Review: El Pollo Loco - Sweet Potato Fries

The final member of El Pollo Loco's new premium side triumvirate, Sweet Potato Fries are lightly battered and deep-fried from seasonally harvested sweet potatoes.

A small order will cost you $1.79 while a large will run you $3.99.

Review: El Pollo Loco - Sweet Corn Cake

Another new premium side at El Pollo Loco, the Sweet Corn Cake is a corn meal cake with corn kernels baked in. The price is in line with the other new premium sides at $1.79 for a small and $3.99 for a large.

News: Just Born - New Chocolate Peeps

With Easter just around the corner, I imagine Just Born's Peeps are on the shopping list of many of you with kids out there or who just really like sugar coated marshmallows (AKA sugar-covered sugar).

If sugar and marshmallows aren't enough for you, this year, Just Born is throwing chocolate into the equation with new Peeps Peepsters and Peeps Chocolate Dipped Chicks.

Review: El Pollo Loco - Flame-Grilled Corn

El Pollo Loco's new Flame-Grilled Corn features sweet, fire-roasted corn-off-the-cob seasoned with chipotle en adobo and a squeeze of lime. It's one of three new premium sides at El Pollo Loco.

It's priced at $1.79 for a small cup, $3.99 for a large family-sized side.

News: Frito Lay - New Regional Lay's Potato Chip Flavors

This month Frito Lay is rolling out three, new regional flavors of Lay's Potato chips here in the U.S.:

In the Northeast, there's Lay’s Honey Mustard which combines the flavor of tangy mustard with a touch of sweet honey.

In the Midwest, Lay’s Creamy Garden Ranch matching sour cream with spices and fresh cucumbers for the flavor of herb ranch dressing.

Finally in the Southwest comes Lay’s Chipotle Ranch which joins sour cream and buttermilk ranch with chipotle spice and green chili.

These flavors are in addition to current regional flavors, Lay's Balsamic Sweet Onion ( Northwestern U.S.) and Lay's Cajun Herb & Spice (Southeastern U.S.).

Review: Taco Bell - Cheesy Double Decker Taco

Taco Bell's newest limited-time menu item, the Cheesy Double Decker Taco adds the slightest of tweaks to the standard Double Decker Taco: some nacho cheese sauce to go with the refried beans that hold the Crunchy Taco to the soft flour tortilla. The price is especially nice at 89 cents a pop.

News: Häagen-Dazs - Free Cone Day 2011

Haagen-Dazs Scoops Shops are holding a Free Cone Day on May 10th from 4-8pm.

When: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 from 4pm to 8pm

Where: Any participating Haagen-Dazs Shop. Shop Locator

Why: Get a free scoop or cone of Häagen-Dazs super-premium ice cream.

Review: Calbee - Shrimp Flavored Chips

Calbee is a major Japanese snack food maker and its Shrimp Flavored Chips have been available locally here in southern California for as long as I can remember. The "chips" are shaped somewhat similar in size and shape to a Cheeto but less craggy and with even ridges. They are toasted and made with wheat flour. A 4-ounce bag retails for $2.29 at my local major supermarket but generally cost about $1 to $1.50 at an Asian grocery store.

Review: Magnum - Double Chocolate Ice Cream Bar

Magnum ice cream bars are analogous to Haagen Daz super-premium ice cream bars, they're quite popular in Europe and were just recently launched by Unilever in the U.S. in six different flavors (Double Caramel, Double Chocolate, Classic, Almond, White and Dark.). The Double Chocolate bars features chocolate ice cream enrobed in a chocolatey (i.e. not technically chocolate) coating, rich chocolate sauce and then dipped in thick Belgian milk chocolate.

They're sold in a 3-pack retailing for $3.99 and can be picked up on sale for around $3.00.

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's - Farmer's Harvest Roasted Chicken & Bowtie Pasta

Stouffer's new Farmer's Harvest line of frozen meals feature slightly more upscale ingredients such as sea salt, olive oil, and whole grains as well as no preservatives. The Roasted Chicken & Bowtie Pasta entree features roasted chicken and bowtie pasta in a basil pesto sauce with a medley of carrots, green beans and grilled red peppers in a butter sauce.

The price is the same as Stouffer's normal entrées at about $3.99 a box or ranging around $2 on sale.

Review: McDonald's - Cheddar Onion McChicken

The other new McChicken offered in conjunction with the Jalapeño Cheddar McChicken, the Cheddar Onion McChicken substitutes mayo with caramelized onions and white Cheddar cheese. Like the Jalapeño Cheddar version, it is also priced at $1.49.

News: Chipotle Details New Asian Restaurant Concept

ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen. It's like Chipotle but with a southeast Asian theme (specifically inspired by Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisine).

Chipotle has reveals a few more details about their new southeast Asian restaurant concept:

There will be the same "down the line" format as Chipotle (and Subway) where you move down the service station as they prepare your food to your specifications.

There will be the same focus on sustainably-raised food and promises "grilled and braised meats, a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, spicy sauces, and an array of garnishes."

The first location is set to open this summer in Washington, D.C.