News: McDonald's Testing Build-Your-Own-Burger Concept

The new concept builds on the Quarter Pounder platform.

McDonald's is testing a fast casual-style build-you-own-burger concept at two McDonald's restaurants here in the U.S.

According to the Orange County Register, the test is being conducted in Laguna Niguel in California and Romeoville in Illinois. The burgers feature standard Quarter Pounder beef patties but they're grilled to order and cooked on a char grill rather than a flattop (which makes for some nice grill marks).

Here's a look at the available options and pricing for build-you-own-burger test:

Around the World: McDonald's Italy's Latest Burger Features Walnut Sauce

McDonald's Italy just introduced a new burger featuring local flavors and ingredients called the McItaly Gran Chianina, so named because the hamburger patty is made from 100% Chianina beef, which comes from the same cattle as is used for Florentine steak (Bistecca alla florentina). Among the ingredients are a walnut sauce and a creamy cheese sauce made with pecorino romano.

Frozen Friday: Ben & Jerry's - Pistachio Pistachio Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry's Pistachio Pistachio features pistachio ice cream with lightly roasted pistachios.

A pint was $3 on sale.

Feature: Taco Bell Friendsgiving Feast

Taco Bell held their first ever Friendsgiving event, where they invited a small group of their social media friends (see awkward family photo) plus me to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with a Taco Bell twist.

So what does a Taco Bell Thanksgiving meal look like? And, more importantly, was there even turkey?

Here's the full menu:

News: The Cheesecake Factory Cheesecakes Now Delivered

The Cheesecake Factory and gourmet gifting company Harry and David have partnered up to make Cheesecake Factory available for sale online and delivered direct to your door step.

The deal makes Harry and David the exclusive online seller of the cheesecakes.

News: Jamba Juice Giving Away 1 Million Smoothies Via Smartphone App

Jamba Juice is offering an added incentive for customers to download their mobile wallet smartphone app: a free small smoothie or 12-ounce juice redeemable everyday until they've given away a total of 1 million of the drinks.

Review: Pizza Hut - 3-Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza

Pizza Hut's 3-Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza is the chain's newest pizza innovation. It's similar to Stuffed Crust Pizza but features pockets of white cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone rather than a smooth ring of enclosed mozzarella.

I picked up a large pizza topped with Italian sausage for $12.

News: McDonald's - 2013 Holiday Line-Up

McDonald's has added a new White Chocolate Mocha for the holiday season.

The White Chocolate Mocha features Rainforest Alliance Certified espresso, white chocolate-flavored syrup, and steamed milk topped with whipped cream.

The price range for the new drink starts at $2.39 for a 12-ounce small and goes up to $3.39 for a 20-ounce large (may vary).

News: Dunkin' Donuts - 2013 Holiday Menu

Dunkin' Donuts is offering a new Red Velvet Latte as part of their limited-time 2013 holiday menu. The drink strives to add the taste of red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting to a latte (espresso and steamed milk) and tops it all offer with a red drizzle.

Here's what else you'll find on Dunkin' this holiday season:

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."