It’s finally here! The long-promised, much-hyped Big Arch Burger has débuted – in Canada. It’s the fulfillment of the chain’s promise to offer a bigger, better-value burger to cash-strapped fans. And it IS big! We’ll get back to you with an opinion on the ‘value’…
We had some trepidations and reservations about the Arch Burger when McD’s last teased us with a few tantalizing details earlier this year. We wondered just how BIG it would be. And what the new Arch Sauce would taste like…
The veil is lifted
The new burger, officially dubbed the Big Arch, is, indeed big. In fact, it’s a true kissing cousin to the double Quarter Pounder.With the dual quarter-pound patties, 3 slices of white (processed) Canadian Cheddar, and the creamy new sauce, it’s loaded with Calories – 1,030, officially, to be precise. Add medium fries (350 Cal.) and a medium fountain drink (190 Cal.), and your Calorie total for the meal is a whopping 1,570!
When you consider that the official health recommendations from most governments in the western world agree we should be aiming for 2,000 Calories a day, tops… Well, you get the picture.
The official description in McD’s Canadian online menu reads: “Two quarter pound 100% Canadian beef patties, layered with three slices of white processed cheese, and topped with crispy onions, slivered onions, pickles, lettuce and delicious Big Arch sauce, served on a toasted sesame and poppy seed bun.”
BTW: I just love the very notion of that unconventional 2-seed bun!
Why Two Onions?
Okay. I mentioned this back at the beginning of the month… The chain still hasn’t explained why it’s got 2 kinds of onions on its new burger.
And the new Arch Sauce is still described only as, “tangy and tantalizing.” But the McMarketers have told us, it’s definitely not the same as the signature Secret Sauce on the Big Mac.
But the official news release makes it clear McD’s engaged in extensive fan surveys and taste tests before finalizing the recipe.
‘Participating’ locations only
Alas for some Canadian McFans, the Big Arch is available only at ‘participating locations’, only. But I’m betting it will be at all locations sooner or later. After all, it’s the centrepiece of the highest-profile McDonald’s promotional push in years – the key, spotlighted response to fan demands for better value.
That view is backed up by Buetikofer’s description of the Big Arch as a, “new global menu item.”
My take
Sister Erin said she saw a big banner, blasting out the big début, at our neighbourhood McD’s when she drove by yesterday morning (the official release date – August 27).
We don’t usually do this… But Erin and I are going to try the Big Arch, and tell you what we REALLY really think. Then, we’ll be able to give you an educated, eye-witness opinion of what kind of a ‘value’ it really represents.
… Not to mention, buying one will also give us a chance to find out what they’re actually charging for the monster!
~ Maggie J.