Latest news with #McD's
New York Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
McDonald's is sneaking two new items on the menu — and fans of the classic favorites should be thrilled
When you visit your local McDonald's, you might notice a new addition to the menu — or if you live in Chicago, two new additions. The fast food chain has added the Daily Double to its national menu, expanding its value meal offerings. This new burger is made with two beef patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, slivered onions, mayo and two slices of tomato. The Daily Double has been a hit in certain local markets such as Miami, Chicago and Seattle — and now fans can get it all over the country. According to the Golden Arches, this hearty burger has a whopping 490 calories, 31 grams of total fat, 30 grams of carbs and 22 grams of protein. This new burger might sound similar to classics like the McDouble or Double Cheeseburger, because they are, but these two OG sandwiches instead have cheese, pickles, diced onions, ketchup and mustard. Customers also have the option to add bacon to the McDouble. A small but mighty difference. The Daily Double will be available at participating McDonald's restaurants across the U.S. starting July 22 through the end of 2025. Later this month, the Daily Double will be included as an option in the McValue Meal Deal bundle — which includes a choice of select entrees plus four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries and a small soft drink. This yummy deal is priced at $6 or $7, depending on location. Customers who frequent the Chicago International McDonald's restaurant will also be able to order curly fries — a rare menu item only rarely seen in the U.S. Since 2018, this Midwest location has been known for featuring different menu items offered at McD's locations around the world. The Daily Double is made with two beef patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, slivered onions, mayo and two slices of tomato. McDonalds On June 27, food Instagram account @snackolator reported the arrival of 'Twister Fries at the Chicago location — but likely only for a few weeks. 'You can now get Twister Fries currently sold in other countries at McDonald's international restaurant in Chicago (1035 W. Randolph),' the post read. 'At this location they rotate a menu every 6 weeks or so and feature items that they're currently selling outside of the USA.' People across Europe and Asia have been lovin' these curly fries for years, and patrons weren't shy about bragging in the comments. 'I had them in Ireland a few years ago, along with cheese curds!' someone shared. Recently, fans were flocking to the Midwest McDonald's for the McAloo Tikki burger — a crispy, spicy potato-and-pea patty topped with tomato and a sweet-tangy tomato mayo. The Daily Double will be available at participating McDonald's restaurants across the U.S. through the end of 2025. Christopher Sadowski Meanwhile, McDonald's is spicing things up this summer with the introduction of new spicy menu items. Starting July 8, a new spicy variation of the Egg McMuffin will be available at participating restaurants for a limited time. The Spicy McMuffin includes everything fans love about the Egg McMuffin with a shot of McDonald's signature Spicy Pepper Sauce. Fans can also get the Spicy Sausage McMuffin and the Spicy Sausage McMuffin with Egg. They also quietly added the Blueberry & Crème Pie nationwide, a twist on the classic McDonald's sleeved pie, featuring blueberries and vanilla crème.
Buzz Feed
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
49 Gifts For Your Best Friend That Shout 'I Care About You'
A copy of The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions if they've ever told you, "I should write a book one day," but have no clue where to start. This gives them fun prompts to write and reflect on the past, present, and future! A set of book-shaped sponges so their love of literature can make the task of washing dirty dishes just a little bit less miserable. Food residue, better read it and weep! A rotating disco ball diffuser that blends your BFF's two personalities of wellness and "Wanna go out tonight?" into one cute little home decor item. They can put in their fave essential oil and choose what color they want (it has various light settings and four mist functions) for whatever vibe they're feeling. A cold brew coffee maker so they can fuel up with a refreshing caffeinated drink while saving time *and* money in place of those all-too-frequent Starbucks trips. This popular device boasts an airtight lid and stainless-steel filter designed to keep coffee fresh for up to two weeks! An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle that's giving Le Labo Santal 33 without the Le Labo price tag. They'll get subtle notes of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood — and a whole lotta, "Oooh, it smells so nice in here!" from whoever comes over to their place. Plus, a cleverly designed rechargeable electric candle lighter perfect for the friend who's gone through (or is still in) their Bath & Body Works candle phase. This flameless, windproof lighter makes lighting candles safer and easier — no more worrying about singed fingers. A customized pet paint-by-number to make them feel like a