LAUNCHED in time for Lent, the new McDonald鈥檚 Fish and Fries is making a case for people who love to eat fish and for those who abstain from eating red meat during the period.
鈥淚t鈥檚 for people who want variety in their meals — something that鈥檚 light but satisfyingly tasty,鈥 Christina D. Lao, marketing director of Golden Arches Development Corp., told 大象传媒 during the Feb. 28 launch at their store in Katipunan, Quezon City.
鈥淭he Filipinos like eating fish… so we see actually the opportunity to serve that McDonald鈥檚,鈥 she added.
The limited time menu option from the global fast food chain is a nod toward the classic English fish and chips, which is battered and fried fish fillet served with a side of fries or chips as they are called in the United Kingdom.
McDonald鈥檚 version is done much the same way — golden-battered fish fillet served with its signature fries and an option of three dipping sauces for the fish: tartar sauce (mayonnaise with pickles), a sweet and sour sauce, and thousand island sauce (ketchup and mayonnaise).
The item was made available starting March 1 — Ash Wednesday — with prices starting at P143 for an a la carte meal.
Ms. Lao said that the fish they use for this item is different from the fish used in McDonald鈥檚 Fillet-o-Fish sandwich. She would not specify what fish they use but said it鈥檚 not Cream Dory and said it is a freshwater fish.
The item鈥檚 packaging mentions that they get their fish using sustainable means.
Being a limited time offer, Ms. Lao said that they expect to offer the dish for two months but assured that if it proves popular, the item will stay on the menu board.
Fish and Fries is also available in McDonald鈥檚 Indonesia.
鈥淲e wanted to bring the Fish and Fries to the Philippines so Filipinos can enjoy it as well,鈥 said Ms. Lao.
Diners have an option to choose rice instead of fries for the same price.
The McDo Fish and Fries is available at McDonald鈥檚 stores nationwide. — Zsarlene B. Chua
