Why Junkfood?



Why Junkfood?

Well, dear readers, that is a question that all of us should be asking ourselves on a regular basis, unless we are on strict diets and avoid the stuff.

I in no way advocate obesity, heart disease or artificial food additives and their side effects. I urge readers to avoid overindulgence and exercise caution.

Also, the global dominance of a few, mostly American based chains is concerning. At least during the day, independent take away food offers a great deal of diversity and I intend to share with you a great deal of exploration of what is on offer in this respect. At night and in the early hours of the morning, there are relatively few options, but there are some. Yes, there are concerns. You, dear reader, must weigh all of these things in your mind and make your own decisions. I can only share with you my own experiences and the information I gather.

I do, however, have a very busy lifestyle and find myself regularly faced with a choice: to go hungry, having overlooked the preparation of provisions for the day's expedition, or to indulge in whatever food stuffs are readily available. The suburban desert, even in the late night or early morning, is not completely devoid of edible substances. When the need arises and a meal must be summoned at a moments notice, there are a multitude of vendors who would provide.

The foods these establishments so miraculously conjure may not be all that nourishing in terms of vitamin content. Many are loaded with fat and grease. Almost all are concerning high in energy. However, they are generally affordable, relaxed and fun and, at their best, have an extraordinary ability to satisfy the primal urge to eat heartily that arises from hunger, frustration and exhaustion.

Sunday, 23 October 2011

Tropicana Meal – Red Rooster, October 2011


Details:

Product type
Meal/set
Establishment type
Fast food chain
Hours of operation
10am – 10pm every day, extended till 11pm fri and sat
Price
au$8.95
Options
NA
Means of purchase
Drive through
Payment options available
Visa, MasterCard, EFTPOS, Cash



Rating

Penalty

Affordability
15/25
Wait time >3 Mins
-5
Value
7/10
Wait time >5 Mins

Enjoyment
21/25
Wait time >10 Mins

Satisfaction
18/25
Greasiness (/10)
-3
Presentation
4/5
Waste (/10)
-6
Appropriateness
7/10
Other issues



Overall Rating:     58/100





Notes
The Tropicana Meal consists of chicken, chips and two pineapple rings. It is a regular set menu and comes served in a cardboard box.

The rectangular cardboard box (see picture) keeps the components packed together well so they stay hot for some time. Those who prefer their chips crispy may not like this method of packing, but on the up side, the chips absorb some flavour from the chicken and its stuffing. 



The price quoted here does not include a drink. This is disappointing and impinges a great deal on the affordability of this set. Once again it’s value rating is helped by high scores in enjoyment and satisfaction. Having said that, pineapple with chicken is not everybody’s cup of tea and though I love it, I know several people who don’t like it at all.

The Tropicana Meal has in some ways got more in common with a local chicken shop than a fast food chain. Though this is endearing, it also creates some confusion about who Red Rooster are trying to compete with. It therefore earned the meal marks in satisfaction, but lost one or two for appropriateness.
The Tropicana meal is an enjoyable treat, but most low income customers are unlikely to choose it on a regular basis because of it’s relatively high cost once a drink is factored in and the fact that a regular chicken and chips with gravy at a chicken shop offers a very similar experience but tends to cost a few dollars less. This meal should be considered a niche item, but from time to time, I do enjoy indulging in one when the mood arises.

Posted by at
Labels: , , , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)