Local Review: Porto's Bakery - Bread Pudding

Porto's Bakery is very popular in the southern California area and are famous for their Cheese Rolls and Potato Balls.  However, their bakery display is quite expansive and I decided to try something new in hopes of finding something yummy.  The Bread Pudding looked pretty interesting so I bought one for 95 cents.

Review: Corner Bakery Cafe - Bavarian Ham on Pretzel Bread

I went to Corner Bakery Cafe and ended up trying the Bavarian Ham on Pretzel Bread which is pretzel bread filled with your choice smoked ham or smoked turkey, shaved red onions, plum tomatoes, caraway Havarti cheese, and stoneground mustard-mayo. The price is $6.79 which included a pickle spear and kettle-cooked chips.

News: Carvel - Free Ice Cream All Day on April 29, 2010

Carvel is tempting customers to try their new Low Fat Ice Cream and Flavor Shotz by offering a free 3.5-ounce cup to anyone who stops by on April 29, 2010.

When: All day, Thursday, April 29, 2010

Where: Participating Carvel ice cream shops nationwide. Shop Locator

Why:  It's free!  Plus their new lowfat ice cream has 75% less fat and 30% fewer calories. You also get your choice of a Flavor Shotz on your ice cream.  Flavor Shotz are flavored syrups and come in 12 flavors, including Acai Berry, Banana, Black Raspberry, Blueberry, Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy, Mango, Mint, Orange, Peach, Pistachio and Pomegranate.

Details: One serving per customer.

Review: Starbucks - Perfect Oatmeal

It's quite a claim to call your breakfast product "perfect" but there you go: Starbucks' Perfect Oatmeal. Perfect Oatmeal features hot oatmeal with your choice of brown sugar, dried fruits, and nuts for $2.49 at my local Starbucks. I wasn't actually offered a choice the guy behind the counter just handed me a bag with a lidded cup of hot oatmeal and a bag of each topping.

News: Burger King - New Buck Double Sandwich

Burger King today announced the nationwide launch of their Buck Double Sandwich, a new addition to their BK Value Menu that is really just an old mainstay less a slice of cheese.  A replacement for the controversial $1 Double Cheeseburger (controversial because of all the grumbling of franchisees over lost profits), the Buck Double Sandwich features two flame-broiled beef patties, a slice of American cheese, a couple slices of pickle, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun.

It retails for $1. Surprise I know. Actually the fine print states: "Price and participation may vary. Not available in AK and HI." But it would be weird for a Burger King franchisee to offer a Buck Double Sandwich for more than a buck, no?

P.S. The picture is a mock-up via Burger King's website's "Have it Your Way" burger customization.  I'm pretty sure an actual Buck Double Sandwich will have the cheese slice between the beef patties.  Update: I posted a picture of the actual Buck Double posters.

Review: Burger King - A.1. Steakhouse XT Burger

Burger King's Steakhouse XT Burger features a thick 7-ounce flame-broiled beef patty with mayo, crispy onions, A.1. Thick & Hearty Steak Sauce, a slice of American cheese, bits of lettuces, and two slices of tomato. A kingly feast for the kingly sum of $4.79 (Get it? Because it's Burger King! I can feel the eye rolls a-coming).  It does not however get a kingly robe and is wrapped in plain wax paper unbecoming of a premium burger.

Review: Jack in the Box - Iced Kona Classic Coffee

Jack and the Box's new Iced Kona Classic Coffee is a slightly sweetened blend of Kona Classic coffee and 2% milk, served over ice. It is available in regular, vanilla, and caramel flavors and is $1.99 for a 24-ounce cup.

The Asia Trip: 7-Eleven Taiwan

While I was in Taiwan, I came across many a 7-Eleven so I thought I'd point out some interesting differences in the food served there.

News: Jack in the Box - New Kona Classic Coffee

Jack in the Box restaurants are now serving a new premium blend of coffee made with real Kona coffee beans from Hawaii. The new Kona Classic coffee blend replaces Jack in the Box's old coffee and is used for both hot and iced coffees.

Kona Classic is available at participating Jack in the Box restaurants for a suggested price of $1.39 and $1.59 for regular and large hot coffees, respectively, and $1.99 for a 24-ounce iced coffee. The iced coffees are available in regular, vanilla, and caramel flavors.

Kona Classic is not offered in Hawaii which continues to serve a different blend of Kona coffee produced by local vendor Hawaiian Paradise Coffee.

News: Haagen-Daz Celebrates Free Flavor Day on May, 18, 2010

Super premium ice cream maker Haagen-Daz is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with its annual Free Flavor Day.

When: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 from 4pm to 8pm

Where: Any participating Haagen-Dazs Shop in the U.S. Shop Locator

Why: You want to help wish Haagen-Daz a "Happy Birthday" and stuff your face with a free scoop of either Chocolate, Coffee, or Vanilla ice cream.

Review: Taco Bell - Salsa Roja Tortada

One of two Taco Bell non-sandwich limited-time menu items (along with the Bacon Ranch Tortada), the Salsa Roja Tortada features southwest-marinated chicken breast (seasoned with garlic powder, "spices," chili pepper, and paprika among other things), shredded lettuce, a blend of three cheeses (mozzarella, pepper jack, and Cheddar), Fiesta Salsa (tomatoes, onions, and cilantro), and salsa rojas (a spicy red sauce) for $3.29.

News: Burger King Testing Brunch

Burger King is currently testing more breakfast offerings under the guise of "brunch." Burger Business reports that, in addition to their normal breakfast menu, Burger King is offering Mimosas (Relax, it's non-alcoholic... What?!), the BK Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich, and the Whopper (yes, it's the Whopper, but for breakfast!) during breakfast time.

Brunch is being offered in select markets in Massachusetts, Florida, and western Canada.  The Mimosa is a blend of orange juice, Sprite, and ice while the BK Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich is a ciabatta sandwich with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, cheese, ham, bacon, and a smoky tomato sauce.

Burger King is also testing other breakfast items elsewhere. According to the Birmingham Business Journal, Burger King is testing pancake and scrambled egg platters (similar to the Big and Deluxe Breakfast by McDonald's), mini blueberry muffins, and the same ciabatta breakfast sandwich in the Birmingham area.