Local Review: Philippe the Original - Beef French Dip

Philippe the Original or Philippe's as most people call it claims to have invented the French dip sandwich and is one of the most historic restaurants here in Southern California and is one of the few L.A. institutions that harkens back to a different time.

The Beef French Dip (it's also available with Pork, Ham, Lamb, and Turkey) is served on a crusty French roll with slices of roast beef dipped in jus from the roasted-in-house meats. It costs $6.50 for about a 6" sandwich and can be had "single-dip," "double-dip," or "wet." I went with the "double-dip."

Neat! Tim Hortons Unveils "The Priestley"

If you caught the last episode of How I Met Your Mother, you saw a guest spot where Jason Priestley (best known for playing Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210) describes where he was and what donut he was eating when Robin Sparkles lost it in front of a national (Canadian) audience.

In his words: "Squamish, British Columbia. Crammed a Timbit into a strawberry vanilla and called it 'The Priestley.'" You can check out a clip of the scene here at 2:00.

News: Einstein Bros. - Free Bagel and Shmear with Coffee Purchase

Einstein Bros. and Noah's Bagels are offering a free bagel and shmear of your choice with any size coffee or espresso purchase this Saturday, February 9, 2013, in celebration of National Bagel Day (yes, there's one for bagels too).

The promotion will run all day (while supplies last) on Saturday at participating locations. Most locations are open on Saturday from 5:30am to 4:00pm, but you probably want to call ahead and check before you make the trip.

News: Starbucks - BOGO Drinks Through February 14th

Starbucks is running a Valentine's Day promotion where you can buy one of three featured drinks and get another one (of equal or lesser value) for free after 2pm through Thursday, February 14, 2013.

News: Fazoli's - $1 Fettuccini on February 7th

Apparently, it's National Fettuccini Alfredo Day (because there's apparently a national day for everything under the sun) today, and fast casual Italian restaurant chain, Fazoli's, is celebrating by offering Fettuccini Alfredo for just $1.

Review: Frito Lay - Doritos Jumpin' Jack Tortilla Chips

Frito Lay's Doritos Jumpin' Jack tortilla chips are a "throwback" flavor they're re-releasing for a limited time. They're basically pepper jack-flavored tortilla chips.

The retail price on a 11-ounce bag is $4.29.

News: Taco Bell - New Mtn Dew Baja Blast Freeze

Taco Bell now offers a new frozen slush version of their exclusive flavor of Mtn Dew (because "Mountain Dew" was too long and who needs vowels except for "e") with Mtn Dew Baja Blast Freeze.

The flavor is basically the taste of Mountain Dew plus a hit of tropical lime.

News: Peet's - New Dutch Cocoa Blueberry Mocha and Hot Cocoa

For a limited-time, Peet's is pouring a new Dutch Cocoa Blueberry Mocha as well as a Blueberry Hot Cocoa.

The new drink is inspired by the flavor of chocolate-covered blueberries and the blueberry notes of their occasionally available special lot Ethiopian Super Natural coffee (I know it's not intentional, but it makes me think ghosts and spookiness that you don't usually want to associate with coffee).

Review: Pizza Hut - Big Pizza Sliders

Pizza Hut's new, limited-time Big Pizza Sliders are basically mini pan pizzas sold in a set of nine for the same $10 as Pizza Hut's regular large pizza.

You can choose up to 3 toppings for each set of three mini pizzas, essentially giving you three different combinations of toppings per order. It's good for when you're feeding a few people and they all want different toppings.

News: KFC Offers Chicken Pot Pie for $3.99

KFC returns the $3.99 promotional price for their Chunky Chicken Pot Pie for a limited time. They ran the same promotion around this time last year.

The Chunky Chicken Pot Pie comes filled with chunks of chicken, potatoes, peas, and carrots in a creamy sauce and covered buttery, flaky crust. They're normally offered for $5 to $6.

News: Krispy Kreme - Valentine Donuts Return

Krispy Kreme once again offers a limited-time selection of Valentine's Day Donuts leading up to Valentine's Day. Additionally, they're bringing back the promotion where you get 12 Valentine's Day cards (each good for a free donut) when you purchase a dozen Valentine donuts.

The Valentine Donuts available this year are:

News: Carl's Jr./Hardee's - New Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich

While most fast food chains are offering some sort of battered and deep-fried fish option around this time of year, Carl's Jr. and Hardee's are offering a grilled fish option with the new Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich.

The sandwich features a charbroiled Atlantic cod fillet, tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a honey wheat bun.