Slider Image 1 Content
McDonald’s Testing a Faster Drive-Thru Option
Just as cars changed the way restaurants were built, inspiring the advent of the drive-thru, apps are now changing how the drive-thru operates, too. And McDonald’s is taking notice.
Drive-thrus were constructed to allow customers to place and receive orders with ease. But now that customers can order remotely through apps, restaurants are realizing a pick-up window may be all that’s necessary. In June, Taco Bell revealed its restaurant of the future, which features multiple pick-up-only lanes, and this week, McDonald’s followed suit, unveiling a similar concept at its new test location just outside of Fort Worth, Texas.
Among several new features at this small-format, take-away-focused location is the “Order Ahead Lane,” described by McDonald’s as “a brand new way to pick up your order.”
Separate from the traditional drive-thru, this new lane is specifically for customers who placed their orders in advance via the McDonald’s app. Their orders are delivered to cars via a conveyor, reducing human interaction even further.
“The technology in this restaurant not only allows us to serve our customers in new, innovative ways, it gives our restaurant team the ability to concentrate more on order speed and accuracy, which makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone,” Keith Vanecek, the franchisee operating this new location, stated.
Courtesy of McDonald’s of North Texas
Customers willing to exit their vehicles can find an even faster way to grab their food via a dedicated pick-up shelf inside. Even if you don’t feel like using the app, you won’t lose anything, as the location also has digital ordering kiosks. And things should be easier for delivery drivers because the test restaurant has dedicated delivery drivers parking spaces and a separate delivery pick-up room.
Tweaks have been made behind the scenes, as well. McDonald’s says this test location features a new kitchen format with streamlined operations. And thanks to its “enhanced technology,” the Order Ahead Lane even identifies when customers are near the restaurant to know when it’s time to start preparing their order.
“At McDonald’s, we’ve been setting the standard for drive-thrus for more than 45 years,” Max Carmona, senior director of global design and restaurant development at McDonald’s, added. “As our customers’ needs continue to change, we are committed to finding new ways to serve them faster and easier than ever before.”
Fine Dining in Miami: Top 3 Must-Try Restaurants
Miami is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary scene. If you’re a foodie, this city is a paradise. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to dine. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to the top three must-try restaurants in Miami. These spots offer not just meals but unforgettable dining experiences. So, loosen your belt a notch and get ready to explore some of Miami’s finest eateries.
1. Versailles Restaurant
The Heart of Little Havana
Ever wondered where you can get the best Cuban food in Miami? Look no further than Versailles Restaurant. Located in the heart of Little Havana, Versailles has been a staple of the Miami food scene since 1971. This place is a cultural landmark, known for serving authentic Cuban cuisine in a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
When you walk into Versailles, the first thing you’ll notice is the lively ambiance. The decor is classic, with mirrors and chandeliers that give it an old-world charm. The waiters, dressed in white shirts and bow ties, add to the nostalgic feel. But the real star here is the food. From the famous Cuban sandwich to the mouthwatering lechón asado, every dish is a burst of flavor. The portions are generous, so come hungry and be prepared to leave satisfied.
A Culinary Journey to Cuba
Versailles offers a menu that reads like a love letter to Cuban cuisine. Have you ever tried ropa vieja? This traditional dish of shredded beef in a savory tomato sauce is a crowd favorite. Pair it with a side of black beans and rice, and you’ve got a meal that will transport your taste buds straight to Havana. And let’s not forget the desserts. The flan and tres leches cake are the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
What makes Versailles truly special is its ability to bring people together. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy hearty meals and good company. Whether you’re catching up with friends over a cafecito or indulging in a family dinner, Versailles provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.
2. Joe’s Stone Crab
A Miami Legend
If seafood is more your speed, you can’t miss Joe’s Stone Crab. Established in 1913, Joe’s is one of Miami’s oldest and most iconic restaurants. Located in the South Beach area, it’s famous for its fresh stone crabs, which are harvested right off the Florida coast. Dining at Joe’s is a rite of passage for seafood lovers, and it’s easy to see why.