modern-day Van Gogh without having to actually know how to paint that well. Once they finish the piece, they'll immediately have a beautiful pet portrait of their furry best friend! A Frostbuddy, which any slow sipper will appreciate since it keeps their iced beverages colder for longer. They won't have to worry about ice melting and diluting their drink, and it'll fit most small, medium, and large cups from their beloved coffee chains like McD's and Starbucks! A buildable Lego cherry blossom that they can enjoy building with a friend (aka, you) or just on their own. Seriously, whoever thought of these just gets how much we all loved Legos as kids and ingeniously combined it with our love of flowers (minus the usual upkeep of real flowers, phew, thank god). A pair of "floating" air conduction headphones if they tend to sweat in places that they didn't even know they could sweat (in this case, it's the ears). These sit right over the ears, so they can still enjoy their tunes without always having to readjust their buds every 0.2 miles. And these help them be more aware of their surroundings, unlike other in-ear earbuds. A "Through The Seasons" Reverse Coloring Book, another edition of the original Reverse Coloring Book, and a fun way to stretch their mind, because instead of coloring in the lines like a traditional coloring book, they add the lines to decide the vibe of the piece. Reviewers love how relaxing this is and say it's quite satisfying to see the end results. A retro-style pixel art game Bluetooth speaker that allows your friend to create fun pixel art (using the free app) and watch their creations dance to the music. Plus, it can serve as an alarm clock, a retro game console, and a white noise machine! A teensy DIY cheese kit so they can make four batches of ricotta and farmers' cheese. Pair this with some wine and crackers, and BAM, they've got some yummy homemade cheese that only took half an hour to make. A pair of glowing lightsaber chopsticks to even make the Darth Vader in your life laugh a little bit. Easily switch these on with a push of a button, and now the fate of the galaxy (or their sushi dinner) lies in their hands! And a set of ceramic cutout soy sauce bowls that reveal cute little characters once your friend has soaked up the soy sauce in them. This is perfect for the friend who loves hosting a sushi night in! A pair of horizontal glasses so your BFF can lie down while watching TV or reading a book because plans that include being *fully* horizontal are their favorite type of plans. A mug-shaped ice cream maker — just freeze the single-serve mugs overnight, chill the ingredients for two hours beforehand, and with the press of a button, they'll have delicious, creamy goodness in minutes! This reviewer loves that it's super quiet, which is a constant complaint for those who have the Ninja Creami. A two-slice touchscreen toaster featuring seven touch-activated browning settings so they won't burn their morning fuel. Not only will they want to keep this on their countertop because it's so beautiful, but this toaster also has a clever crumb tray to help avoid messes and options for other things like bagels, English muffins, and waffles. A set of cat-themed tarot cards that comes with a guidebook, making it a perfect beginner-fuurriendly way for your bestie to dip their toe into tarot. I'm getting a sense that these need to be added to your cart immediately! A ring holder necklace so they can keep their beloved ring close to their heart (literally and figuratively). Reviewers who work in medicine and athletics love this since it secures their ring, and they don't even have to unclasp the necklace thanks to its clever and secure design. "The Secret Soup" — another version of the Magic Puzzle series that has gone viral on TikTok for its stunning illustrations and the fun, magical twist that reveals itself once the puzzle is complete. There are over 50 Easter eggs in it, and each miniature scene will make them feel like they're going on many adventures as they solve this unique puzzle. A waterproof "Charcuterie Safe" because they mean business when it comes to charcuterie boards. This allows them to do all the prep beforehand, so they can easily set up their IG-worthy display without having to do all the slicing and dicing right then and there. An Apple Watch stand if your friend wants to feel a touch of nostalgia in a world of sleek, modern devices. It's designed to work with their existing charger and adds a playful vibe to any nightstand, because who says tech can't be cute? A miniature book hair clip so unique and gorgeous that they'll want to burst out into a poetic song about how lovely it is. Their love for literature runs deep, like deep enough that they'll wear this more than once a week. A heated eye massager to help relieve stress and let them listen to their favorite playlist while they rest, thanks to the five different massage modes and built-in Bluetooth speakers. They deserve a little R&R for getting through the day, and this is the perfect way to help them get it. A set of light-up bath fizzes if they want to recreate the vibes of going out... just at home... in their bubble-filled tub. These are made with natural essential oils, shea butter, and coconut oil, so they'll still give off a spa-like