To: acb3@po.cwru.edu, jasani@csvaxd.csuohio.edu, lxp6@po.cwru.edu, wickert%tcp2.hepnet@voodoo.physics.ucsb.edu
Subject: McDonalds New Burger
Status: R

As I was sitting in my solid-state class today, It suddenly occurred
to me that I deserved a break today.  I immediately realized that a stop
at the Golden Arches was in order.  After the bell rang, I made a quick
stop at the automated teller and then proceeded to the local McDonalds.

When I got there, I was suprised to see announcements heralding the
new delicacy, the McLean Deluxe.  I realized that I must try this new
offering.  After a few minutes delay because of the lunchtime crowd, I
became the proud owner of a McLean Deluxe with Cheese.  The sandwich is
composed of a single meat patty (not 100% beef, but 91% fat free) topped
with cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, ketchup, and mustard, on a toasted sesame
seed bun.  It is wrapped in white paper with a cardboard ring surrounding the
sandwich for support. (very similar to the new Big Mac packaging)

Upon unwraping the sandwich, I was suprised to see that the meat patty
itself was suprisingly large.  It was the same size as the large-size
bun, and about 1/4 inch thick.  The color was appetizing, although the
regular shape left me wishing for a hand-molded patty.  The toppings
looked tasty, and this time, in contrast to the McDLT fiasco,  McDonalds
opted to put the cheese directly on the meat so that the heat of the patty
can melt the cheese.

I picked up the sandwich with both hands.  The toppings on the sandwich
make it approximately the size of a Big Mac.  I took my first bite.  I
was struck that the first taste seemed somewhat dry.  "Needs Mayo," 
I thought to myself.  The taste was very much like that of a McDLT.
I nibbled on a corner of the patty to determine the success of the new
meat recipe.  The patty alone seemed somewhat dry and a little bit
lacking in taste.  It was much better than the average soy-burger, but
did not come close to the delicious flavor of a good ground beef patty.
I finished the sandwich, not really disappointed by the taste, but sure
that the Whopper with Cheese had nothing to fear.  After finishing the
sandwich, however, I did become aware that it was quite filling; I was
barely able to eat the entire Big Mac I had ordered.

My concluding assesment is that the McLean Deluxe is a good attempt at
nutrition, but the flavor just doesn't stand up.  My advice would be
to get a McDLT, or, for real satisfaction, go to the nearest Burger
King and pick up a Whopper with Cheese or two.  For only a nickel more,
the Whopper is my pick.