Prepare to have your culinary curiosity satiated as Chef Mike, the culinary wizard who once orchestrated McDonald's menu magic, joins us to spill the beans on the alchemy of fast-food flavors. Ever wondered if Canadian McDonald's fries have a secret ingredient? Chef Mike playfully addresses this and more as we navigate the labyrinth of international taste preferences and what it takes to keep those iconic golden arches shining brightly around the globe. Get ready for a generous helping of industry insights sprinkled with just the right amount of humor, all while decoding the food supply chain mysteries that bring your favorite bites from farm to tray.Chef Mike isn't holding back as we explore the fast-food coliseum, where giants like McDonald's battle for your taste buds. We're unboxing the process behind crafting those crave-worthy menu items, from the beloved chicken nuggets to the staple Egg McMuffin. Discover the intricate dance between product development and marketing genius, and how they mold our cravings. And if you're curious about the plant-based revolution at the drive-thru, you're in for a treat. Our chat slices through the nutritional noise, dissecting how these meatless marvels stack up against their carnivorous counterparts, and the marketing muscle that can make or break their success.We wrap up our session with a lively debate that might just rattle your ethical and nutritional compass. Is sneaking healthier options into fast food without trumpeting it the new secret sauce for public health, or should transparency reign supreme? Plus, we tackle the 'healthy halo' effect, suggesting that perhaps it's time for a radical rebranding of nutritious nosh. Chef Mike's riveting projects and the power of a playful brand promise to not just tickle your taste buds but also inspire your next mealtime choice. So, whether you're a fast-food aficionado or just hungry for a behind-the-scenes feast, this talk with Chef Mike is sure to satisfy your appetite for knowledge—and perhaps leave you with a craving for a side of fries.Support the showWrite into the show at inmoderation@roblapham.com and join our patreon at https://www.patreon.com/InModeration40 plus follow Liam (@theplantslant) and Rob (@roblapham) on social media!