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Panini e Torta

I know you're wondering why I would eat at a McDonald's after I've given you a list of fine restaurants where I had the pleasure of dining. Let me explain. I had just come back to Assisi at the end of a long day climbing one of those "mountain villages". I was tired, cold and was looking for a clean restroom. McDonald's was just down the corner from the train station so I ran over there and on my way to the clean Ladies Room, I passed by the display of tortas (cakes) and stopped to check out the goodies. There were cupcakes, doughnuts, croissants, and a selection of tortas. I was deliriously bewildered from the overabundance of choices. I finally settled for the Torta della Nonna (Grandma's Cake) which is filled with ricotta cheese and egg yolks and topped with confectioner's sugar and almonds. I could have had the Torta di Noci (walnut cake) or Torta Macao or Torta Caprese. Of course they offered cappuccino, latte, and café americano among other beverages.

I was surprised to see they had buffalo wings besides panini (burger) but alas, no pizza or bruschetta. This is half the fun in discovering McDonald's restaurants away from home. The menu will usually offer something different. In Hawaii I enjoy the saimin (noodle soup) sold at McDonald's.

I also noticed several McCafés. And depending on the time of day, most of these places were packed with people.

So if you happen to be at a McDonald's in Tokyo or Egypt or some other destination, please let me know what you find in their menu.

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