The Bougie Fast Food Topping Reddit Called A 'McMichelin' Fail

When asked to picture high dining, McDonald's probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. One creative fan set out to prove otherwise, turning an ordinary McDonald's meal into a playful, fine-dining experience. On the McDonald's subreddit, they shared their elevated take on a classic McDonald's meal: fries, a Big Mac, McNuggets topped with caviar, eaten with a pearl spoon, alongside a Martini garnished with olives. To top things off, this spread was served on a silver platter and completed with a custom embroidered napkin featuring a design of McDonald's fries and a martini.

While a lot of effort clearly went into this elevated take on a McDonald's order, the result is equal parts tongue-in-cheek and surprisingly refined, making it both controversial yet oddly impressive. Reactions to the spread were split: One user was grossed out by the combination of ground chicken meat and one of the most expensive delicacies around. Even so, another user cheered, "Good for you[,] girl. Best of both worlds" (via Reddit).

Others pointed out that pairing McDonald's classics with high-end flavors isn't actually as far-fetched as it sounds. Just as fries dipped in a McFlurry make an unexpectedly perfect match, one user argued that brut Champagne works just as well with the crispy, salty potatoes. The funny thing is, Champagne is also known to pair well with fried chicken, so next time you've got your hands on a nice bottle of bubbly, forget the fancy cheeses or charcuterie; grab yourself a cheap McNugget meal instead.

In recent years, one of the biggest dining trends has been the rise of "high-low" pairings, with luxe items making unexpected yet delicious additions to everyday comfort foods. Think caviar on potato chips, popcorn drizzled with truffle oil, or even instant ramen topped with lobster. In a world where everything seems expensive, this is one easy way to give yourself an experience that feels premium, all from the comfort of home — and most importantly, without breaking the bank. 

Adding a luxurious ingredient is a sure-fire way to bougie-ify your next fast food meal. Think caviar, truffles, or even foie gras butter — and you can get creative, too. For example, turn your store-bought mayo into a rich aioli with just a couple of simple add-ins, like truffle oil or saffron. Suddenly, you haven't just elevated a simple, store-bought pantry staple, but you've also created the perfect upgrade for fast food. Try whipping up a bougie truffle aioli to spread on your next Big Mac, or use it as a dipping sauce for McDonald's fries; the options are simply endless.

Small changes can make a big difference. Another hack to give fast food an elegant spin is rethinking the presentation. Skip the brown paper bag and instead plate your burger and fries with intention. You could also go the extra mile and add a garnish like shaved white truffle or a wedge of Brie for a true French bistro feel, or pair your Filet-O-Fish with a squirt of lemon and fresh tartar sauce for a classy New England seafood restaurant vibe.