McRib is Back, and Are you going to get one?

[Chemicalkinetics]

I am told that the McRib has been back. I don't know how long this will last. I have not had one as far as I can remember (it is possible that I had it when I was very little). I don't know if I will go out of my way to get one, but I suppose McRib is a historical/cultural thing that I should at least try it, so I will probably get one.

My question to you is: Are you going to get one this time? Or you just don't give a dime for it?

P.S.: If McRib is as popular and as well-liked as many claimed, then why does McDonald have to continue/discontinue on and off, on and off like this?

Thanks.

[KaimukiMan]

Got one yesterday. So much sauce the patty kept sliding out of the bun, sauce everywhere. by weight it was probably 20% bun, 30% sauce, 5% pickle and onion, and 45% patty.

Kinda gross, but somehow I ate the whole thing.

[sueatmo]

No.

[L2k]

Gone from my local. :(

[Chemicalkinetics]

But did you get it before it was gone?

[Vidute]

i still don't "get" it! ;)

[hill food]

ok those two comments taken together create a sort of meta question - vis a vis - the definition of 'get'

did I understand it while it was obtainable? did I obtain it and not understand it? did I do neither? sometimes hard to believe I no longer belong to the target demographic. dude.

[Vidute]

ahem, i'm a dudette!

had one at its inception. did not "get" it then. have not purchased one since. still don't "get" it, today. will not "get" it in its next cycle. tis fun "bending" words!

[hill food]

I get ya. from my own misbegotten POV.

[Vidute]

;)

[L2k]

But of course! Which is why I now :(

[L2k]

Sign is down in my local McD's, but they are still selling them.

[ChrisOC]

I usually have one McRib per year.

[Tripeler]

Good medical advice.

[DuchessNukem]

Alright. Your thread made me laugh. Last McRib we tried was maybe 6? 8? years ago,shared with the Duke: weird texture, overpowering BBQ sauce, and nothing memorable. And I seriously need to consider my calories, so my first answer to your header was "no".

After reading through, part of me wants to grab a few, bring them home, re-dress them with my homemade pickles, fresh raw shallots, and better bunnage. Maybe sliderize them lol.

Won't go out of my way but might could do this Sunday night.

[Chemicalkinetics]

For what it is worths, on my way home, I got another McRib tonight, and am having it at this very moment. McRib, French fries, and chocholate milkshake.

[Tom34]

If your going to do it, might as well do it right.

[Tripeler]

Duchess, it sounds a whole lot more trouble than it could possibly be worth. The only thing I think the "meat analog" could be good for is as a substitute for silicone in reconstructive surgery.

[efrashhi]

Don't ever buy a McRib its disgusting, its just a terrible hot dog covered with terrible bbq sauce itll make you want to barf everywhere

[Leepa]

What a lovely visual. Thank you.

[RealMenJulienne]

I already fulfilled my McRib quota, just like I do every year. Ate one, fell asleep, woke up with a sugary stomach ache.

The thing I like about the McRib is that it's always hot. Uh, that's about it.

[Vidute]

there's a second good thing.... it always goes away. :)

[Chemicalkinetics]

Ouch. Maybe my Survey should have been: "Do you like McRib?" instead.

[Vidute]

lol!

[Chemicalkinetics]

Two things you can count on, son. The sun rises everyday, and McRib comes every year.

P.S.: I just want to say "son" because it is funnier.

[Vidute]

and then it slinks off into the sunset. :)

[Chemicalkinetics]

Like the hero (especially cowboy) riding into sunset. :)

http://www.idovillainy.com/wp-content...

[Vidute]

more like after public humiliation! :P

[Clams047]

In a way, that's my feelings about their Big Mac, but instead, it comes back every 10-15 minutes for a day or so.

[hill food]

Clams - White Castle also has that effect.

[Florida Hound]

In the case of White Castle, you have hit on one of the joys of eating there. (Seriously.)
We don't have White Castle in Florida- I miss them very much. As I type this, I can say that even writing and reminiscing about White Castle also has "that effect." The memory brain cells sure can be powerful little guys.

(My Chow Hound profile lists White Castle as my favorite restaurant, I hate to admit.)

[hill food]

and when you need to feed that monkey, the grocery store WC freezer box just doesn't quite cut it, does it?

[RealMenJulienne]

I always like the first two bites, if that counts for anything.

[Chemicalkinetics]

You know, if you learn to open your mouth really wide, you can finish the whole sandwich in two vites. :) In which case, liking the first two bites is the same as liking the whole sandwich.

[pine time]

last time it made a come-back, Mr. Pine had to try one. He took one bite, handed it to me for one bite, and the rest went to the trash. Sickly sweet sauce, mystery meat with a mushy texture, and dried out bread. Not even tempted this time.