experience. A personalized word search blanket that you can customize with their name and all the fun inside jokes that deserve to be cherished until you're both old and grey. The 369 Method Manifestation Journal so they can dive deep into identifying, setting, and achieving their goals through the Law of Attraction. This gives them space to write down their goals — three times in the morning, six in the afternoon, and nine at night — and manifest what they are hoping to achieve. A "Gracula" garlic crusher, which does a FANGtastic job at doing the annoying, tedious job of crushing up garlic cloves. All they have to do is insert the cloves, twist, and they're done. Whoever created this little gadget is a bloody genius! A set of rainbow wineglasses that are just as functional as they are beautiful. They can fill these up with some bubbly and add a sparkling touch to their dinner table and their kitchen cabinets. An Airplane Pocket tray cover because your jet-setting bestie knows the struggle of trying to squeeze a full-size water bottle in the seatback pocket. With the many compartments, they can keep all those Hudson News snacks, water, and their phone all in a secure spot without having to annoy their seatmates when they get up for the fifth time to get something from the overhead bin. A "huggable" squishy gummy bear night-light if your BFF wants to spice up their room decor with something that is bear-y cute. This sweet lil' guy also has a one-hour automatic shut off, so they'll be able to doze off with sweet dreams. A baguette-shaped pillow that is just the thing they knead in their room for the ultimate comfy, cozy vibe. Reviewers say it's super plush and you can use it as a body pillow, a napping pillow, or just as a fun piece of decor. A guided visual "breathing partner" since your friend needs a little mindfulness to get through the day or help them fall asleep at night. It'll guide them through calming breathing exercises and hopefully help them feel a little less stressed and more relaxed, thanks to the soothing changing colors. A little popcorn bucket vase for adding a fun *pop* of color to their coffee table or nightstand. Bonus points if you bring them flowers already in it when you gift it to them! A Renpho percussion massager if your friend feels young at heart but their body isn't feeling so young anymore. This has five speeds and five massage heads to target all those sore muscles from whatever activity they thought they were still up for. A personalized Stanley name tag since their big ol' honkin' aluminum cup wasn't enough to let everyone know that they ARE, in fact, the main character in every room they walk in. A mini donut maker perfect for the friend who will die on the hill that a sweet breakfast is better than a savory one. They'll be able to craft fresh donuts from the comfort of their own home and enjoy a sweet treat at any hour of the day. A pound of cereal marshmallows that will make your bestie realize how truly lucky they are to have you as a friend because a pound of pure sweetness can make anyone's boring Tuesday feel a little more 🌈 magical. ✨ Sriracha: The Game — it's a card game, but add a little 🌶️ spice. 🌶️ When you see pairs or sandwiches in the deck, you slap them to collect, and whoever has the most cards wins! This fast-paced game will have your friend questioning which they love more: Sriracha itself or the condiment-inspired game. A mushroom growing kit so your friend can feel accomplished by harvesting their own ingredients for dinner and whipping up a tasty meal with some sweet umami flavors. A teensy candy vending machine for the friend who is always down for a sweet little treat. They can keep this at home or bring it to the office so they'll always have a little sweetness during their 9–5. A flower press kit that lets them save their favorite finds from nature and use them as decorations for scrapbooking, pieces in a floral collage, or cute additions to gifts. Small Batch Bakes, perfect for those who just want a sweet treat without the hassle of converting those "serves 24–36" recipes into smaller batch sizes. They can flip through these delicious recipes meant for one to six people and satisfy their sweet tooth. A strap-in airplane headrest/eyemask to help them actually enjoy their mid-flight or mid-car ride nap and not wake up with a crick in their neck. Their seatmates will be thinking, "Wow, why don't I have one of those?" A marble board wire cheese cutter that'll be a gouda-ddition to their kitchen tools. Now they don't have to spend time cutting slices of cheese for their guests because they can just do it themselves and awe at the stylish marble tool. A fun BBQ rub set with Cajun, Memphis, Caribbean, Southwest, Beef BBQ, and Chicken BBQ seasonings that they can use on meat and fish. Not gonna lie, this is like gifting them a one-way ticket to Flavortown! A neon "SNACKS" sign that will have a place of honor in their kitchen because if there's one thing in life they love, it's having free will and eating Cheez-Its, salami, and pickles for dinner. A levitating planter to impress everyone who walks through their door. This modern twist on the traditional planter will have your friend amazed and happily relieved that it's a faux plant (in case they don't have much of a green thumb).
