Sunday, August 25, 2013

Cheap$kate Dining Video - McDonald's Filet-O-Fish Friday

The Penny-Pinching Cafe Critic dives deep into the fast-food waters and takes a bite out of McDonald's popular fish sandwich, the Filet-O-Fish.


Now, I'm not above eating a giant fast-food chain's meal from time to time, unlike local food newspaper critics whose taste buds have been so elevated as to be out of touch, like this condescending review by LA Times restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila's of a McDonald's Premium Wrap (a portion of the article's title says it all "Fast Food Virgin") just click here to read the tasteless prose describing the zombie-like clientele and food. Hey, if you can get a paid-for gig eating the cream of the crop, power to you, but don't look down on the palates of the pay-your-own-way teaming masses. That's right, I'm defending fast food cuisine, so read on to have your taste buds corrupted. (And check out my Cheap$kate Dining video review at end of this post.)

The price is right at $1.59 (plus tax,) when McDonald's brings back the Filet-O-Fish Fridays special - that's practically half price! (In Los Angeles the sandwich is normally priced at $3.19, and a meal is $5.19.) I always look for a banner or window poster on the facade that announces it's return. The Friday Special usually lasts a month at a time and returns a couple of times a year. (Usually during the Christian days of Lent in March and April.) But those are plenty of days to get my deep-fried flaky fish fix.

I've always been a fan of the Filet-O-Fish. It's certainly small but has all the ingredients that make fast food so addictive and palate-pleasing: white bread carbs, processed cheese, creamy sauce, and a well-prepared filet of protein.

The fish fillet is usually made of pollock, not tilapia, as the server mentioned at the start of my video.


And it makes a satisfying first bite. The bun is okay, but it's what's inside that counts. The fish filet is flaky and moist and the crust is not too thick or oily from deep frying. The coating is well seasoned and crunchy. And the filet has a pleasing mild taste.


I like the creamy tartar sauce too. They give you a generous scoop for the sandwich. And the mayo/pickle/vinegar mixture is well balanced and tart.

My one complaint is the small landing strip of melted American cheese. It's almost an afterthought - a thicker or larger slice is needed for better balance.


So check out The Bottom Feeding Chef's latest Cheap$kate Dining video to see how McDonald's Filet-O-Fish weighs in on a scale of 1 to 9, 9 being best.

McDonald's Filet-O-Fish Friday - VIDEO

Play it here, video runs 1 minute, 40 seconds.

My YouTube video link for viewing or embedding, just click here.
99 Thanks to Greg for shooting the Chef under the Santa Monica pier.
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2 comments:

  1. Rich Mom, Rich Dad. Poor Mom, Poor Dad.August 25, 2013 at 12:55 PM

    Meh. Food snobs get on my nerves. They make fun of the food and the people? Very class. *sarcasm*. I like a lot of food and nothing is too high or too low brow for me. I used to love the Filet O Fish. That's a great price, too bad I'm allergic to all fish (shell, salt and fresh water) now. Anywho, I like the premium McWrap. I must be a zombie. Braiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiins.

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  2. DinahsoarAugust 31, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    I'm a huge fan of the Filet O Fish san. at McD's. Good enough is good enough, and it's good enough for me. I pay little mind to food critics, you being the exception. The rest have little credibility with me.

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