Review: Starbucks - Gingerbread Frappuccino

Starbucks Gingerbread Frappuccino features coffee, gingerbread flavored syrup, milk and ice topped with spiced whipped cream and a molasses drizzle.

It was $3.95 for a 12-ounce "Tall." By default, it comes made with whole milk.

News: Starbucks Testing Chestnut Praline Latte and Cherry Jubilee Mochas

Starbucks is testing a Chestnut Praline Latte and a Cherry Jubilee Mocha in select (but separate) markets as potential future holiday drinks.

The Chestnut Praline Latte is a latte (espresso and steamed milk) with chestnut praline syrup topped with whipped cream and crushed spiced praline.

News: Sonic Testing Zero-Calorie Flavored Water

Sonic is testing zero-calorie and low-calorie flavored water drinks called "Sonic Splash" in at least one location in Southern California.

The tagline they're currently going with for Sonic Splash is "Elevate the way you hydrate."

News: Carl's Jr. and Hardee's Add Fresh-Baked Buns

Carl's Jr. and Hardee's have added fresh-baked hamburger buns to their repertoire. The new buns are proofed and baked fresh every morning at each Carl's Jr. or Hardee's location.

The buns are described by the chains as "denser" and "a little sweeter." Visually, they have an egg wash sheen to them.

Review: Burger King - Big King

Burger King's Big King is their permanent challenger to McDonald's Big Mac and, as such, comes with two flame-grilled beef patties, a slice of American cheese, fresh onions, pickles, lettuce, and a "thousand island-style" sauce on a sesame seed bun with the requisite middle bun.

I picked one up for $2.99 (which is interestingly less than the suggested retail price of $3.69).

News: Starbucks - Holiday Drinks BOGO, November 13 - 17

Starbucks is kicking off their 2013 holiday menu with a "buy one, get one free" offer on all holiday drinks.

The deal is good at participating US Starbucks stores starting Wednesday, November 13 through Sunday, November 17, from 2pm to 5pm. 

News: Starbucks - 2013 Holiday Menu

It's only mid-November, but Starbucks is already rolling out their holiday menu for 2013. This year, you'll find the Creme Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, and Egg Nog Latte as this winter's featured drinks and are available hot, iced, or blended.

On the food side, the popular Cranberry Bliss Bar returns as does the Frosted Snowman Cookie, and Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop.

News: Arby's - Improved French Dip & Swiss Sandwich

Arby's recently re-worked their French Dip so that there's more beef and more cheese.

According to the chain, the revamped French Dip & Swiss sandwich also looks better.

News: Taco Bell - Cinnabon Delights Now Available Nationally

While Taco Bell's First Meal breakfast menu won't be available nationally until 2014, one of its items, Cinnabon Delights, have been made available early as part of Taco Bell's snackable dessert menu.

Previously only available at Taco Bell restaurants that offered breakfast, Cinnabon Delights can now be ordered all day nationwide.

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.