Buzz Feed
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
51 Gifts For Your BFF That Shout 'I Care About You"
A copy of The Book of Myself: A Do-It-Yourself Autobiography in 201 Questions if they've ever told you, "I should write a book one day," but have no clue where to start. This gives them fun prompts to write and reflect on the past, present, and future! A set of book-shaped sponges so their love of literature can make the task of washing dirty dishes just a little bit less miserable. Food residue, better read it and weep! A rotating disco ball diffuser that blends your BFF's two personalities of wellness and "Wanna go out tonight?" into one cute little home decor item. They can put in their fave essential oil and choose what color they want (it has various light settings and four mist functions) for whatever vibe they're feeling. A cold brew coffee maker so they can fuel up with a refreshing caffeinated drink while saving time *and* money in place of those all-too-frequent Starbucks trips. This popular device boasts an airtight lid and stainless-steel filter designed to keep coffee fresh for up to two weeks! An affordable cult-favorite luxury-scented candle that's giving Le Labo Santal 33 without the Le Labo price tag. They'll get subtle notes of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood — and a whole lotta, "Oooh, it smells so nice in here!" from whoever comes over to their place. Plus, a cleverly designed rechargeable electric candle lighter perfect for the friend who's gone through (or is still in) their Bath & Body Works candle phase. This flameless, windproof lighter makes lighting candles safer and easier — no more worrying about singed fingers. A customized pet paint-by-number to make them feel like a modern-day Van Gogh without having to actually know how to paint that well. Once they finish the piece, they'll immediately have a beautiful pet portrait of their furry best friend! A Frostbuddy, which any slow sipper will appreciate since it keeps their iced beverages colder for longer. They won't have to worry about ice melting and diluting their drink, and it'll fit most small, medium, and large cups from their beloved coffee chains like McD's and Starbucks! A buildable Lego cherry blossom that they can enjoy building with a friend (aka, you) or just on their own. Seriously, whoever thought of these just gets how much we all loved Legos as kids and ingeniously combined it with our love of flowers (minus the usual upkeep of real flowers, phew, thank god). A pair of "floating" air conduction headphones if they tend to sweat in places that they didn't even know they could sweat (in this case, it's the ears). These sit right over the ears, so they can still enjoy their tunes without always having to readjust their buds every 0.2 miles. And these help them be more aware of their surroundings, unlike other in-ear earbuds. A shaker of Thin Mint seasoning because everyone's favorite Girl Scout cookie deserves to be enjoyed year-round, IMO. I mean, Thin Mint coffee, Thin Mint brownies, and Thin Mint ice cream? Your friend who's got a major sweet tooth will be so glad they can turn everything into a sweet lil' treat! A "Through The Seasons" Reverse Coloring Book, another edition of the original Reverse Coloring Book, and a fun way to stretch their mind, because instead of coloring in the lines like a traditional coloring book, they add the lines to decide the vibe of the piece. Reviewers love how relaxing this is and say it's quite satisfying to see the end results. A retro-style pixel art game Bluetooth speaker that allows your friend to create fun pixel art (using the free app) and watch their creations dance to the music. Plus, it can serve as an alarm clock, a retro game console, and a white noise machine! A teensy DIY cheese kit so they can make four batches of ricotta and farmers' cheese. Pair this with some wine and crackers, and BAM, they've got some yummy homemade cheese that only took half an hour to make. A pair of glowing lightsaber chopsticks to even make the Darth Vader in your life laugh a little bit. Easily switch these on with a push of a button, and now the fate of the galaxy (or their sushi dinner) lies in their hands! And a set of ceramic cutout soy sauce bowls that reveal cute little characters once your friend has soaked up the soy sauce in them. This is perfect for the friend who loves hosting a sushi night in! A pair of horizontal glasses so your BFF can lie down while watching TV or reading a book because plans that include being *fully* horizontal are their favorite type of plans. A mug-shaped ice cream maker — just freeze the single-serve mugs overnight, chill the ingredients for two hours beforehand, and with the press of a button, they'll have delicious, creamy goodness in minutes! This reviewer loves that it's super quiet, which is a constant complaint for those who have the Ninja Creami. A two-slice touchscreen toaster featuring seven touch-activated browning settings so they won't