News: Denny's Hobbit-Inspired 2013 Holiday Menu

Denny's is offering a Hobbit-inspired theme to their 2013 holiday menu, including the option to build your own "Hobbit Slam" from a selection of breakfast items.

The menu draws its inspiration from this year's The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug movie so, of course, there's a Smaug burger called "Smaug's Fire Burger."

Here's the full menu:

Review: The Coffee Bean - Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Blended

The Coffee Bean's Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Blended features coffee extract, hazelnut powder, chocolate powder, and milk blended with ice before poured into a cup with a chocolate syrup swirl and topped with whipped cream and more syrup.

A 16-ounce "regular" was $3.95.

News: Del Taco Testing Turkey Taco

Del Taco is testing seasoned ground turkey as a healthier option compared to their ground beef. While turkey burgers are available at some fast food chains, the addition of a turkey option would be a first for a major Mexican-style fast food chain.

On my recent trip to Del Taco HQ, I got to experience a shortened version of their consumer research product testing procedures which, to be brief, involved a laptop with questions, a red light, and food sliding out of walls.

News: Lay's - New Chocolate-Covered Chips at Target Only

Frito Lay just came out with new Milk Chocolate-Dipped Wavy Lay's Potato Chips. 

According to USA Today (citing research firm Symphony IRI), the new chips follow not one, not two, but three trends: the sweet and salty trend, the holiday seasonal-limited-time trend, and the overall increase in snacking.

The chocolate-covered chips are only available at Target stores and only through the holidays, although there's always the possibility for them to become permanent should they become popular enough. The chips come in 5-ounce bags for $3.49.

News: Cinnabon - New Bite-Sized CinnaSweeties

Cinnabon branches out beyond cinnamon rolls with the addition of new bite-sized donut holes that they're calling "CinnaSweeties."

Instead of being fried, these donuts are baked and rolled in Cinnabon's signature Makara cinnamon and sugar.

Frozen Friday - Safeway Select - Beef Tamale

Safeway Select's Beef Tamale frozen meal features a beef tamale covered in enchilada sauce and Monterey Jack cheese with a side of Mexican-style rice an black beans.

An 8.5-ounce box was $1.99.

2013 Veterans Day Food Freebies

Here's a handy guide for veterans and active members of the U.S. military of the restaurants that appreciate their service and wish show that appreciation by offering free or discounted food in celebration of Veterans Day, this upcoming Monday, November 11.

Please do keep in mind that most of these offers are good for dine-in only and require proof of service such as a military or VA card or discharge papers.

Here they are in alphabetical order:

Around the World: McDonald's Singapore - New Black Sesame McFlurry

McDonald's Singapore adds some local flavor to their McFlurry selection with the new, limited time Black Sesame McFlurry.

The dessert features black sesame mixed into vanilla soft serve and topped with crispy cereal. It's only available at McDonald's dessert kiosks in Singapore and only for a limited time.

News: Tropical Smoothie Cafe - 2013 Holiday Menu

Tropical Smoothie Cafe bucks the pumpkin trend this year and goes instead with cranberry as their holiday flavor. The smoothie chain has a new Very Berry Cranberry Smoothie plus has brought back the Chipotle Cranberry Turkey Club flatbread sandwich and Cranberry Truffle Smoothie.

News: Popeyes - Cajun Turkeys Now Available

In case you're not in the mood to roast your own turkey, Popeyes is once again offering Cajun Style Turkeys this year.

The 9-to-13 pound birds are marinated with a blend of Louisiana seasonings, slow-roasted, and then flash-fried for a crispy coating.

In case you're wondering, these are heat-and-serve turkeys and come with instructions to do so.

Review: McDonald's - BBQ Ranch Burger

McDonald's BBQ Ranch Burger is a new value-menu burger off of McDonald's new Dollar Menu & More.

It features a hamburger patty, a slice of pasteurized process white cheddar, zesty barbecue ranch sauce, and chile lime tortilla strips on a plain hamburger bun for $1.

News: Wendy's - Bacon Portabella Melt Returns with New Brioche Bun

Wendy's Bacon Portabella Melt will be returning on November 11 but will be sporting a new brioche bun made with eggs and butter. The rest of the burger remains the same: a quarter-pound beef patty, sautéed portabella mushrooms in cheddar cheese sauce, thick-cut Applewood Smoked Bacon, and two slices of American cheese.