Feature: 2011 Fast Food Gift Card Bonuses

It's the final stretch in the run up to Christmas and if you haven't got all your presents lined up now, the old standby of gift cards is always available.

And, in the world of fast food there are a few intrepid chains offering a little something something for yourself if you pick up one of their gift cards for your friends/acquaintances this holiday season.

Apparently, according to the National Retail Federation, some 58% of shoppers say they'd like to receive a gift card this season. That number is actually quite close to the 59% of people the National Restaurant Association got from their survey that said they would like to receive a restaurant gift card.

I guess more people want gift cards than I would have thought (I prefer cash myself *wink wink*). I guess it's better than fruit cake...

Here they are (please keep in mind that for a lot of these offers you have to physically go to the restaurant to buy the gift card):

Review: Burger King - Chef's Choice Burger

Burger King's Chef's Choice Burger promises a gussied up fast food burger experience with a 1/3 pound seasoned ground chuck patty, thick-cut bacon, American cheese, red onions, sliced tomatoes, romaine leaf lettuce and savory Griller sauce (garlic mayo) on an brioche artisan-style bun.

The price is gussied up a bit too at $4.99 a pop.

News: Taco Bell - The Beefy Crunch Burrito Returns

The Beefy Crunch Burrito returns to Taco Bell for a limited time starting this Thursday, December 22, 2011. Last seen earlier this year in May, the Beefy Crunch Burrito features the spicy crunch of Flamin' Hot Fritos encapsulated in a warm flour tortilla along with seasoned ground beef, warm nacho cheese sauce, seasoned rice, and reduced fat sour cream.

It was 99 cents then and will also be 99 cents in its return. The Beefy Crunch Burrito is also available in a combo with two Crunchy Tacos and a large drink for $3.99 and a $5 Buck Box with a Crunchy Taco, Crunchwrap Supreme, and medium drink.

Review: Nabisco - Cinnamon Kick Wheat Thins Stix

Relatively new, Nabisco's Cinnamon Kick Wheat Thins Stix feature the taste of cinnamon with a kick in a cylindrical, crunchy, baked stick.

An 8-ounce box costs about the same as a regular box of Wheat Thins at $3.50 or around $2 on sale.

News: Jack in the Box - Burger Upgrade

According to NRN, Jack in the Box has gone ahead and upgraded their burgers with new reformulated patties, improved buns, and new saucing procedures.

According to a Jack in the Box spokeperson, the new patties are tastier, juicier, and have a better texture (Having eaten one recently, I really can't tell the difference but it's not like I had an old one to compare).

To make sure you know about it, Jack is advertising his "Better Burgers" highlighting the fact that they are "100% Beef" and "seasoned while it cooks."

Frozen Friday: T.G.I.Friday's - Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo

T.G.I.Friday's Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo is a cook-in-the-bag frozen entree featuring blackened white meat chicken, ciufetti pasta, red peppers and green onions tossed in creamy cajun-style Alfredo sauce.

It's normally around $4.00 for a 12-ounce bag but you can pick it up on sale around $2 to $2.50.

News: KFC - $2 Drumstick, Thigh and Biscuit SoCal Only

KFC SoCal is running a nice coupon deal next week (12/19/11 to 12/24/11) where you can pick up a drumstick, thigh, and biscuit for $2.

You can print out the coupon by either clicking on the thumbnail or visiting the KFC SoCal Facebook page and "liking" them.

There's a limit of 5 orders per person per visit.

The deal is only good at participating KFC restaurants in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.

News: Carl's Jr. - New Santa Fe Turkey Burger

Carl's Jr. expands its line of under-500 calories Charbroiled Turkey Burgers with the new Santa Fe Turkey Burger.

The Santa Fe version clocks in at 490 calories and features a charbroiled Turkey Burger patty, spicy Santa Fe sauce, Pepper-Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sliced green chili on a toasted, honey wheat bun.

The suggested price for the Santa Fe Turkey Burger alone is $3.49 with the combo coming in at $5.99.

News: Panera Bread Featured 2011 Winter Menu

New to the menu this winter at Panera Bread is their Sonoma Chicken Stew, a creamy chicken stew with Parisian carrots, peas, leeks and diced red potatoes simmered with sweet cream and thyme. It's served with a new Dry Jack Cheese Biscuit.

There's also two new panini sandwiches: the Steak Balsamico and the Roasted Turkey Artichoke.

The Steak Balsamico features seared top sirloin, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, baby spinach, tomato, and basil balsamic spread on ciabatta bread.

Review: Burger King - New Thicker Fries

Burger King's new Fries are thicker and don't appear to be as battered and crusty as their old fries.

I picked up a large order at my local BK restaurant for $2.09.

News: 7-Eleven - New Maple Sausage Breakfast Roller

Appearing to be a modified pig in a blanket, 7-Eleven serves up their new Maple Sausage Breakfast Roller. The new breakfast item features a maple-flavored pancake wrapped around a pork sausage and served hot off their roller grill.

These are available at participating locations at an introductory price of $1 each.

It's kinda like a McGriddle but as a roll, no? These are meant for easy on-the-go eating.

International Weekend: Delacre Roule d'Or

Delacre Roule d'Or hail from France and feature crisp fluted crepe cookies baked till golden.

A 7.1-ounce box cost me $2.79 at a local market.