwich, another way in which McDonald's is different is that in America--unlike Italy--50% of the patrons are not gypsies. Getting begged from and harassed by little child thieves while eating is kind of irritating, it turns out. :(
Quote from: Caliga on March 09, 2011, 02:04:27 PM
For the record, I didn't want to go to either McDonalds. In the case of London, my brother insisted because he was thirsty and drinks are cheaper there according to him (he had been doing a workstudy in London for close to a year at that point so I assumed he knew what he was talking about).
In the case of Genoa, Princesca wanted to go to see "how McDonald's is different here". Aside from the Caribbean chicken sandwich, another way in which McDonald's is different is that in America--unlike Italy--50% of the patrons are not gypsies. Getting begged from and harassed by little child thieves while eating is kind of irritating, it turns out. :(
Does this mean, that the other 50% are gypsies?