[mrsfury]

Had one last week after not having one in years. I liked it but I also like condiment sandwiches so I can understand why someone who is going for the meat might be disappointed. It was not nearly as gross as a BK burger but not as tasty as a KFC snacker sandwich. I'd eat it again but not often. Generally fast food is a treat for us so I feel no guilt eating crap every now and then.

[mwhitmore]

Ordered one without sauce. Nuthin'.

[Chemicalkinetics]

Although I thought mine has too much sauce, I can totally see the sandwich would taste pretty bad without sauce. Unlike real barbecue pork ribs, these compressed meat are not smoked and have not texture. So it would taste very bland and boring, I think.

[redfish62]

I never buy one because to me they are disgusting.

[Chemicalkinetics]

You mean that they look disgusting, but I don't think you know for sure until you try it. :)

[Leepa]

Nope. Never had one. Not planning to change that. ;)

[Chemicalkinetics]

But then you will be miss out all the great McRib conversations :)

[StrandedYankee]

Nope. I loved them when they were first introduced, but more than a decade ago they became disgusting. Every now and then I get one in hopes that something has changed, but nope. Disgusting, disgusting, disgusting.

[Chemicalkinetics]

I wonder if these burgers and sandwiches really become disgusting (change of taste) or if we change our perspective.

[StrandedYankee]

I really do think that the fast food places have largely changed how they prepare their food. Once upon a time, fast food places had to hire true short-order cooks. They don't do that anymore.

[Chemicalkinetics]

<Once upon a time, fast food places had to hire true short-order cooks. They don't do that anymore.>

Thanks. Good point too.

[StrandedYankee]

I was thinking more about your question about my tastes changing more so than the food itself.

Some things that I loved as a kid (instant mashed potatoes, Chef Boyardee ravioli, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese) I truly can't stand now, and I do think that they taste pretty similar to the way I adored them back in 1978. My palate began to notice the cardboard flavor of instant mashed, the over sweet tomato sauce and over soft noodles (I can't bring myself to call it pasta!) in a can of Chef Boyardee, and the strange over-salted taste of boxed mac & cheese. With many things like these, I think I changed more than the food did.

Other things, like frozen foods, I think the changes in the way they were made are the real difference. I ADORED TV dinners as a little girl, but when they changed everything frozen to be made in a microwave it all began to taste lousy (frozen veggies being a notable exception...they work well in a microwave). I doubt I'd still adore TV dinners the same way if they were still made specifically to be heated in a conventional oven, but I do think I'd like them more than I like what has replaced them.

Most fast food chains have stopped doing the vast majority of their food prep in their stores. I suspect if they still did more preparing of fresher ingredients closer to when (and where) I was actually ordering, I'd probably like them at least somewhat better than I do, but less than I once did. Children grow up, and my palate did become more curious and more sophisticated with the years.

Thinking about it though, I still LOVE crispy bacon & scrambled eggs with toast. A simple fresh hamburger on a fresh bun or kaiser roll? I'm happy. Gringa Madre's taco night tacos, circa 1978? If I had a tail, it would wag. Good, tasty meatloaf? Yay! A lot of the things that still really taste the same, I still absolutely love. Maybe I even love them more for the combination of yumminess AND nostalgia.

And perhaps that's why I avoid fast food as much as I do. Because so much of it has gone so far downhill, it not only doesn't taste very good...it actually saddens me. I remember yummy Taco Bell tacos, Whoppers that were better than almost anything (in the way of a burger) that I could make at home, and McDonald's french fries that were tender, crispy and flavorful. When they changed the way they made these things, they changed the flavors and textures. In my humble opinion, they have wrecked their own products. I can't see budgeting my calorie/fat/cholesterol/sodium allowances for these things that frankly don't taste very good AND leave me depressed!

[Chemicalkinetics]

Well, while most fast food restaurants' taste have gone down hill for limiting cost, I think a few fast food restaurants have maintained good quality like In-N-Out -- though I haven't had them for 10 years now.

They do say people change their taste preference as they get older. Most noticeably the taste of bitterness. Children are a lot more sensitive to bitterness than adults, which explains why many children do not like broccolie rabe and brussels sprouts, but some later like them as they get older.

[StrandedYankee]

My palate is still a tad immature then...broccoli rabe tastes just like poison to me! I love Brussels sprouts (especially roasted!), but broccoli rabe always gives me the feeling that I'm being asked to willingly ingest some form of chemical warfare.

