2.179

3 (Sun) July 2011

Grand Prime

2.5

at McDonald’s

(E-Mart)

-Seongsu, Seongdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea-

with DJ

Grand Prime is a McDonald’s burger.  And yes, officially, it’s just “Grand Prime” (not “The Grand Prime” or “Grand Prime Burger”), despite the apparent awkwardness (to English-speakers) of a name comprised solely of 2 adjectives.  The burger itself is rather simple: beef patty, bacon, “white” cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato, and a slightly spicy salsa reminiscent of Taco Bell’s medium hot sauce.  At 5,400 won, a bit overpriced for fast food.

But not bad in itself, tasting more like an actual burger than other McDonald’s burgers, which are good but don’t really taste like actual burgers.

As far as I could determine from an internet search, Grand Prime is available only in Korea.  I suspect that it was developed as a premium item to compete directly with Burger King’s Garlic Steakhouse Burger, another Korean creation that I covered in a recent post (see 2.166 Garlic Steakhouse Burger), both featuring a fat beef patty, dusted bun, and spicy topping.  If a comparison is warranted, McDonald’s wins in every respect, though the victory would be attributed more to Burger King’s failings.

(See also FOODS.)

(See also PLACES.)