Bad taste?

[Bradypus]

From the "Americans Pilgrims On the Camino" Facebook group. Sent to me by a friend. Apparently seen in Leon recently

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

That's indeed " Bad Taste "
It's the place where I will never go to for a Menu Peregrino.
Wish you well ,Peter.

View attachment 27006

From the "Americans Pilgrims On the Camino" Facebook group. Sent to me by a friend. Apparently seen in Leon recently

 

[SabsP]

Ohh this hurts my eyes and heart!
But "trust" Mac to jump on the commercialisation train of the Frances...

 

[Bradypus]

Ohh this hurts my eyes and heart!
But "trust" Mac to jump on the commercialisation train of the Frances...

In fairness this one isn't from "Mac" - one of the opposition teams. Not that it makes much difference in the end.

 

[William Marques]

People may not like big food chains but can only independent restaurants have a pilgrims menu?

 

[Bradypus]

People may not like big food chains but can only independent restaurants have a pilgrims menu?

My negative gut reaction was not to the food part. Not my preference but each to their own on that score. It was the free hat I found hard to stomach. I know that commercialisation of the Camino Frances is a reality that we have to live with but to use your head as a mobile billboard proclaiming "BURGER KING CAMINO DE SANTIAGO" feels like a step too far.

 

[domigee]

My negative gut reaction was not to the food part. Not my preference but each to their own on that score. It was the free hat I found hard to stomach. I know that commercialisation of the Camino Frances is a reality that we have to live with but to use your head as a mobile billboard proclaiming "BURGER KING CAMINO DE SANTIAGO" feels like a step too far.

My feelings entirely.
As for the fast food, I shamefully admit rushing in a McDo at the end of a long day's walk, twice in fact Never in Europe mind and I was VERY hungry!
My walking partner still reminds me of it

 

[Sur Plus]

People may not like big food chains but can only independent restaurants have a pilgrims menu?

I agree with William Marques. While I do not condone the blatant commercialisation, it is everywhere along the CF. And like the pilgrim menus and the private accommodation with quiet rooms and clean sheets, and the transport services, and the variety of camino emblazoned buffs for sale etc. if you do not want to purchase the services or products, then don't. Just keep walking.

 

[SabsP]

In fairness this one isn't from "Mac" - one of the opposition teams. Not that it makes much difference in the end.

Ha true..all the same to me...

 

[Mark Lee]

Really no different than anyone or anything else that makes money off the popularity of the Camino. Revolting for sure, but if people weren't buying and eating that poison, it wouldn't exist. I don't know how anybody can put that shite into their body.
At least it's not their competitor, the other big burger chain. They'd have that creepy, garish clown mascot thing dressed like a pilgrim, burger in hand and a gourd full of Coke.

 

[Pingüigrino]

Really no different than anyone or anything else that makes money off the popularity of the Camino. Revolting for sure, but if people weren't buying and eating that poison, it wouldn't exist. I don't know how anybody can put that shite into their body.
At least it's not their competitor, the other big burger chain. They'd have that creepy, garish clown mascot thing dressed like a pilgrim, burger in hand and a gourd full of Coke.

Whehhh!

 

[spursfan]

I'm all in favour - and the gift cap as well!

On the Norte, as you walk into Castro Urdiales there is an advert for Burger King's home delivery service
http://www.muchocastro.com/noticias...nza-en-castro-urdiales-su-reparto-a-domicilio

 

[jpflavin1]

My first Camino I was so disenchanted when I arrived into Santiago to the hundreds of vendors selling Camino related items. Until I went to the Pilgrim mass the next day, I was very disappointed. Do to the increased popularity of the Camino expect to see much more of this and worse. I would not single out any specific type of Commercialism. The best way to combat this type of activity is not to support it. This is like commenting about garbage on the Camino, just pick it up versus complaining.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[David]

Ohh this hurts my eyes and heart!
But "trust" Mac to jump on the commercialisation train of the Frances...

It is Burger King, not McDonalds .. though ..... maybe McDonalds will follow by dressing their clown as a pilgrim with a backpack???

