McDonald’s® first opened its doors at East Coast Park in 1982 and it held many precious memories for many Singaporeans -- from the kids' birthday parties and our first dates as teenagers, to cyclists and runners dropping by to refuel. It was a meeting point at East Coast Park, and a place to hang out after the roller-blading sessions. An iconic landmark that stood in East Coast Park for 30 years, many expressed sadness when its closure was announced back in 2012.
Come 2 July 2016, McDonald’s will re-open its doors at East Coast Park after a four-year hiatus, just a few hundred metres away from its original location. One of the largest McDonald’s stores in Singapore, the new Marine Cove restaurant boasts a unique look and feel that reflects its distinct beachside location. The restaurant will also offer a menu that reflects the evolving tastes and preferences in Singapore.
Here are some of the reasons why you should visit McDonald’s at Marine Cove, other than reliving the memories we held so close to our hearts.
1. A unique look and feel
Walk inside and you will realized that it is unlike any McDonald’s outlet in Singapore. McDonald’s at Marine Cove boasts a unique look and feel that reflects its distinct beachside location. The new McDonald’s restaurant by the sea spans 8,439 square feet with over six counters, including one McCafé counter and a Dessert Kiosk, and seven self-ordering kiosks.
2. It is perfect for Instagram photography
You need to show the social media world that you have visited the new McDonald's at Marine Cove, and you need to take your OOTD for the day.
You will be glad to know that that McDonald's at Marine Cove has got glass walls that allows lots of natural light to come through and you all know what this is good for -- your selfies, your wefies, your hipster foodfies, your OOTDs.
3. Wireless Charging Stations
After using all the battery of your phone taking, editing and posting photos, you really need some phone charging points. McDonald’s Marine Cove has placed many wireless charging stations for you to recharge your gadgets. Currently, you can only do wireless charging for your Android devices but fret not iPhone users, McDonald's has thoughtfully attached cables at the charging stations for your convenience.
Wireless charging: Just place your phone on top of the charging station, no wires required.
Cables provided for the iPhones
4. There is a salad bar
McDonald's and healthy food don't go together? Wrong! Now we have a awesome salad bar in McDonald’s Marine Cove that allows you to customise your own salad and choose your add-ons. And if you are lazy like I am, select from the three different salad choices: Asian, Caesar and Classic Green.
Asian Salad
5. And there is a dessert bar
They said that there's a separate compartment for desserts in our stomach. No matter how full you are, there is always room for desserts! How can anyone say no to desserts? Furthermore, we can now customise our favourite McDonald's desserts!
With 17 toppings to choose from, mix and match them to create your very own brand of McFlurry or Sundae. Toppings range from Corn Flavoured Cereal and Rainbow Butter Bites, to Mixed Berries and Chunky Purple Potato Sauce. I don't know about you but I'm definitely drooling.
6. Signature Collection of Premium Burgers
This special menu is only available at Mcdonald's Marine Cove and no where else. 3 special signature burgers -- The Classic Cheese, Spicy Tortilla and Spicy Chicken with Apple Slaw.
Classic Cheese
The Classic Cheese burger features a deliciously seared Angus beef patty sandwiched between delicate slices of creamy cheese. Complementing the patty are juicy slices of tomatoes, sweet grilled onions and crispy smoky chicken bacon.
Spicy Tortilla
Featuring a delectable Angus beef patty with a slice of melted cheese, the savoury combination is enhanced by creamy guacamole, crunchy tortilla chips, whole leaf lettuce, and sweet and juicy slices of tomatoes and onions. The burger is then topped with a fiery spicy sauce.
Spicy Chicken with Apple Slaw
A crunchy and juicy chicken thigh meat is topped with peppery rocket and creamy black pepper sauce. This blazing combination is contrasted with a tinge of sweetness from the apple slaw.
7. New McCafé offerings!
For those who want to enjoy a cup of afternoon tea and grab some sandwiches in the afternoon, you will be glad to know that the Marine Cove McCafé will serve a new range of soups, sandwiches and sweet treats including Affogato and waffles. Made with quality and hearty ingredients, there is a choice of two soup creations as well as toasted sandwiches in six different variations, two of which are exclusively available at McDonald’s Marine Cove. We had a cappucino and a Chicken Mayo, White Cheddar and Spinach on Light Rye Bread (that's a long name) and we are giving them the thumbs up.
8. Pram parking
We know how mummies and daddies struggle trying to park their prams by the side of their table and at the same time trying their best not to block the way of other diners at restaurants. Our family friendly (as always!) McDonald's has got a pram parking area at the new Marine Cove outlet that will give parents an ease of mind. No more "excuse me, excuse me... sorry, sorry..." anymore!
9. Shadow Wall
Kids can have lots of fun at the Shadow Wall, well, I mean, adults too! Try walking past the Shadow Wall and watch your shadows be transformed into McDonald's characters such as Grimace and Birdie!
10. We are lovin' it
Although it is an entirely new restaurant, but it is still Mcdonald's at East Coast Park! We can't erase all those sentimental values we attach to this place can we? We are still lovin' it!