McItaly

The birthplace of slow food is clashing with fast food.

McDonald's has launched a new line of artigianale "all-Italian" sandwiches and salads with ingredients like Parmigiano Reggiano and Valtellina apples. The centerpiece of the menu is the "McItaly"--a burger slathered with artichoke spread and melted asiago and slipped into a ciabatta roll. (It's slightly bland--needs some mustard or a pickle.)

The line has been panned by a blogger for the Guardian as "a monstrous act of national betrayal." But in a rebuttal printed in the same paper, Italy's agriculture minister insists the McItaly will increase Italian farmers' income by 3.5 million euro each month and encourage healthy eating.

And, good news: the McItaly is an international trademark. Which means you, too, can try it very soon...