As for McDonalds - I don't understand why they are attacked by so many. When travelling I regularly use McDonalds - immaculately clean toilets (rest rooms), free wi-fi, the cheapest coffee you can buy.
All the ingredients are fresh and freshly cooked and sourced from the country or region the outlets are in.
Their burgers are 100% cuts of real meat, they use only free range eggs .. they sell salads ...
so they are a big company - so what? I don't get it.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

To be honest, I don't even like seeing the photo on the forum.

I don't eat fast food, though, unless it's me in the kitchen throwing a slice of cheese into a tortilla.

 

[David]

We are really close here to what is a "true" pilgrim - sure, that hat has Burger King on it but no one seems to have noticed that nearly all the gear worn on Camino carries adverts - North Face, Altus, Berghaus, Chechua, fjallraven, Osprey, - shall I go on?? - pilgrims are emblazoned with adverts, they are walking billboards - so how is this different?

Crikey! the scallop shell is an advert! - the logo - for the Camino and the Catholic church and the cathedral in Santiago!

And don't forget that inside that BurgerKing outlet there are real people working there - people who would most likely welcome a pilgrim ('true' or not) with a smile and a Buen Camino, people who may themselves be Camino veterans .... I think there is just a little too much 'holier than thou' going on here - don't you??

Buen sponsored by Berghaus Camino!

 

[t2andreo]

With a variety of dietary restrictions that reduce my ability to eat much of the food across Spain, I find myself actually looking forward to the "have it your way" approach at Burger King. While I rarely if ever eat "fast food" at home, when I am in Spain, I consider it both "survival food" and "comfort food." At least I know I can reliably find something my achy-breaky digestive tract can handle.

 

[grayland]

The Burger King just outside the wall is always well attended by pilgrims ready for a change from 30 days of bocadillos.

I really don't see it much different then the constant brochures posted on every wall, tree and post for "luggage" transport....even the post office papers the routes with advertising for pack transport.
The Burger King sign is probably on their own property where you only see it if you are actually there.

 

[Dutchwalk53]

Bbbrrrr yuk ! I don't eat fast food. However I get that some people like it. Each their own ! I hope to see no/very few Fast Food "restaurants" for awhile after I'm flying out TODAY from Miami to Madrid !

 

[Bradypus]

Thanks to everyone who has replied. I was very surprised at how immediate and visceral my own response was on reading the post from my friend. Not what I would have expected. Interesting as always to read the different perspectives.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Won't comment on the food but... @David makes a very valid point that almost if not all pilgrims wear clothing emblazoned with some form of logo.

...and I know of two 'real' pilgrims who enjoyed a meal there last year as well as the warm welcome that they received.

...and many fine young people now forging careers focused on social issues who began their working lives flipping burgers...

 

[Felipe]

Actually, when I was travelling in highways, I used sometimes to take my children to McDs or BKs. They are spacious, have clean bathrooms, playing areas, and for them it was a kind of unusual treat (I don't know if you have noticed it, but in some countries these franchises are not exactly for inexpensive food).
Personally, I’d say that in Spain, a “bocadillo” is much better. But next time in the Camino, I will be looking for McPilgrim advertisements; they will be probably there.
Other innovations that could be in store for future pilgrims:
* Coin operated mechanical staircases between Hunto and Orisson, and for the descent to Roncesvalles. Too steep, really.
* Paid Wifi music channels strategically hidden along the Camino. The chirping of birds, the gentle wind rustling the leaves is frankly monotonous.
* A chain of cute thematic Camino hostals, with young and smiling clerks (no grumpy and old hospitaleros, pleeease...)
And so on.

 

[Mark Lee]

It is Burger King, not McDonalds .. though ..... maybe McDonalds will follow by dressing their clown as a pilgrim with a backpack???

As for McDonalds - I don't understand why they are attacked by so many. When travelling I regularly use McDonalds - immaculately clean toilets (rest rooms), free wi-fi, the cheapest coffee you can buy.
All the ingredients are fresh and freshly cooked and sourced from the country or region the outlets are in.
Their burgers are 100% cuts of real meat, they use only free range eggs .. they sell salads ...
so they are a big company - so what? I don't get it.

