The Majestic vs. McDonalds: The Gap in Menus

     For those who do not know, The Majestic Yosemite Hotel is Yosemite National Park's most prestigious lodging institution. It ranks as a AAA four-Diamond hotel and boasts an award-winning restaurant, as well as a beautiful view of the park. The dining experience at The Majestic is in stark contrast to the experience at a common chain restaurant such as McDonald's. The difference is found not only in the price and the setting, but it is inherent in the menus themselves.





     The Majestic's menu (for dinner) is simple. It is just one page and very little information is given. The McDonald's menu, however, is extensive and almost an information overload. A detailed picture accompanies each item, as well as an equally detailed description.



     The description uses sensory and participial adjectives like 'crisp,' 'ribbon-cut,' and 'smoked.' For the most part, the Majestic's menu just lists the main ingredients that go into the dishes and does very little in the way of description. The ingredients used at the Majestic are assumed to be high-quality while McDonald's tries to pull it's customers in with vague promises. Take, for example, the "Bacon Ranch Salad with Buttermilk Crispy Chicken" pictured above. It is described as 'full of fresh flavors,' but what does that mean exactly?

     Another difference between the two menus is the focus on choice. At McDonald's the focus is on the diner's choice. It is all about the customer. They can customize their meal anyway they choose. At the Majestic, customers pay for the chef to make the choice for them. Each meal is unique in it's own way and a work of art.

Note: This is an assignment from my Language and Food class at school.