I’m in Florida for the weekend to see U2 in Tampa and spend time with family and good friends. And CHICK FIL-A. I’m scheduled to have it in about 23.27 minutes, but who’s counting?
As we’re 13 months into our move to NYC and my search for direction in life and I meet people from all different religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, I ponder the deep transcendental questions of life, like If I could eat at only one fast-food restaurant for the rest of my life, which would it be? Ok, so I’m a little food-obsessed.
My quick answer to this question might surprise you. It’s not Chick fil-A, unless I suddenly start jonesing for heart surgery. It’s Subway. I’ve heard more than a few people call Subway gross, but here are a three reasons why I would choose to Eat Fresh for the rest of my life:
1. VARIETY
Subway offers flavors from around the world, like Italian (BMT, Meatball Marinara), Asian (Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki), Germany (Black Forest Ham), and the States (Philly Cheese Steak). Tastes from Russia (Beet Salad) and the Philippines (BTT [Beef Tripe and Tomato]) have gotta be around the corner.
2. NUTRITION
This is sadly where Chick fil-A loses out. I have to go fried every time I go there. It’s almost not right to get a regular sandwich. And even on the rare occasion that I go grilled, waffle fries are a must. If you disagree, please take this time to repent.
Subway has healthy options, and I actually like them, like the Turkey Breast and Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki. If I feel like indulging myself, I can go for a chocolate chip cookie or seven.
It also helps that unlike most fast-food places, they make your food right in front of you every time.
3. VALUE and CONVENIENCE
At $5.00 for several footlong subs, I can afford to eat there on more than just birthdays. And they’re everywhere.
CONCLUSION
If I put more thought into it, I might choose a nicer sandwich place like Quizno’s or Firehouse Subs. I haven’t eaten at them enough to be familiar with their offerings. And again for health reasons, I think that I would go with a sandwich place over burgers, Mexican, pizza, etc. If I felt like having something a little more elaborate, then I could always make it at home.
So, with no disrespect toward favorites like CFA, Chipotle, and Backyard Burger, I would choose Subway if I only had one fast-food option from now on.
If you could eat at only one fast-food restaurant for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Nice post. As a fellow transplant(ee?), I have pondered this deep, meaningful question myself. Living in central-eastern Europe, we have three American fast food places in abundance. McEverywheres, KFC, and …Subway! The only one we haven’t been to yet is Subway, but I’m sure we’ll eat there soon.
Back to your question though… If I had to choose one place it might be Subway, or it might be Burger King. I care much less than I should about healthy eating and I’m surprisingly sturdy under the weight of boring, everyday-the-same, variety-less repetition. I like to think I’m too shallow to have any real taste!
I do know this, McEverycorner has nothing on the king’s flame-broiled goodness! Mmmmm…
Btw, you inspired me, so expect some glances from a place I’ve all but abandoned.
BK can be yummy, but I’ve been turned off by them as they’ve been late to turn away from trans fat, at least the last time I checked. Clearly, patrons of BK may not be worried about trans fat, but the stuff seems pretty nasty.
Here in Oz, we’re blessed with sushi chains…so, that would be my fast food choice for life. No contest.
However, faced with the more normal choices, then I would have to agree with Subway – though my wife hates it passionately. Maccas has a good range of healthy options down here too, and free wi-fi…so it might win out. In fact, we now visit there quite regularly, which freaks me out a bit as I never did Maccas at any time in my life. Thinking of McDonalds and healthy just feels wrong…haha
We’ve yet to fall into sushi, but I’ve been whispering in CM’s ear that we should try it.
I googled Maccas and found that that’s what Aussies call McD’s. I thought you were talking about a Middle Eastern chain or something.
I really wanted to come up with something clever, so that all of you would say, “Oh yeah, I totally agree with Robert instead of Eric!” However, I think you nailed it, CD. Whether stand-alone or one of those back-of-the-gas-station varieties, you’re ensured a decent meal at Subway. I will say that you can also get some mileage from the $3.99 Hungry Howie’s pizza buffet. Nothing quite like that dessert pizza (chocolate pudding on pizza crust, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar). Mmm, good!
Ooo, that chocolate dessert pizza was pretty scrumptious. The powdered sugar was especially tasty when it went up your nose as you inhaled before a bite.
In-N-Out. No question. Variety = Zero. But what they do, they do superbly. I don’t eat fast food very often, so that lack of variety doesn’t bother me much as I wouldn’t be there too frequently. Wonderful quality, amazing customer service, fresh cut fries (you can watch them turn potatoes into your fries, people!!!), Bible verses on the bottom of your cups, AND paper hats? What more could you want?
(On a side note, if there were a sushi fast food place here in Cali, I would be all over that! Another reason I need to visit Australia!)
I’m a big In-n-Out fan. Haven’t been to one in yeeeears. When are they going to start evangelizing to us Right Coasters?
Every In-N-Out is owned by the same SoCal family – no franchises – with ONE twenty-something heiress!!! I think the furthest East they exist is Utah. If it makes you feel any better, I have NEVER been to a Chick-Fil-A. I hear I’m missing out something fierce!
Chick Fil A!!!
To be honest, I’m so sick of Subway. I’ve eaten there so much throughout my lifetime it’s become monotonous. Besides, I don’t really eat any fast food otherwise, so waffle fries win. They are SOOOOOO GOOD.
I would eat waffle fries with just about any meal. Even chocolate dessert waffle fries sound good.