A couple of years ago, or so McDonald's made the news when it was revealed that their burgers were made from some type of "pink slime" type stuff. The meat was made from scraps from the processing of the animal, but had to be treated with ammonia to kill deadly bacteria (the scraps were recovered from all parts of the process), thus turning it pink, but then it was dyed to a more natural meat color before being shipped out. Anyway, I pretty much stopped eating fast food several years ago, before that pink slime thing made the news. Now I try to only eat unprocessed or minimally processed food. Even my beer I like organic.
Not slamming free enterprise or commercialism. I understand it's just plain reality.
Bon appetite...ha ha

 

[zzotte]

Junk food its not just "for americans"anymore europeans are gobbling up like its no tomorrow and the franchisee are not americans either just my observation

zzotte

 

[Mark Lee]

Junk food its not just "for americans"anymore europeans are gobbling up like its no tomorrow and the franchisee are not americans either just my observation

zzotte

So true. If you see a Burger King, McDonald's, Starbucks, etc in Europe or Asia, the owner is not an American. It's owned by someone there who bought into the franchise and opened the store.
And those places are immensely popular overseas. I've seen them in Thailand, all over Europe and in the Middle East.

 

[SYates]

... As for McDonalds - I don't understand why they are attacked by so many. When travelling I regularly use McDonalds - immaculately clean toilets (rest rooms), free wi-fi, the cheapest coffee you can buy.
All the ingredients are fresh and freshly cooked and sourced from the country or region the outlets are in.
Their burgers are 100% cuts of real meat, they use only free range eggs .. they sell salads ...
so they are a big company - so what? I don't get it.

Whilst I agree with the clean toilets and wifi bits, there food is another story. In reality it looks like this in Europe (and I guess elsewhere):

http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/un...hickenburger-und-chickennuggets-a-966345.html about the use of GMO food for chicken than converted in MacMeals.

or, this time in English http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/20/fast-food-truths_n_4296243.html

Whilst they will buy from "the country or region the outlets are in" because it is cheaper (less transport costs and easier admin) they certainly will not buy high quality meat that comes from responsibly raised and killed animals, they will buy from big "meat factories".

Buen Camino, SY

 

[David]

That 'pink slime' stuff, a name invented by the media, was used by many companies, including Mcdonalds USA (not in Europe). They responded and stopped using it in the USA in 2011. They had never used it in Europe - we have much stricter food laws than the States.

 

[David]

Whilst I agree with the clean toilets and wifi bits, there food is another story. In reality it looks like this in Europe (and I guess elsewhere):

http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/un...hickenburger-und-chickennuggets-a-966345.html about the use of GMO food for chicken than converted in MacMeals.

or, this time in English http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/20/fast-food-truths_n_4296243.html

Whilst they will buy from "the country or region the outlets are in" because it is cheaper (less transport costs and easier admin) they certainly will not buy high quality meat that comes from responsibly raised and killed animals, they will buy from big "meat factories".

Buen Camino, SY

I think that this, if it is true, is to do only with the USA, who have almost non-existent food protection laws - and doesn't apply to Europe - I'm willing to be disabused though - eco-warriors are pretty active in the uk and they may have responded only in our country - this is what they say about their UK operations - http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/Aboutus/Newsroom/facts_and_stats0/menu.html

 

[SYates]

The first link I posted was from a highly respected German newspaper. Also, I am sorry, but what McDonalds posts on their own website/press releases isn't exactly unbiased. Buen Camino, SY

 

[trecile]

My first Camino I was so disenchanted when I arrived into Santiago to the hundreds of vendors selling Camino related items. Until I went to the Pilgrim mass the next day, I was very disappointed. Do to the increased popularity of the Camino expect to see much more of this and worse. I would not single out any specific type of Commercialism. The best way to combat this type of activity is not to support it. This is like commenting about garbage on the Camino, just pick it up versus complaining.

