Review: Taco Bell - Chili Cheese Fries Loaded Griller

Taco Bell's Chili Cheese Fries Loaded Griller is being tested in my area and comes with a new chili, crispy potatoes bites, and warm nacho sauce wrapped up in a flour tortilla and grilled.

I picked one up for 79 cents (a test price to spur sampling; if it goes to market you can expect it to be more in line with the other Grillers at $1.29).

Update 1/23/14 - These made it through test and are now available for a limited time at $1 a pop.

Review: Pringles Pecan Pie Flavor

Pringles Pecan Pie flavor is a limited-time seasonal holiday offering by the potato crisp brand.

A 5.96-ounce canister was $1.50.

News: Domino's - $5.99 Carryout Large, 2-Topping Pizza Deal

Domino's is offering large, 2-topping pizzas for $5.99 on carryout orders only all this week starting today.

To take advantage, simply click on the link prominently displayed on the Domino's online ordering page and it will be added to your order.

The offer ends on Sunday, November 17, 2013.

Review: Trader Joe's - Petite Mixed Berry Tart

Trader Joe's Petite Mixed Berry Tart features cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries in a "flaky, buttery crust."

The 12-ounce tart goes for $3.99.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Spicy Smoked Sausage Breakfast Sandwich

Dunkin' Donuts is offering the new Spicy Smoked Sausage Breakfast Sandwich for a limited time to give a little heat this holiday season.

The oven-toasted sandwich features a split spicy sausage link with egg and American cheese on an English Muffin.

The suggested retail price for the Spicy Smoked Sausage Breakfast Sandwich is $3.49.

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: