McItaly: McDonald's Speaks Italian

I read an article once that stated if you cannot find the American Embassy, McDonald's will do just the same. Although McDonald's is the symbol of American globalization, it bothers me that I can find McDonald's next to historic places like the Pantheon.

Even if I had the desire to eat fast food while living in America, I have no desire to eat McDonald's while living in a country with such a strong culture surrounding fresh food. So, of course I was upset when Tyler and Brandon dragged me to McDonald's for dinner on Saturday evening. I am in Rome- I do not want to eat McDonald's!


At least this McDonald's was not bright red with giant golden arches. It had outdoor, rooftop seating. The inside looked nothing like the traditional McDonald's, but more like a trendy Starbucks. The employees were wearing orange McDonald's sweatshirts- nothing like the American uniforms. I am not too sure what executive made the decision on these "stylish" uniforms or what aspect of these uniforms relates to the Italian culture..

The only Italian-oriented dish on the menu is the McItaly burger. Ads boast "McDonald's Speaks Italian." This is McDonald's attempt at specifically targeting the Italian population. The burger is made with 100% Italian ingredients, but the Italians have not been receptive of the addition.

"The menu of McItaly burgers includes various combinations with artichoke spread, Asiago cheese, Italian olive oil, beef, bread, smoked pancetta, bresaola (air-dried salted beef) and Parmesan cheese. The ingredients might make a foodie’s mouth water, but instead there is a collective scream best articulated by Matthew Fort of The Guardian, the McItaly is 'monstrous act of national betrayal,'" reports The Independent.

The government was hoping this would be a successful introduction to the classical McDonald's menu. The ads even include a governmental seal, according to The Independent. The burgers will be offered for the next seven weeks as a trial of its success.


If I even had the slightest inclination to eat at McDonald's in Italy, I would at least try the Italian option. Tyler and Brandon did not try the Italian burger, but opted instead for the typical American "cuisine." They claimed the reason they went inside to see if the menu was different than in America. The next thing I knew, the boys had American hamburgers and milkshakes and we were eating on the always classy "rooftop deck."

I hope that is the last time I am in a McDonald's. Period.