Ultreya,
Joe

The villages and cities along the Camino routes are inhabited by people full time, not just pilgrims who spend a day or two, and those people need to work. Would you deny them their livelihood so that you can have a "pure" Camino experience? I just may seek out a few trinkets from these vendors in order to support the local economy that is supporting me while I'm on the Camino.

 

[bunnymac]

Class!

 

[Pingüigrino]

The villages and cities along the Camino routes are inhabited by people full time, not just pilgrims who spend a day or two, and those people need to work. Would you deny them their livelihood so that you can have a "pure" Camino experience? I just may seek out a few trinkets from these vendors in order to support the local economy that is supporting me while I'm on the Camino.

Trecile, you are rigth. Nothing to say, but being an older man, I do not share the enthusiasm of youngers for that class of restaurants. Seeing this "pilgrims menu" poster make me doubth about start crying or laugthing. However, knowing the general quality of pilgrims menu... I think it could be a bad marketing idea.

 

[VNwalking]

I don't patronize either of these eateries...and I think that trecile and others have a good point:

The villages and cities along the Camino routes are inhabited by people full time, not just pilgrims who spend a day or two, and those people need to work. Would you deny them their livelihood so that you can have a "pure" Camino experience? I just may seek out a few trinkets from these vendors in order to support the local economy that is supporting me while I'm on the Camino.

I dislike kitschy advertisments too...like those tacky Mickey Mouse-like signs near Sahagun. It's all in bad taste. Yuk, indeed. But the 'pure' camino experience, alas, doesn't exist, except our hearts when we walk. And as David says:

We are really close here to what is a "true" pilgrim - sure, that hat has Burger King on it but no one seems to have noticed that nearly all the gear worn on Camino carries adverts - North Face, Altus, Berghaus, Chechua, fjallraven, Osprey, - shall I go on?? - pilgrims are emblazoned with adverts, they are walking billboards - so how is this different?
Crikey! the scallop shell is an advert! - the logo - for the Camino and the Catholic church and the cathedral in Santiago!
And don't forget that inside that BurgerKing outlet there are real people working there - people who would most likely welcome a pilgrim ('true' or not) with a smile and a Buen Camino, people who may themselves be Camino veterans .... I think there is just a little too much 'holier than thou' going on here - don't you??
Buen sponsored by Berghaus Camino!

I'm sponsored by Osprey

My first Camino I was so disenchanted when I arrived into Santiago to the hundreds of vendors selling Camino related items. Until I went to the Pilgrim mass the next day, I was very disappointed. Do to the increased popularity of the Camino expect to see much more of this and worse. I would not single out any specific type of Commercialism. The best way to combat this type of activity is not to support it.

Joe, I understand your sentiment very well, but this is nothing at all new. Have you read the accounts of Santiago 800 years ago. Same thing. Stalls selling souvenirs for pilgrims ot take home. Shells, Jet charms...it was a circus then too. the more things change...well, you know...same old same old.

(And as for those burgers...if you're a vegetarian, the pink slime is a not much of a concern--for you or the being who was actually alive at one point in the production line. )

 

[Albertagirl]

Yesterday, I bought a McDonald's meal for a beggar in my own city of Calgary, Alberta. She was able to choose what she wanted for a very reasonable price and I threw in a beverage, because you shouldn't go without liquid when it's 30 degrees in Calgary. I wouldn't eat there myself, unless I were very hungry indeed. But then, this woman probably was (she chose the location). I am remembering spending some time in the city centre McDonald's in Auckland, N.Z. a couple of years ago. On several occasions, I found myself there in the early morning, waiting for my intercity bus to leave when only McDonald's was open. It was clean, the coffee was good and I could take as long as I liked to drink it. A man came in with his guitar and played as long as he wished. I noticed people in somewhat basic attire coming in to use the washroom and not buying anything. They seemed to be homeless and were not turned away. It has just occurred to me that there is something heavenly about a place where music is shared for pleasure, the poor are welcome, and you can stay as long as you like. But I still don't eat the food.

 

[VNwalking]

It has just occurred to me that there is something heavenly about a place where music is shared for pleasure, the poor are welcome, and you can stay as long as you like.