burn their morning fuel. Not only will they want to keep this on their countertop because it's so beautiful, but this toaster also has a clever crumb tray to help avoid messes and options for other things like bagels, English muffins, and waffles. A set of cat-themed tarot cards that comes with a guidebook, making it a perfect beginner-fuurriendly way for your bestie to dip their toe into tarot. I'm getting a sense that these need to be added to your cart immediately! A ring holder necklace so they can keep their beloved ring close to their heart (literally and figuratively). Reviewers who work in medicine and athletics love this since it secures their ring, and they don't even have to unclasp the necklace thanks to its clever and secure design. "The Secret Soup" — another version of the Magic Puzzle series that has gone viral on TikTok for its stunning illustrations and the fun, magical twist that reveals itself once the puzzle is complete. There are over 50 Easter eggs in it, and each miniature scene will make them feel like they're going on many adventures as they solve this unique puzzle. A waterproof "Charcuterie Safe" because they mean business when it comes to charcuterie boards. This allows them to do all the prep beforehand, so they can easily set up their IG-worthy display without having to do all the slicing and dicing right then and there. An Apple Watch stand if your friend wants to feel a touch of nostalgia in a world of sleek, modern devices. It's designed to work with their existing charger and adds a playful vibe to any nightstand, because who says tech can't be cute? A miniature book hair clip so unique and gorgeous that they'll want to burst out into a poetic song about how lovely it is. Their love for literature runs deep, like deep enough that they'll wear this more than once a week. A heated eye massager to help relieve stress and let them listen to their favorite playlist while they rest, thanks to the five different massage modes and built-in Bluetooth speakers. They deserve a little R&R for getting through the day, and this is the perfect way to help them get it. A set of light-up bath fizzes if they want to recreate the vibes of going out... just at home... in their bubble-filled tub. These are made with natural essential oils, shea butter, and coconut oil, so they'll still give off a spa-like experience. A personalized word search blanket that you can customize with their name and all the fun inside jokes that deserve to be cherished until you're both old and grey. The 369 Method Manifestation Journal so they can dive deep into identifying, setting, and achieving their goals through the Law of Attraction. This gives them space to write down their goals — three times in the morning, six in the afternoon, and nine at night — and manifest what they are hoping to achieve. A "Gracula" garlic crusher, which does a FANGtastic job at doing the annoying, tedious job of crushing up garlic cloves. All they have to do is insert the cloves, twist, and they're done. Whoever created this little gadget is a bloody genius! A set of rainbow wineglasses that are just as functional as they are beautiful. They can fill these up with some bubbly and add a sparkling touch to their dinner table and their kitchen cabinets. An Airplane Pocket tray cover because your jet-setting bestie knows the struggle of trying to squeeze a full-size water bottle in the seatback pocket. With the many compartments, they can keep all those Hudson News snacks, water, and their phone all in a secure spot without having to annoy their seatmates when they get up for the fifth time to get something from the overhead bin. A "huggable" squishy gummy bear night-light if your BFF wants to spice up their room decor with something that is bear-y cute. This sweet lil' guy also has a one-hour automatic shut off, so they'll be able to doze off with sweet dreams. A baguette-shaped pillow that is just the thing they knead in their room for the ultimate comfy, cozy vibe. Reviewers say it's super plush and you can use it as a body pillow, a napping pillow, or just as a fun piece of decor. A guided visual "breathing partner" since your friend needs a little mindfulness to get through the day or help them fall asleep at night. It'll guide them through calming breathing exercises and hopefully help them feel a little less stressed and more relaxed, thanks to the soothing changing colors. A little popcorn bucket vase for adding a fun *pop* of color to their coffee table or nightstand. Bonus points if you bring them flowers already in it when you gift it to them! A Renpho percussion massager if your friend feels young at heart but their body isn't feeling so young anymore. This has five speeds and five massage heads to target all those sore muscles from whatever activity they thought they were still up for. A personalized Stanley name tag since their big ol' honkin' aluminum cup wasn't enough to let everyone know that they ARE, in fact, the main character in every room they walk in. A mini donut maker perfect for the friend who will die on the hill that a sweet breakfast is better than a savory one. They'll be able to craft fresh donuts from the comfort of their own home and enjoy a sweet treat at any hour of the day. A pound of cereal marshmallows that will make your bestie realize how truly lucky they are to have you as a friend because a pound of pure sweetness can make anyone's boring Tuesday feel a little more 🌈 magical. ✨ Sriracha: The Game — it's a card game, but add a little 🌶️ spice. 