Yesterday, I learned from a very good friend that Herb Peterson, inventor of the Egg McMuffin, died this weekend at the ripe old age of 89. It’s an interesting thing to note that he became an American icon of sorts, even though his wasn’t exactly a household name - well, not until now, that is - for inventing a sandwich. What’s more, it’s a sandwich that’s probably responsible for a lot more expanding waistlines, in the US and beyond - than anyone is comfortable with.
I got my friend’s call about Peterson as she was enjoying one of his creations herself, as she put it, “…as an homage to him.” She was quick to point out that yes, it was a decadent decision, but one that rewarded her with great pleasure, if not a little guilt. But sometimes, as I’m sure folks would readily agree, it’s worth the price.
It goes without saying, then, that our Mr. Peterson ranks right up there with James Delligatti, inventor of the Big Mac, for helping to change the course of fast-food meals forever. Coincidentally, Delligatti turned 89 last year as well, as his creation turned 40. It goes without saying that our collective cholesterol has changed forever as well - check out the nutrition info for these little beauties - which, in the interest of full disclosure, is provided in excruciating detail by McDonald’s itself (warning: not for the faint of heart).
It is significant, however, to also point out that Mr. Peterson was responsible for much of the advertising for McDonald’s in the 1970s, and eventually went on to own a number of McD’s locations. A true fan of the golden arches, if ever there was one.
So I was inspired, one could say, to go right out and get myself some, specifically the #3, the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit with Hash Browns and Coffee. Perhaps not one of Mr. Peterson’s creations, but a fine facsimile in its own right. Not my usual fare, per se - but then, who could resist such an homage? It was, as we mutually agreed, an altogether different experience when anticipated ahead-of-time, and specifically; heretofore, then, to be known between us as a “premeditated McDonald’s.”
Premeditated McDonald’s.
April 2, 2008Yesterday, I learned from a very good friend that Herb Peterson, inventor of the Egg McMuffin, died this weekend at the ripe old age of 89. It’s an interesting thing to note that he became an American icon of sorts, even though his wasn’t exactly a household name - well, not until now, that is - for inventing a sandwich. What’s more, it’s a sandwich that’s probably responsible for a lot more expanding waistlines, in the US and beyond - than anyone is comfortable with.
I got my friend’s call about Peterson as she was enjoying one of his creations herself, as she put it, “…as an homage to him.” She was quick to point out that yes, it was a decadent decision, but one that rewarded her with great pleasure, if not a little guilt. But sometimes, as I’m sure folks would readily agree, it’s worth the price.
It goes without saying, then, that our Mr. Peterson ranks right up there with James Delligatti, inventor of the Big Mac, for helping to change the course of fast-food meals forever. Coincidentally, Delligatti turned 89 last year as well, as his creation turned 40. It goes without saying that our collective cholesterol has changed forever as well - check out the nutrition info for these little beauties - which, in the interest of full disclosure, is provided in excruciating detail by McDonald’s itself (warning: not for the faint of heart).
It is significant, however, to also point out that Mr. Peterson was responsible for much of the advertising for McDonald’s in the 1970s, and eventually went on to own a number of McD’s locations. A true fan of the golden arches, if ever there was one.
So I was inspired, one could say, to go right out and get myself some, specifically the #3, the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit with Hash Browns and Coffee. Perhaps not one of Mr. Peterson’s creations, but a fine facsimile in its own right. Not my usual fare, per se - but then, who could resist such an homage? It was, as we mutually agreed, an altogether different experience when anticipated ahead-of-time, and specifically; heretofore, then, to be known between us as a “premeditated McDonald’s.”