I'd never have thought of this, Albertagirl, stuck as I am in ideas about the place. Beautiful, Albertagirl, triple like. Thank you for scrambling those preconceptions! Not to deny the rest, but it's a fine thing to see good in something.

 

[David]

Yesterday, I bought a McDonald's meal for a beggar in my own city of Calgary, Alberta. She was able to choose what she wanted for a very reasonable price and I threw in a beverage, because you shouldn't go without liquid when it's 30 degrees in Calgary. I wouldn't eat there myself, unless I were very hungry indeed. But then, this woman probably was (she chose the location). I am remembering spending some time in the city centre McDonald's in Auckland, N.Z. a couple of years ago. On several occasions, I found myself there in the early morning, waiting for my intercity bus to leave when only McDonald's was open. It was clean, the coffee was good and I could take as long as I liked to drink it. A man came in with his guitar and played as long as he wished. I noticed people in somewhat basic attire coming in to use the washroom and not buying anything. They seemed to be homeless and were not turned away. It has just occurred to me that there is something heavenly about a place where music is shared for pleasure, the poor are welcome, and you can stay as long as you like. But I still don't eat the food.

This has to be the kindest, most generous, most human, post we have had on this forum for some time.

Bless you xx

 

[Albertagirl]

Bless you xx

Thank you.

 

[jpflavin1]

The villages and cities along the Camino routes are inhabited by people full time (I agree), not just pilgrims who spend a day or two (agree again), and those people need to work (I agree). Would you deny them their livelihood (no) so that you can have a "pure" Camino experience (No experience is pure but the Camino comes close)? I just may seek out a few trinkets from these vendors in order to support the local economy that is supporting me while I'm on the Camino (Good).

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[zzotte]

Whilst I agree with the clean toilets and wifi bits, there food is another story. In reality it looks like this in Europe (and I guess elsewhere):

http://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/un...hickenburger-und-chickennuggets-a-966345.html about the use of GMO food for chicken than converted in MacMeals.

or, this time in English http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/20/fast-food-truths_n_4296243.html

Whilst they will buy from "the country or region the outlets are in" because it is cheaper (less transport costs and easier admin) they certainly will not buy high quality meat that comes from responsibly raised and killed animals, they will buy from big "meat factories".

Buen Camino, SY

and mostly they bathroom are very clean

 

[Jeff Crawley]

But surely this is the same food that was eaten by the Pilgrim Fathers, no?

This guy used to stand outside of McD in Santiago back in 2003 - is he still there?

 

[James R B]

But surely this is the same food that was eaten by the Pilgrim Fathers, no?

This guy used to stand outside of McD in Santiago back in 2003 - is he still there?

View attachment 27033

Is that a new statue of Elvis?

 

[navarro]

I dont like this kiind of restaurants. But I never, never, never will spend my money in a compny that preferes buying robots instead of increase salaries to their employees. Their greed has no limits.

 

[dougfitz]

I dont like this kiind of restaurants. But I never, never, never will spend my money in a compny that preferes buying robots instead of increase salaries to their employees. Their greed has no limits.

So you don't own a car, any electronic devices, kitchen or laundry appliances, etc? Robotic applications in product assembly, warehousing and distribution are now so pervasive I don't think I could achieve this objective if I wanted too.

 

[Montana Jayne]

In Burgos we saw 3 or 4 street adverts for Burger King, but never did actually see one in the three days we were there. We weren't looking to eat there, but it became a search. Thought it was pretty funny. In Leon we stayed at albergue S.Maria de Carbajal, and we did go to the McD's nearby as it was convenient, had a taste of home, and had clean restrooms. Go with the flow and don't judge other people's motives. Life IS better that way.

 

[trecile]

So you don't own a car, any electronic devices, kitchen or laundry appliances, etc? Robotic applications in product assembly, warehousing and distribution are now so pervasive I don't think I could achieve this objective if I wanted too.

What about farming? Plant, plow and harvest by hand?

