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McDonald’s is giving fast food the fine-dining treatment, and yes, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese is getting its moment at the chef’s table. On October 29, guests can enjoy Inside the Golden Arches, a free, reservation-only tasting experience in New York City led by Tristen Epps-Long, winner of Top Chef Season 22 and a former McDonald’s crew member.
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The one-day event promises an up-close look at the ingredients and techniques behind some of the chain’s most recognizable menu items. Guests will get to see how the Quarter Pounder with Cheese is prepared, from the beef hitting the grill to the finishing touches that make the burger a fast-food staple. The tasting will also feature the Egg McMuffin, Chicken McNuggets and World Famous Fries. Finally, you can investigate that perfectly round Egg McMuffin egg without holding up the drive-thru line.
Epps-Long brings a fitting perspective to the event: Before building his culinary career and winning Bravo's Top Chef, he worked behind a McDonald’s counter himself. He’ll guide guests through the experience alongside the people responsible for the chain’s day-to-day food preparation.
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“McDonald’s was where I got my start, and the experience helped shape the way I think about food and hospitality,” Epps-Long said in a statement. “Even now, I have a deep appreciation for the consistency that allows millions of people to enjoy the same great meal wherever they are. Inside the Golden Arches gives fans a rare opportunity to see the people, processes and care behind that experience.”
According to McDonald’s, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese features 100-percent beef that is never frozen, delivered to local restaurants two to three times a week and cooked when ordered. The company says the event is intended to offer customers a closer look at the ingredients and processes behind its menu.
And beginning November 2, that menu gets a little more affordable as participating McDonald’s locations nationwide offer a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, medium fries and a drink for $8. Prices and participation may vary, and the offer is not valid for delivery.
There is one catch for anyone hoping to snag a seat: Reservations are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of two seats per booking. Seats opened at October 22 at 1pm Eastern time; to snag yours, click here.