This test was conducted at the same "restaurant" at the same time of day, over four days.
The purpose of the test was to see how consistent the taste, preparation and presentation was, from a company that has no variation in it's process or product other than the human element.
They become eligible for The Bacon
Toastie Review as the samples consist of the basic elements of bacon and bread.
TASTE
The results showed that there is a slight difference in taste between the samples. The systems in place to prepare the
ingredients and the ingredients themselves make it possible to create a product that you can expect to taste the same every time. Yet the act of making the product is yeilding different taste results from sample to sample.
PREPARATION
All four samples were free of egg shell and had the egg cooked to the same consistency. The only thing that effects the taste is the temperature. If the egg is placed off centre, it becomes cold quicker. There is not much praise that can be given to a cold fried egg. Sample 1 was the worst example.
There was slight variation in the toasting of the muffin, some were browned a little more, which, when done right, can give a slight crispness to the sample that the bacon nearly always lacks. Sample 2 had the best toasted muffin.
The bacon is always cooked in advance, as are the eggs. The eggs do not suffer as much as the bacon does from this process. The bacon is rarely to never browned or crispy. Being stored for use in heated drawers, it tends to dry out a little. This makes it in the worst case a bit tough or stringy. Mostly however, your bacon will be fresh and tender. In some samples, the bacon was folded. This leaves very bland patches of mainly egg and cheese. Sample 4 was guilty of this. Sample 2 had the freshest and most crispy bacon.
The cheese is unexpectedly, greatly effected by preparation. Their u
nmelted cheese tastes much stronger if not melted, and the cold, rubbery texture can create an unpleasant contrast to the rest of the sample. Sample 3 had the best placed cheese.
PRESENTATION
This test was conducted as soon as the sample was unwrapped. It was also the second most fun part of conducting the test. The strange thing that came of the test was that on less busy or hectic days, the presentation was worse. Busier days seemed to have the employees "in the zone" and the samples were put together with better alignment and care. Sample 1 was done on the quietest day I visited. I was the only one at the front counter placing an order - and almost got my egg "on the side". Sample 2 was the busiest day, and was overall the best of the samples. There was some tension amongst the staff on the day of sample 4 - and as you can see - it came out upside down!
OVERVIEW
For the price (only when purchased as a meal) it is an affordable, hole-filler. If you are in a rush and light on funds, it is on the money. If you are a bacon snob, or highly regard presentation and taste, do not attempt this challenge as it may offend.
The consistency test clearly showed that it is the human element that makes or breaks the system. You can always be guaranteed of consistent ingredients, but how they are put together and taste, is a gamble you have to be willing to take.
Rating overall - 1.5 r
ashers of bacon
Disclaimer.
This was an independent test, not
sponsored, not for any commercial purpose. The comments given are personal and for personal use only. I am not responsible for any experience you may have with similar products.
