Review: Starbucks - Pumpkin Spice Creme Frappuccino

In search of better pumpkin flavor, I tried Starbucks' seasonal Pumpkin Spice Creme Frappuccino. "Creme" is Starbucks' fancy name for a milk drink with no coffee, which basically means it's a cup of milk, usually steamed, but not for a cold drink I don't think. They used to be called "Steamers" but that term evokes some rather unpleasant imagery for some. So basically, I got milk, ice, and pumpkin sauce blended together. A 16-ounce "Grande" set me back $4.35.

News: Jack in the Box - 2 for 3 Dollars Breakfast Croissants

The latest limited time deal cranking out of Jack in the Box is 2 for $3 Breakfast Croissants. Unlike most supermarket deals, but like most fast food chains, you do have to buy two croissant sandwiches to take advantage of the offer.

You can choose from two croissant sandwiches: the Sausage Croissant which comes with sausage, fried egg, and a slice of American cheese or the Supreme Croissant with fried egg, Jack's new hickory smoked bacon, ham, and cheese.

Not a bad deal at all. I'm pretty sure croissants cost more than biscuits or English muffins.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Caramel Apple Latte

Only available in select markets (excluding all of New England! How's that for hate?), Dunkin' Donuts' new Caramel Apple Latte offers a combination of red and green apple flavors with a dash of caramel.

Suggested retail pricing is $1.99 for a small 10-ounce hot beverage. Available cold or hot.

Tastes like Halloween? No Dunkin' here in California though.

Nutritional info after the jump.

News: Dunkin' Donut's - Maple Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich Returns

This month, Dunkin' Donuts brings back their oven-toasted Maple Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich as part of their fall flavors.

The sandwich pairs a scrambled egg with a sweet maple-flavored sausage patty. It is then, topped with a slice of melted white cheddar cheese and served warm on a freshly baked croissant. The suggested retail price is $2.99.

Sounds a bit like a better McGriddle, no?

Nutritional info after the jump.

Review: Chick-fil-A - Chicken Sandwich Deluxe

Chick-fil-A's Chicken Sandwich Deluxe takes their standard Chicken Sandwich and complements it with green leaf lettuce, tomato slices, and a slice of American cheese. An optional wheat bun is also available. It's priced at $3.75cand comes in a black Styrofoam clamshell rather than the foil bag the Chicken Sandwich comes in.

News: Church's Chicken - New Crispy Chicken Taco

Church's Crispy Chicken Taco Combo for $3.99

Targeted to consumers looking to eat on the go (i.e. young and mobile), Church's Chicken introduces it latest menu addition, the Crispy Chicken Taco.

Church’s Crispy Chicken Taco features a freshly prepared crispy flour shell filled with seasoned chicken topped with shredded lettuce and real shredded Cheddar cheese.

Church's Crispy Chicken Taco is available as a combo with two tacos, crinkle-cut fries, and a regular drink for $3.99 or individually for 99 cents each.

Personally, I would have liked to see shredded fried chicken doused in hot sauce instead of seasoned chicken to make a more uniquely Church's item. I like the fried flour tortillas though; it's a nice touch that stands out.

Nutritional info not yet available.

News: Domino's - $5 Carryout Lunch Deal

Domino's Pizza's latest promotion is their $5 Carryout Lunch Deal which available until 2pm daily and features your choice of an order of Penne Pasta, a small 2-Topping Pizza, or an Oven Baked Sandwich for $5. Considering you only end up saving around $1 from the regular price (in case of the Three Cheese Mac-N-Cheese, it actually costs a penny more under the deal), there's no real reason that it's only available until 2pm. Then again, it does hit that magic $5 (The new $2.99!) price point. A 20-ounce Coke is available as an add-on for 99 cents.

Penne Pastas are available in the following varieties or you can build your own: Chicken Alfredo, Italian Sausage Marinara, Chicken Carbonara, Three Cheese Mac-N-Cheese, and Pasta Primavera.

Oven-Baked Sandwiches actually come in 8 varieties (who knew?!): Italian Sausage and Peppers, Buffalo Chicken, Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Habanero, Mediterranean Veggie, Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Italian, and Chicken Parm.

Also new, Domino's has added a new American Legends Pizza to their menu, the Wisconsin 6 Cheese which features 100% real mozzarella, feta, provolone, cheddar, parmesan, asiago and sprinkled with oregano on a parmesan and asiago crust.

Review: Sonic - Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Sonic's Crispy Chicken Sandwich features all white meat crispy fried chicken breast topped with the traditional lettuce, tomatoes and mayo served on a wheat bun made with whole grain for $3.79.

News: McDonald's Adding Whipped Cream and Cherry to Shakes

Apparently "premium" means a clear plastic cup, and whipped cream and a cherry on top. According to Chicago Business, starting this month, McDonald's is updating their milkshakes, re-branding them as part of their McCafe line of beverages.

As part of the shift, the shakes will be served in a clear, plastic cup similar to other cold beverages in the McCafe line up. Following other major fast food chains such as Carl's Jr, Wendy's Chick-fil-A, etc., McDonald's will also now include whipped cream and a cherry on top.

If test markets are any indication, the shakes will also carry a higher price, starting at $2.19 for a small to $3.09 for a large.

Review: Pizza Hut - Thin 'N Crispy Pepperoni Pizza

Pizza Hut's Thin 'N Crispy Pizza is a very thin crust pizza that while using less dough, ends up costing the same. Go figure. To be fair, Domino's Thin Crust also costs the same as their other crust options. There's a carryout special for a large, one-topping pizza in my area for $6.99 (which is a dollar more than Domino's carryout special).

Around the World: McDonald's Japan - Various Versions of the Big Mac

While the American version of the Big Mac has pretty much always stayed the same. The Big Mac has undergone several iterations over in Japan.

Considering how small McDonald's Big Mac patties are, the Japanese Mega Mac is probably the better, meatier version.



There's also a Teriyaki Mega version:

Review: Wienerschnitzel - Limeade

While it may look like I got a cup of water, Wienerschnitzel's Limeade features a sparkling water, lime, and some form of sugar. A 16-ounce cup cost me $1.79.