McDonald's gave me occasion this afternoon to look up the definition of "bistro."
"A bistro, sometimes spelled bistrot, is, in its original Parisian incarnation, a small restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting," sayeth Wikipedia. "Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve. Slow-cooked foods like braised meats are typical."
Sounds a lot like the Golden Arches, right? Except for that "slow-cooked" business. And the part that evokes the City of Light. And the part, noted in other sources I consulted, about bistros serving wine.
Whether the word fits McDonald's or not, the fast-food chain is slapping it on a new menu item, the McBistro Chicken Sandwich.
It is being tested in just three markets nationwide: Omaha, Albuquerque and -- you guessed it -- Greater Baltimore.
The chicken comes either grilled or fried. It's available with bacon, white cheddar cheese, tomato and a choice of sauce (chipotle barbecue, honey mustard, buttermilk ranch). It is served on a whole-grain "bakery-style" roll.
All fine and dandy if you're in the market for a fast-food chicken sandwich. But what makes this bistro fare?
Apparently, in the eyes of McDonald's, it's the fact that customers can customize their sandwiches, and pay less if they hold the bacon or cheese or lettuce.
"McBistro Chicken Sandwiches are all about choice, and customers will pay for only what they include on their customized sandwich, enjoying a premium product without a premium price," says a McDonald's news release.
Are Parisian waiters known for being exceedingly accommodating? For singing, "Special orders don't upset us"? I'm thinking surly guy in a white jacket who brings you food so delicious you don't mind his attitude, not clown in a yellow jumpsuit whose painted-on smile can't begin to make up for his fare.
No price information was included on the press release. I found that surprising since the whole bistro claim hangs on the sandwich's flexible ingredients and pricing. A McDonald's PR rep said she'd look into it and get back to me.
Since the sandwich is already being served, I decided I'd just call a McDonald's and ask. I rang up the one in the 2800 block of Greenmount Avenue. The woman who answered hung up before I could get the question out.
Maybe they're getting the Parisian thing down after all.
McDonald's photo