17 September, 2013

Editor's Note: McDonald's New Face, Van Morrison's Old Song, the Lasting Power of Music

Editor's Note: McDonald's New Face, Van Morrison's Old Song, the Lasting Power of Music

If it is 6:00 am, and you are in a major Chinese city, but not in its CBD or central area (one hour away), where would you go?

Choices are surprisingly limited (unless you count the, eh, adult playgrounds). Yumcha places are not open yet. Even small eateries that provide breakfast are few. And they are not comfort-oriented anyway.

Just like in the West, fast food joints come into consideration. Many McDonald's and KFC's in China operate around the clock. And some Chinese fast food places open early too (a nice one is 永和大王).

Recently, I paid several visits to a particular McDonald's, tugged away in no man's land (深圳市龙岗区横岗街道力嘉新马商贸城). It is 4-months old, immaculate and very comfortable. Unusually, it has a drive-through. Traffic is on the slow side and the staff is wonderfully courteous.

Unlike most KFC's (more successful in China than Uncle Mac), most McDonald's in China enjoy the new modern look (here's an article that mentions China). This one is quite beautiful (perhaps I shall have some pics soon).

Most gratifyingly, the music played is marvelous. Imagine how stunned I was when I heard Van Morrison's Moondance. It just completely picks me up. And the jazz and oldies mix is reasonably good and perfect for breakfast. A far cry from the Muzak of old.

Sometimes, things change for the better. And great music shall go on forever.

No comments:

Post a Comment