🌶️ When you see pairs or sandwiches in the deck, you slap them to collect, and whoever has the most cards wins! This fast-paced game will have your friend questioning which they love more: Sriracha itself or the condiment-inspired game. A mushroom growing kit so your friend can feel accomplished by harvesting their own ingredients for dinner and whipping up a tasty meal with some sweet umami flavors. A teensy candy vending machine for the friend who is always down for a sweet little treat. They can keep this at home or bring it to the office so they'll always have a little sweetness during their 9–5. A flower press kit that lets them save their favorite finds from nature and use them as decorations for scrapbooking, pieces in a floral collage, or cute additions to gifts. Small Batch Bakes, perfect for those who just want a sweet treat without the hassle of converting those "serves 24–36" recipes into smaller batch sizes. They can flip through these delicious recipes meant for one to six people and satisfy their sweet tooth. A strap-in airplane headrest/eyemask to help them actually enjoy their mid-flight or mid-car ride nap and not wake up with a crick in their neck. Their seatmates will be thinking, "Wow, why don't I have one of those?" A marble board wire cheese cutter that'll be a gouda-ddition to their kitchen tools. Now they don't have to spend time cutting slices of cheese for their guests because they can just do it themselves and awe at the stylish marble tool. A fun BBQ rub set with Cajun, Memphis, Caribbean, Southwest, Beef BBQ, and Chicken BBQ seasonings that they can use on meat and fish. Not gonna lie, this is like gifting them a one-way ticket to Flavortown! A magnetic rotating UFO-shaped Bluetooth speaker so unbelievably ~out of this world~ because of its unique design and cool light settings. They'll be able to show off their good taste in music, and you'll be able to show off your expert gift-giving skills. A neon "SNACKS" sign that will have a place of honor in their kitchen because if there's one thing in life they love, it's having free will and eating Cheez-Its, salami, and pickles for dinner. A levitating planter to impress everyone who walks through their door. This modern twist on the traditional planter will have your friend amazed and happily relieved that it's a faux plant (in case they don't have much of a green thumb).
Irish Examiner
01-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Dripsey's former Griffins Garden Centre opens new restaurant, gift shop and grocery store
After a turbulent few years and an eight-month closure, the restaurant at the former Griffins Garden Centre in Dripsey has re-opened under new management — who will also operate a giftware store and small grocery shop at the well-known premises. The c 8-acre garden centre, where the 'home grown', has always been championed, has been leased by home grown local man John Buckley, and his Fermanagh-born wife Kiera, for a five-year period. The couple also run The Boathouse cafe in nearby Coachford. While running the new restaurant is the focus of their Dripsey expansion, the couple have not ruled out the return of a garden centre down the line. 'There is huge demand for a garden centre to open here and we have had a few interested parties talking to us, but for now, we are concentrating on the restaurant,' Mr Buckley said. John and Kiera Buckley at The Boathouse overlooking the River Lee at Dripsey, Co Cork. Located in the former Griffins Garden Centre which then became Mc'D's Garden Centre. Picture: Larry Cummins Since opening their first business in Coachford two years ago in a former Gala store, which Mr Buckley renovated, the couple are now employing 36 staff, both part-time and fulltime. 