[Chemicalkinetics]

<broccoli rabe tastes just like poison to me>

I will presume a bit -- but not in a mean way :)

Broccoli rabe is very bitter, but most people blanch broccoli rabe and much of the bitterness is removed by this process. Do you blanch the rabe? :) I do remember the first time I cooked broccoli rabe without blanching -- just pan fried, and I was like "Man, this is crazy bitter"

I forgot. Sweetness is another taste which we change as we get older. For little children, there is almost no limit to sweetness. That is to say very few children complain about food being TOO sweet. As we get older, we still like sweet, but not as much.

[StrandedYankee]

Every time I've had broccoli rabe, it's out at restaurants. I've never tried to cook it at home. The first time I tried it...it has to be 15 years ago. I occasionally try it again to make sure I still don't like it. I never do.

I have lost a tremendous amount of my taste for sweets over the years, the candy bars I once loved now taste awful to me...though oddly, I still love Mike & Ike's as well as Skittles. I tend to like darker chocolates now, usually with nuts or something salty, like pretzels.

[Chemicalkinetics]

Alright. I have just ordered and eaten my first McRib. I took my first bite, and I didn't really like it. It had no texture, just soft uniform sponge like meat. As I ate more of it, I kind of like it more and more. At the end, I have to say that I like the McRib. I don't understand the big enthusiasm for it, but it is a decent sandwich for a very low price. I won't mind going back again and order another McRib.

My experience is different from what some of yours. I find there was too much sauce on my McRib. The sauce tasted fine. I liked the tanginess, but I found it a bit too sweet especially for the massive amount of sauce. I have 2-3 pieces of pickles.

[fourunder]

I had the McRib on New Year's Eve....I thought the samd as you with regards to the sauce....too much of it , not overly sweet, but very smokey

As for the Conspiracy Theorist as to why the sandwich is not offered all the time.....many have speculated it is due to the cost of the raw pork product and how the costs fluctuate throughout the year...others believe it has to do with the supply of pork in general

The simple truth is it is marketing genius which has overlapped to their other products and launches. By not having it available, the conversation is created.....demand is created....so when it's available, then those who want it go out and purchase it.

You either go to McDonald's or you don't . If you go to McD's, eventually you get bored and you stay away.....You may start going twice a week, then once a week, a couple of time a month and finally only once a month. With a limited time and availability, the interest is reborn and you go back making multiple purchases again of the sandwich.

By limiting the availability to certain times of the year....they create demand and cravings to be satisfied.

[Chemicalkinetics]

<not overly sweet, but very smokey>

The sauce itself was not too sweet, but the amount of the sauce made the overall experience too sweet for me. Yes, I agree with you that the sauce was smokey too.

<The simple truth is it is marketing genius which has overlapped to their other products and launches. By not having it available, the conversation is created.....demand is created....so when it's available>

I was thinking just that while I driving to McDonald today. I know people think McDonald menu is boring, but it tries very hard to change its menu once awhile. McRib is a popular (but not too popular) sandwich. So taking it off and on, won't hurt the business too much, and it can generate conversation.

[Florida Hound]

fourunder, you seem to be about the only poster to look at the 'why its not offered year round,' and you nailed it. Its wonderful marketing.
Of course McDonalds did not invent this. I wait "all year" (or 9 months) for the ginger wafers in the Philadelphia area (Sweetzels and Ivins) to be available in the Fall. Also in October, pumpkin-this and pumpkin-that throughout grocery and specialty stores. We've just gone through the feasting season where egg nogs, fruit cakes, and specialty pastries are available for only a short time. (and, put a bag or 2 of fresh cranberries in the freezer for off-season fresh cranberry sauce. )
Anticipation is fun. The once-a-year availablity gives an aura of specialness to the foods.

But otherwise, on the McRib, it is a pork product, and I gave up pork for a variety of reasons several years ago.

[fourunder]

Thanks, and yes it's very true they did not invent the marketing strategy.....but is there really any original ideas anymore?....and isn't steal one's idea the greatest form of flattery?..... : 0 )

When I indicated * marketing genius *, it was to compliment them for knowing exactly how and when to implement the sandwich which works best for them. Obviously, they have seasonal promotions like their milkshakes for St. Patrick's Day or other flavored shakes for appropriate times of the year, but I believe it's been noted that they save the McRib for the end of the year to boost sales, in fact delaying the launch this year a week or two to create an even more greatly anticipated demand......2011 was the best ever and they believe that 2012 will surpass the previous years earnings for their earning statements and hopefully increase their stock value.

[tessakay]

This is for chemicalkinetics...I should have gone to YOUR McDonalds. Goes to show me that not all franchises cook the same, but I guess I should know that by now... Oh well...Whopper's are still my favorite! ;)
Nice chatting with you...