 

[zzotte]

I dont like this kiind of restaurants. But I never, never, never will spend my money in a compny that preferes buying robots instead of increase salaries to their employees. Their greed has no limits.

you have kind heart calling MacD a restaurant if not for robots how could they afford to sale five burgers for a 1$? poor things hahaha

 

[dougfitz]

What about farming? Plant, plow and harvest by hand?

I think I would reserve my opinion there about the difference between highly mechanized and robotic, but it would be difficult if the whole food chain had to be free of any form of robot in some countries.

 

[dougfitz]

you have kind heart calling MacD a restaurant if not for robots how could they afford to sale five burgers for a 1$? poor things hahaha

Please enlighten me. What robots do MacDonalds restaurants use?

 

[Mark Lee]

So you don't own a car, any electronic devices, kitchen or laundry appliances, etc? Robotic applications in product assembly, warehousing and distribution are now so pervasive I don't think I could achieve this objective if I wanted too.

Exactly. If you own a car you are contributing to robotics. If you pay to ride in a motor vehicle of any kind, you contribute to robotics. If you fly in a plane, contributing. The list goes on....
good luck to anyone that attempts to live off the robotic grid....

 

[Stuart Lennon]

Wow, 8 Euros for a burger and fries? That's one expensive hamburger. But seriously, if you want to see over the top commercialism wait till you arrive in Santiago. I really found it difficult to spend the time there I thought I would. I couldn't have been the only one in 2013 to see the souvenir shop a few doors down from the Camino office advertising compostellas for two Euros and then there is all the other Camino trinkets including a white linen trekkers suit. As we all know, nothing beats hiking the Camino in an all white suit.

Got to get me one of those...look for a 270lb man in a white linen trekking suit on the Camino in October. I might add a parasol. (If there is more than one, I'll be the one with the Burger )

 

[psychoticparrot]

There are many reasons why obesity is a major health problem in the U.S. Fast-food franchises are one of those reasons. As an occasional thing, a BK or McD meal won't hurt you, but too many Americans rely on them to feed themselves, and even worse, their children. The food is cheap, addictive, and harmful.

The rest of the world -- look out! Don't eat that crap regularly. It's loaded with chemicals, high-fructose corn syrup, and unhealthy fats. Look up the nutrition information for a burger, fries, and soda. Prepare to be shocked.

 

[Mark Lee]

There are many reasons why obesity is a major health problem in the U.S. Fast-food franchises are one of those reasons. As an occasional thing, a BK or McD meal won't hurt you, but too many Americans rely on them to feed themselves, and even worse, their children. The food is cheap, addictive, and harmful.

The rest of the world -- look out! Don't eat that crap regularly. It's loaded with chemicals, high-fructose corn syrup, and unhealthy fats. Look up the nutrition information for a burger, fries, and soda. Prepare to be shocked.

Exactly. One way ticket to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and stroke.
Several years ago I pretty much stopped eating it altogether, and honestly now if I do, it tastes strange and the sodas sickeningly sweet. Yuck. I don't even like the smell of it when in the establishments just to get a cup of coffee.

 

[Stuart Lennon]

I love this place. Where else could I get nutrition advice from a parrot?

True though.

 

[psychoticparrot]

I love this place. Where else could I get nutrition advice from a parrot?

True though.

Parrots have been found by researchers to be as smart as chimps, dolphins, and 3-year-old human children. Google Dr. Irene Pepperberg and her research subject, an African Grey parrot, Alex. Astounding!

We can learn a lot from parrots.

 

[Icacos]

Parrots have been found by researchers to be as smart as chimps, dolphins, and 3-year-old human children. Google Dr. Irene Pepperberg and her research subject, an African Grey parrot, Alex. Astounding!

We can learn a lot from parrots.

Thanks for the reminder! Here's another book I want to read, about an African Gray Parrot,
"Tuco: The Parrot, the Others, and A Scattershot World"
-https://www.amazon.ca/Tuco-Parrot-Others-Scattershot-World/dp/1771640634. I heard the author interviewed on the radio and the stories he told were remarkably similar to those I've heard from a friend who has also lived for years with a parrot.