'When we drew up a business plan two years ago, my hope was to have six employees by now and to be well established in Coachford. We are up to 36 staff across both premises and nearly everyone working for us is within a five-mile radius,' he said. Indoor dining area. John and Kiera Buckley at The Boathouse overlooking the River Lee at Dripsey, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins The Dripsey restaurant is a much bigger enterprise than the Coachford café and has indoor seating for more than 100 people and additional patio seating for c 20 more. It was previously occupied by Perry St Cafe, which closed last August. Perry St had operated from the garden centre while it was leased to Galway company McD's Garden and Home store. However, McD's went into liquidation last August, having operated at the Drispey location for less than two years. Prior to that, it had been a successful family business, run by Margaret Griffin and her husband John Fehilly for 35 years. They took the decision to close in November 2021 after John was diagnosed with cancer. He had been the chief grower at the garden centre, producing up to 360,000 plants per annum, with polytunnels spread across 4 acres. He now uses some of the space at the garden centre to display his collection of vintage tractors on fundraising days for the Irish Cancer Society. Mr Buckley, who trained as a carpenter and went on to be a naval diver, as well as captaining the LE Órla during covid, grew up in Dripsey. 'Myself and my family were up and down the road to Griffins the whole time,' he said. The closure of the garden centre had been a big blow for the whole community, Mr Buckley added. The couple's foray into hospitality was on the back of wanting a better work/life balance following the birth of their first child. 'Kiera, a baker, always had an itch to run her own business and have her home-baked goods on display. So when a vacant property in our local village [Coachford] came up, we thought it was perfect timing,' Mr Buckley said. John and Kiera Buckley on the terrace at The Boathouse overlooking the River Lee at Dripsey, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins 'Since we opened in Coachford, a friend opened a pub right next door. It's like a little renaissance in the village,' Mr Buckley said. Such was the demand for Kiera's baking – including being asked to cater for private functions – that they later converted a horse box, which is still in use. Last year, their Coachford premises won two Best in Cork awards for Best Coffee and Best Breakfast. 'We've been incredibly lucky with staff. There's been a very low turnover, so we've been able to set quality standards. Staff we had two years ago are still with us and we have parents whose kids have also come to work for us. My wife is the brains behind it all and thankfully, the local community is very supportive,' Mr Buckley said. That support includes garden centre landlady Margaret Griffin, who has volunteered to return to the centre to deliver talks on gardening to the general public. The new premises, which had a soft launch last weekend, is set to open six days a week, with the exception of Sunday. The Boathouse in Coachford opens Tuesday through to Sunday.
Axios
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
McDonald's brings Indian classic to Chicago for a limited time
I don't eat McDonald's often, so when I learned a new plant-based burger at the international McD's in West Loop was causing a stir, I — as the team vegetarian — had to check it out. Driving the news: The restaurant connected to Hamburger University is serving the McAloo Tikki burger ($5.99) through June 23 as part of its Global Favorites menu. It's the only place in the U.S. to try the veggie patty. Why it matters: To Indian customers, the burger offers a taste of home — the McAloo debuted there in 1998 and is one of the most popular menu items. For vegetarians (and vegans if you order without the sauce), it's something we can actually eat besides French fries and soft serve. Dig in: The crispy patty, made of potatoes, peas and Indian spices, is topped with tomato and a tangy and somewhat sweet tomato mayo and served on the standard flat burger bun. I ordered a side of Deluxe Potatoes ($3.49) from France and a Banana Tart McFlurry ($2.99) from Japan, two more of the six items on the current global menu. What they're saying: Tanmay Dhuri, who was visiting from the Bay Area, said he had to get the burger that reminded him of growing up in India."It has nostalgic value to it. It's not like something that's unique like in a flavor way, but it's just that everybody had it for so long," Dhuri said. The intrigue: One of the cashiers told me it's the item people ask about the most and since they started serving it earlier this month, she's seen people order up to 30 at one time. Flashback: The global McD's also offered the McAloo Tikki in 2018 and 2023. State of play: McDonald's has tried to make a plant-based burger a regular thing in the U.S., but it hasn't quite caught on. They experimented with the McPlant, which was a Beyond Meat patty, in 2022 at restaurants in Dallas and the Bay Area, but McDonald's USA president Joe Erlinger told WSJ last year it wasn't popular and he doesn't think "the U.S. consumer is … looking for McPlant or other plant-based proteins from McDonald's now." McPlant is still available in other countries, including Ireland and Switzerland, according to Food and Wine. The verdict: The McAloo is tasty but not very filling, so I'd recommend getting two and stacking the patties on one bun. It's always nice to have a veggie burger that's actually vegetables and not heavy on the soy, which isn't as tasty and will give you a tummyache.