[Chemicalkinetics]

Yeah, I guess McDonald didn't get the QC (quality control) down for the McRib. In my case, there was a bit more sauce than I would want. Now, you may say that could be due to our preference difference, but I have a feeling that there was indeed a real difference. Why? Because my sauce was dripping out of the sandwich and was quiet messy. It almost dripped on my coat (dry cleaning -- warning). Good thing that it missed the coat. I had to constantly use my papertowel.

[tessakay]

Yes, I had one bc I had loved them in past times, but somehow McDonald's forgot how they used to make them. Hardly any sauce on it and just one pickle...come on now...really? I will go to Burger King for a Whopper from now on! ;(

[Jelly71]

I have already had 5 or 6 in the last few weeks. I can't explain the allure, but I just really like that sandwich.

[Chemicalkinetics]

<I just really like that sandwich.>

Question. Do you like other McDonald sandwish as much? Or do you particularly like McRib? Thanks.

[Clams047]

Personally, I occasionally like their FoF and grilled chicken sandwiches. I find their $1 chicken-scrap concoction to be grossly terrible and I taste nothing but salt in their burgers.

The FoF and McRibs are products all their own. The FoF admittedly has little resemblance to a real fish sandwich and the McRib may have no rib meat with little-to-no resemblance to BBQ, but I find both are decent products on their own.

[Jelly71]

The McRib is easily my favorite menu item of theirs. But every once in awhile I will get a craving for a Big Mac or some McNuggets and indulge myself. Those are the only items I eat from there aside from the McRib. I really dislike the Quarter Pounder and the Angus Burgers. Oh, I do also like the little cheeseburger.

But I don't go there nearly as often as I do during McRib Season.

[Chemicalkinetics]

I do like the Filet-O-Fish too. I think I like the Angus Brugers, but I haven't had them since college, so I may change my mind.

Since you had 5-6 McRib, I just wanted to know if you like McDonald in general, or if you especially like McRib. You have answered this question for me. Thanks.

[basildip]

Is it the same as it was years ago? I liked it then; but the current commercials don't look very appetizing. My question is for Jelly71, or whoever wants to answer.

[Jelly71]

To me, it tastes the same. The patty and sauce are the same as they have always been.

[deet13]

I agree that the sauce and the solid ingredients are pretty much the same as they were back in the 80's.

[rockycat]

The Offspring was begging for one - never had it before, etc., etc. The Spouse took her to get one. They brought it home, she had one bite, made an ugly face, and said she didn't like it. I hadn't tasted a McRib since they originally came out decades ago. I took one bite and said, "Now I remember why I won't eat these." Spouse finished the sandwich and said, "Now I remember why I liked these so much."

To each his own, apparently.

[Chemicalkinetics]

<I took one bite and said, "Now I remember why I won't eat these." Spouse finished the sandwich and said, "Now I remember why I liked these so much.">

Are you two (your spouse and you) from different from of the country? For example, are you from the South, and she is from the West Coast?

[rockycat]

No, both NY'ers. Brooklyn and Queens.

[Clams047]

Evidently, there is no rib meat in a McRib.

http://consumerist.com/2011/11/02/wha...

That's OK for me, it's a nice treat once or twice a year, even if it has no relationship to BBQ (or ribs).

[hill food]

now that I no longer smoke pot, uhhh no. ehh it just means more for the rest of my old pals. I did try one last go 'round and almost yakked. not terrible, but did not remember the appeal.

[Chemicalkinetics]

:) I think I will get one today, and I will report back. Yeah, pot is getting expensive, isn't it? :P

[James Cristinian]

Yes it is more expensive, but the quality way better. I don't think there is enough around me to taste a McRib. The only thing I like at McDonald's is a double filet-o-fish, no cheese.

[Tom34]

Waite till they legalize & tax it.

[Chemicalkinetics]

:) I don't know. Free market and competition should bring the price down. Look no way but the price of alcohol before, during and after Prohibition.

[Tom34]

Come to think of it, if it were legal you could always grow your own. Whole new meaning to Herb garden.

[hill food]

and that may qualify as a factor in a new post on the meals for less than $5.00 thread

[Vidute]

there was an appeal?

[hill food]

once, now lost to the wind. ghost: haunt me no more.

[deet13]

Yes we will be getting one.

And McD's only serves McRibs once per year because it doesn't take very long for McDonald's to run through the national supply of boneless pigs...

[Chemicalkinetics]

So it sounds like you had them before. I think I will have one too.

<it doesn't take very long for McDonald's to run through the national supply of boneless pigs...>

Heh heh heh.

[deet13]

Heh I don't think they're all that great; but, the McRib is one of the few McD's sandwiches that I enjoy purchasing.

To steal and then heavily paraphrase a line from one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of the 21st century, "There should be a new, stronger word for food like the McRib, like bad/wrong or badong."

[ipsedixit]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/879306

[Chemicalkinetics]

Read.