JamesG
11-02-2010, 07:20 PM
The return of McDonald's beloved McRib sandwich
BY Jacob E. Osterhout
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, November 2nd 2010
It's back!
For the first time in 16 years, McDonald's outlets nationwide return the McRib sandwich to their menus Tuesday.
The limited-edition run lasts for four weeks only. And New York McRib lovers are champing at the bit to sink their teeth into the sandwich.
"I'm going to eat as many as I can until I throw up," says Jenny Wu, a 31-year-old Web designer from Flushing.
"It's so tasty! We don't know what animals McDonald's killed to make the McRib, but we don't care because it tastes so good."
Wu is not alone: The specialty sandwich has a rabid fan base in this city.
In 2008, Anthony Benenato, an environmental waste worker in Belleville, N.J., started the Facebook group "Bring the MC Rib to New Jersey and New York," one of nearly 300 independent Facebook pages dedicated to the $2.99 menu item.
Tuesday marks the realization of his dream.
"I was hoping that if we got enough support, the McDonald's corporation would grant us our wish," says Benenato, 28, who can barely control his excitement when talking about the McRib.
"I had almost given up the fight, but then I heard the news that the McRib was coming back and I had to celebrate. I feel proud, like I did my part to help the McRib return."
The McRib debuted in 1982 to the delight of pork lovers, but by 1990 interest had waned. McDonald's removed the sandwich from the full-time menu, instead offering it sporadically as a specialty item at restaurants across the country.
"The McRib sandwich is seen by our customers as one of the most legendary menu items we have to offer," says McDonald's spokeswoman Tara Hayes. "By offering it in limited time periods it keeps the product fresh in the minds of our guests and maintains the demand to keep it coming back."
The McRib has been featured in David Letterman Top 10 lists, an episode of "The Simpsons" (as the Ribwich), and a Charlie's Angels movie.
"Even if you haven't had a McRib in years, you still remember what it looks and tastes like," says Aaron Walker, a 39-year-old financial manager from Boerum Hill.
"I mean, how many other sandwiches are turned into a cartoon."
The taste certainly maintains an appeal for those sick of burgers.
"I love the McRib because of the sauce," says Ben Barna, 28, a writer in Bed-Stuy. "There's also the nice contrast between the sweet barbecue taste and the salty pickles. Also, it's very exciting to get a pork sandwich at a burger place."
Plus, there are fond childhood memories.
"I remember eating it as a kid and how good it was," says Benenato. "I've been on a crazy strict diet lately and lost a ton of weight, but I am definitely going to break my diet to go have a McRib."
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/food/2010/11/02/2010-11-02_the_return_of_mcdonalds_beloved_mcrib_sandwich_is_like_a_unicorn_sighting_fans.html
BY Jacob E. Osterhout
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Tuesday, November 2nd 2010
It's back!
For the first time in 16 years, McDonald's outlets nationwide return the McRib sandwich to their menus Tuesday.
The limited-edition run lasts for four weeks only. And New York McRib lovers are champing at the bit to sink their teeth into the sandwich.
"I'm going to eat as many as I can until I throw up," says Jenny Wu, a 31-year-old Web designer from Flushing.
"It's so tasty! We don't know what animals McDonald's killed to make the McRib, but we don't care because it tastes so good."
Wu is not alone: The specialty sandwich has a rabid fan base in this city.
In 2008, Anthony Benenato, an environmental waste worker in Belleville, N.J., started the Facebook group "Bring the MC Rib to New Jersey and New York," one of nearly 300 independent Facebook pages dedicated to the $2.99 menu item.
Tuesday marks the realization of his dream.
"I was hoping that if we got enough support, the McDonald's corporation would grant us our wish," says Benenato, 28, who can barely control his excitement when talking about the McRib.
"I had almost given up the fight, but then I heard the news that the McRib was coming back and I had to celebrate. I feel proud, like I did my part to help the McRib return."
The McRib debuted in 1982 to the delight of pork lovers, but by 1990 interest had waned. McDonald's removed the sandwich from the full-time menu, instead offering it sporadically as a specialty item at restaurants across the country.
"The McRib sandwich is seen by our customers as one of the most legendary menu items we have to offer," says McDonald's spokeswoman Tara Hayes. "By offering it in limited time periods it keeps the product fresh in the minds of our guests and maintains the demand to keep it coming back."
The McRib has been featured in David Letterman Top 10 lists, an episode of "The Simpsons" (as the Ribwich), and a Charlie's Angels movie.
"Even if you haven't had a McRib in years, you still remember what it looks and tastes like," says Aaron Walker, a 39-year-old financial manager from Boerum Hill.
"I mean, how many other sandwiches are turned into a cartoon."
The taste certainly maintains an appeal for those sick of burgers.
"I love the McRib because of the sauce," says Ben Barna, 28, a writer in Bed-Stuy. "There's also the nice contrast between the sweet barbecue taste and the salty pickles. Also, it's very exciting to get a pork sandwich at a burger place."
Plus, there are fond childhood memories.
"I remember eating it as a kid and how good it was," says Benenato. "I've been on a crazy strict diet lately and lost a ton of weight, but I am definitely going to break my diet to go have a McRib."
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/food/2010/11/02/2010-11-02_the_return_of_mcdonalds_beloved_mcrib_sandwich_is_like_a_unicorn_sighting_fans.html