"'I have always been a big fan of McDonald's ever since the first restaurant opened in China 10 years ago,' Yao said."

"'I think it is a concern to a lot of people. When you step outside our front door you can immediately notice the food smells. The amount of litter has also increased since they opened and the Pizza Hut sign illuminates our bedroom until gone midnight.'"

"Cult sites are a lot like general sites but with, how shall we say this, a few sesame seeds missing from the bun. One of the best is Jay Brewer's www.fastfoodfever.com, whose key claim to fame is a list of illustrated recipes such as The Fry Dog (Jay's Favorite) that are made from "recombinant" fast-food items. Brewer takes offense if it's suggested his site is not "serious homage," pointing out that the McGriddle pancake sandwich is "a Fast Food Fever creation is ever there was one."

McDonald's fast food chain, renowned for cheap hamburgers and plastic decor, has given one of its London restaurants an upmarket makeover to lure in the ladies who lunch.

The outlet on the Strand in downtown London has eschewed brash colors in favor of chrome, leather armchairs, retro seating, glass and sophisticated lighting.