McDonald’s used to be one of the biggest non-sports industry sponsors of the Paris Games. But the Olympics have officially turned a dietary page, paying homage to the coming massive shift to vegetarian dining the world is starting to experience…
Just a taste of the Michelin-starred meals that will be served at the Paris Summer Olympics…
Brave new theme
Forget the McNuggets you used to love as a visitor to the Olympics. They’re being superseded this summer in Paris by a plant-based version mandated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The OOC has surprised many by announcing it’s ending its current commitment to McDonald’s three years early. To explore the burgeoning world of vegetarianism. The organization is, in fact, taking a massive left turn on both its competitor and visitor catering menus. A full 30 pecent of the 500 dishes that have been scheduled for the 10-day affair are going to be veggie-themed.
A grinding clash
Not only does McD’s menu philosophy constitute a grinding thematic clash with the veggie man-date… It’s known that there’s been escalating friction between the company and the IOC.
The burger giant had serious supply issues during the Sochi Games, leaving thousands of visitors looking for alternate sources of sustenance. The company complained of a lack of cooperation from the IOC during the Rio Games.
And at the other end of the spectrum, maybe too much of a good thing? Sprint-er Usain Bolt, claimed McDonald’s iconic Chicken McNuggets were a daily staple during his record-setting runs in Beijing. Insiders reported that the relatively small number of McDonald’s stands inside the Olympic Village that year often trailed line-ups hundreds of athletes long.
Thrilling new menu
The Paris Games catering team will be led by 4 Michelin-starred chefs who will coordinate a revolutionary service regime. Competitors from the various countries will be able to make specific meal requests.
Philipp Würz, Head of Food and Beverages at the Games, told The Telegraph , the South Korean team has asked for kimchi, the Chinese squad wants an ample supply of sticky rice, and the Japanese contingent requested Yakitori (traditional grilled-meat skewers).
Going for records?
Not officially – as far as we know. But according to Würz, his army of cooks will be preparing and serving more than 40,000 meals each day of the games, for a total of 400,000 over the whole event. Among the side dishes planned, the caterers will bake 800 classic French baguettes each day. All together, that’s claimed to be enough to span more than 6 km, if laid end to end…
My take
Bottom line: I don’t think anyone is REALLY going to miss McDonald’s at the Paris Games…
~ Maggie J.