News: Sonic - New Molten Cake Sundae

Sonic is beefing up (not literally) their sundaes with the new, limited-time Molten Cake Sundae, which is basically a premium option you can add onto any of their sundae combinations.

News: Qdoba Adds New Brown Rice Option

Following in the steps of rival Mexican fast casual chain, Chipotle, Qdoba now offers a brown rice option for their burritos, bowls, and Mexican gumbo.

Where Chipotle's version is seasoned with cilantro and lime like its white rice counterpart, Qdoba's version offers a different flavor profile with garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, onions, and a hint of red chiles. Qdoba's white rice is also seasoned with cilantro and lime.

Review: Arby's - Reuben Sandwich

Arby's Reuben sandwich features thin-sliced corned beef topped with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, on toasted marble rye bread.

My local Arby's serves them up for $4.99, but I received this one courtesy of Arby's. Double meat was also an option for an additional buck.

News: Peet's - New Mint Matcha Latte

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, Peet's is offering a new Mint Matcha Latte for a limited time.

The drink is basically the coffee chain's Matcha Green Tea Latte with peppermint syrup. Specifically, it's  matcha green tea, steamed milk, and peppermint syrup.

Matcha is finely-powdered, Japanese green tea.

News: Arby's - New Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake

Arby's is getting into green for this year's St. Patrick's Day with the new, limited-time Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake.

The mint chocolate shake is decorated with a chocolate syrup swirl and topped with whipped cream and little pieces of Andes brand chocolate mints.

The shake comes in a 20-ounce cup for $2.89 (may vary).

News: The Coffee Bean - $1 Drinks on March 7, 2pm to 6pm

The Coffee Bean is holding another one of their seasonal "Open House" events, where they offer a selection of drinks for $1. The latest Open House is set for this Thursday, March 7, from 2pm to 6pm.

The selection of drinks features a variety of tea-cappuccino blends and sweet teas.

Review: Starbucks - Hazelnut Macchiato

Starbucks' Hazelnut Macchiato is a new permanent addition to the coffee chain's signature drinks. It features steamed milk, espresso, vanilla syrup, topped with foamed milk and a hazelnut drizzle.

My local Starbucks charges $3.55 for a 12-ounce "Tall" of the drink.

News: Checkers/Rally's - New Loaded Potato Skins

Checkers/Rally's offers new Loaded Potato Skins. Potato skins are usually the realm of sit-down restaurants rather than fast food restaurants, but it looks like Rally's has dealt with the logistics (of having to bake the skins) by seasoning, battering, and deep-frying them like they do their signature fries. The potato skins are then topped with cheese sauce, ranch, and bacon.

Tips on Ordering Off the "Secret" Menu

Secret menus at fast food joints are something that always appeal to people. Whether it's a new (and possibly) interesting take on your classic fast food favorites, something that you've never thought of, or whether you just like to be in the know, secret menus are "cool..."

Until you try and order something off-menu during the lunch time rush with a line of people out the door. Then, it's not so cool. Not for the restaurant employees who are slammed with orders, not for the people behind you trying to feed their pie holes during the 30 mins they have for lunch, and not for you when they make you wait an hour to get what you asked for.

So, here are some tips to keep your secret menu orders (or custom orders!) going smoothly:

Pizza Hut's Crown Crust Pizza Lands in Canada

Is the Crown Crust Pizza inching ever so closely to the US? Pizza Hut Canada now offers the infamous Crown Crust Pizza, which features a flattened crown-shaped crust with pockets of meatballs and cheesy "gems" baked into the crust.

The Crown Crust Pizza is available at Pizza Hut Canada for a limited time through April 14, 2013 and a large 2-topping Crown Crust Pizza is offered for $17.99 CAD (~$17.51 US).

News: Starbucks - New Hazelnut Macchiato

Starbucks adds a new Hazelnut Macchiato to their permanent menu nationwide. Apparently, hazelnut is the second favorite syrup added to their drink after vanilla.

While the Hazelnut could be ordered previously by ordering a Macchiato with hazelnut syrup instead of caramel, it is now listed on the menu.

Review: Papa John's - Steak and Cheese Pizza

Papa John's Steak and Cheese Pizza is their latest limited-time creation. It's topped with a mix of both pizza sauce and creamy garlic parmesan sauce, marinated steak slices, mozzarella cheese, and Italian herb seasoning.

A large-sized pizza is available for $11 (or $10 if you take advantage of their early week special, which runs Monday through Wednesday)