McDonald’s

Having visited many of its locations across the world, we know that there’s more to McDonald’s than the easiest (“they’re mediocre!”) take on America’s best-known restaurant chain. In some countries, McDonald’s symbolizes America – for better and worse – and in others, it’s either an oasis for weary American travelers or a surprising source of some local culture. Regardless of whatever feelings one may have about the chain’s ubiquitous hamburgers and fries, its international sandwiches (Iberico pork in Spain, Indian chicken in the UK) and desserts (Twix McFlurry!) are fascinating, and some of its seasonal menu items remain big draws in the United States.

There are only two times we visit McDonald’s each year, and one of them is during the St. Patrick’s Day season. That’s the only opportunity to get their Shamrock Shakes, most recently accompanied by the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, both hugely unhealthy but true thirst traps for mint lovers like us. The special McFlurry glows a vivid green, thanks to only slightly too chemically mint syrup.