At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Peter Robinson ·
Dec 21, 2010 at 9:50am
At Mc Donalds, waiting for the mall to open, I learned from the cashier that the oatmeal, new on the menu this week, has been selling well from day one. The oatmeal comes with raisins and diced apple, totals just 290 calories, and tastes, to my admittedly undemanding palate, okay.
Although I figured that Ricochetians, out doing Chrstmas shopping of their own, might want to know about this, I confess that I can find no deeper political or cultural meaning in the oatmeal whatsoever.
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Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Two possible meanings; take your pick.
1. A heartening example of an American staple, served to the masses at a consistent quality for a good price, reminding us of the simple pleasures that sustain our days.
2. Victory gruel.
Dec '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
The oatmeal is McDonalds' Volt: it's a sop to its critics so that it can say, "we offer the eco-friendly/heart-healthy/politically-correct options -- it's not our fault if consumers still choose the Corvette/Big Mac/Grand Theft Auto."
And hey, as you've proven, some consumers do in fact want the eco-friendly/heart-healthy/politically-correct option.
But would you say that the oatmeal was, as the cup says, "scrumptious"?
Sep '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
James Lileks:
2. Victory gruel. · Dec 21 at 9:59am
For some reason this post immediately reminded me of a Simpsons episode where Bart and Lisa go to Kamp Krusty for summer vacation.
Lisa: You're serving us gruel?
Camp Counselor: Not quite. This is Krusty Brand Imitation Gruel. Nine out of ten orphans can't tell the difference.
Aug '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Peter,
I was going to say that maybe this is one to leave out of your anthology, Robinson: A Life in Blog Posts, but Lileks' "victory gruel" comment convinced me that you've actually provided a canvas on which beauty can be painted.
Jun '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
The Roman legions conquered their world on a diet of oatmeal. It's a step in the right direction. I find my gruel tastes best with a generous handful of hobnails, but that's a personal preference.
Aug '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
I don't think that's very fair. I, for one, genuinely enjoy oatmeal. It's inexpensive and easy to prepare, and yet it's not easy to find a restaurant that serves it, other than sit-down diner-type places.
If I go in to a place where I have to sit down, wait for the waitress, and peruse the menu, I'm totally going to go for the gigantic "Hungry Man" full breakfast, not wimpy oatmeal.
If I'm rushing through the drive-thru on my way to work, on the other hand, I'd love to be able to get some oatmeal.
I think it makes a very sensible addition to a fast-food chain's menu.
Sadly, it seems that any time McDonalds puts something new on the menu that I enjoy, the rest of McDonalds' customers reject it and it gets discontinued within six months.
Sigh...
May '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Political powers ebb and flow, and entire civilizations rise and fall, but there will always be oatmeal.
McDonalds has discovered what every grandparent knows, that life is always better when it's maple flavored.
Aug '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Hmm...
If it becomes popular, how long before governments try to make it illegal to eat oatmeal while driving?
Dec '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Misthiocracy, I acknowledged that some people actually want the eco-friendly/heart-healthy/politically-correct option -- in this instance, I'll allow that the oatmeal is heart-healthy and only politically-correct in the sense that it answers the Center for Science in the Public Interest types who deplore fast-food menus.
So gruel on, and here's hoping that enough like-minded folks join you to convince McD's not to drop the oats.
Aug '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Am conducting some experiments now on oatmeal heat retention and it's lap friendliness.
If Morgan Spurlock were to go back to Mickey D now, he would have to subsist on salads, apple sticks, oatmeal, and tasty cappucinos, in other words he could do a vegan Supersize Me, but none of his friends would buy the movie.
In fact, they make the kids watch the movie in school during health class. At least, they do in the public schools here in Missouri in the 8th grade.
Dec '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Aug '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
The addition of Oatmeal to the McDonald's menu is just another step in their plan to compete with the Coffee chains. They have been relatively successful on the coffee end, and the oatmeal seems a natural follow up. Jamba Juice and Starbucks offer oatmeal as a part of their menu and Mickey D's is competing with them for revenue.
Add to that the high margin on oatmeal, even at an affordable price, and it is a perfect addition to any menu.
Dec '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Misthiocracy
I think it makes a very sensible addition to a fast-food chain's menu. · Dec 21 at 10:20am
I like oatmeal that's steel-cut and lovingly tended with a spurtle -- clockwise, please, for fear of summoning the Devil -- for about half an hour (thanks, Alton Brown!). It's truly lovely with berries and cream. That preparation is not compatible with fast-food service, unfortunately.
Dec '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
A few months back, I was at the Baltimore Washington International Airport for an early flight and looking for a good breakfast. I got in line at McDonalds behind a troop of Boy Scouts who ordered impressive combinations of breakfast burritos, McMuffins, hash browns and Coca Cola products. Although it made me feel ancient by comparison, when it was my turn, I ordered my oatmeal and coffee. It was great! Not as refined as the Starbucks version but half the price and delicious.
Nothing political to add, except that I agree with Mr. Robinson.
May '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
I am saddened and disappointed that, twelve comments in, nobody quoted Wilford Brimley.
It's the Right thing to do!
Dec '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
"Although I figured that Ricochetians, out doing Chrstmas shopping of their own"
War on Christmas alert! Yes, Peter, there IS an 'I' in 'Christmas'!
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Pride overfloweth in me right now.
16 comments on a cup of oatmeal. The Ricochet collective analytical Kung Fu is boundless.
We are awesome!
Aug '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Stuart Creque: "Although I figured that Ricochetians, out doing Chrstmas shopping of their own"
War on Christmas alert! Yes, Peter, there IS an 'I' in 'Christmas'! · Dec 21 at 10:46am
Sez you!
Aug '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
Tommy De Seno: Pride overfloweth in me right now.
16 comments on a cup of oatmeal. The Ricochet collective analytical Kung Fu is boundless.
We are awesome! · Dec 21 at 10:58am
I haven't seen any comments on the transitory qualities of the McRib.
Aug '10
Re: At the Golden Arches in Mountain View
flownover
I haven't seen any comments on the transitory qualities of the McRib.
We hold some truths to be self-evident.