The moment you step into Joe’s, you’ll be greeted by the sight of bustling waitstaff and the sound of happy diners. The decor is elegant but unpretentious, with dark wood panels and vintage photographs that tell the story of the restaurant’s rich history. The menu is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring an array of fresh catches and classic dishes.
Feast on Freshness
Joe’s Stone Crab is all about quality and freshness. Have you ever tasted stone crabs straight from the ocean? If not, you’re in for a treat. The stone crabs at Joe’s are served cold with a signature mustard sauce that perfectly complements the sweet, succulent meat. It’s a dish that’s simple yet unforgettable.
But Joe’s isn’t just about stone crabs. The menu also features other seafood delights like lobster, shrimp, and oysters. And for those who prefer something different, there are plenty of non-seafood options, too. The key lime pie at Joe’s is legendary, and it’s the perfect way to round off a seafood feast. With its friendly service and unbeatable food, Joe’s Stone Crab offers an experience that’s quintessentially Miami.
3. Sofia Italian Restaurant
A Taste of Italy in Miami
Craving Italian? Then Sofia Italian Restaurant in Miami is a must-visit. This gem stands out in the city’s culinary landscape with its dedication to authentic Italian cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Located in the bustling heart of Miami, Sofia offers a dining experience that’s both elegant and relaxed.
From the moment you enter Sofia, you’re greeted with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces. The decor is a perfect blend of modern and classic, with contemporary art adorning the walls and cozy seating that invites you to linger. The ambiance sets the stage for a meal that’s sure to delight your senses.
Savor the Flavors
At Sofia, the focus is on quality and authenticity. Have you ever had pasta that melts in your mouth? That’s the kind of experience you can expect here. The chefs at Sofia take pride in creating dishes that stay true to traditional Italian recipes while adding their own unique twist. The menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, from rich, creamy risottos to perfectly cooked pizzas.
One … Read More
Boilo Is the Most American Yuletide Drink
The Pennsylvania coal region isn’t just known as the home of America’s oldest brewery or for its ever-burning underground fire and resulting ghost town. It’s also home to a delicious holiday drink worth adding to your Yuletide repertoire: boilo.
I first tried the stuff at a friend’s bridal shower in Pennsylvania’s Schuylkill (pronounced skoo-kill) County. As the warm autumn afternoon faded into a chilly late-September night, her parents broke out some Crockpots and ladles, pouring everyone willing to hang out in the blustery cold a lowball glass full of the hot, spiced beverage. My palate jumped at what seemed at first to be a familiar, infamous taste—think Fireball—until the citrus fruit and honey aftertaste mellowed my tongue and warmed me in a way the adjacent bonfire couldn’t. I grew up just a few hours away in northwestern New Jersey, but I’d never had anything like it before. What was this drink, and where did it come from?
What is boilo and how is it made?
Boilo is the grandchild of krupnik, the eastern European liqueur that melds strong grain alcohol with clover honey and a blend of herbs and spices. When settlers from countries like Lithuania and Poland emigrated to the Pennsylvania coal counties looking for work, krupnik came with them, evolving over time to incorporate citrus fruits and favor bottom-shelf whiskey over grain alcohol.
There are two widely accepted ways to make it: Crockpot style and stovetop style. Both go something like this: Cut up some peeled oranges and lemons, squeeze them into a pot of waterand toss in the fruit along with it. Add spices of choice: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, caraway, and/or anise. Dump in a lot of honey. Let it simmer and cook down. Discard the fruits and spices, then turn off the heat. Pour the concoction into a pitcher or just leave it in the pot, then add your whiskey to the mixture and serve hot.
News sources list the New Jersey–distilled Four Queens as the proper boilo whiskey, but as long as it’s something high-proof, no one will bat an eye.
G/O Media may get a commission
But those are just the general guidelines; there are as many boilo recipes as there are families in the coal region. Some added raisinsothers include cherries or apples or cranberries, still others use moonshine—the very original boilo add-in—instead of whiskey. As long as it’s sweet, boozy, and piping hot, you did your job correct.
So conjure up some boilo, fill up a few pitchers, and serve it at your next holiday party. Next thing you know, your guests will be requesting a refill in”coal speak.”