News: Denny's - New $4 Baja Quesadilla Burger

In case you're ever thought they should put a burger in a quesadilla, Denny's recently introduced the new Baja Quesadilla Burger as part of their value menu for $4.

The "burger" features a grilled flour tortilla filled with a hand-pressed beef patty, shredded Cheddar cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and chipotle sauce.

Around the World: Burger King Japan - New "Black Ninja" Burger

Burger King Japan is following up their Big Bacon Whopper (which features an extra-large slice of back bacon) with a new black bun version called the "Black Ninja."

The burger features a large slice of flame-grilled bacon that they call "King's Bacon," a standard Whopper beef patty, mayo, onions, lettuce, a hash brown, and a "dark brown Chaliapin" sauce, which is a garlic-onion soy sauce named after a Russian opera singer.

Review: Taco Bell - Grilled Stuft Nacho

Taco Bell's Grilled Stuft Nacho is a test item I recently was invited to try at Taco Bell HQ. It features a grilled flour tortilla wrapped up in the triangular shape of a large tortilla chip filled with seasoned ground beef, warm nacho cheese, zesty nacho sauce, crunchy red tortilla strips, and sour cream.

It was tested earlier this year in Knoxville, TN and looks to make an appearance nationwide some time next year.

News: Burger King - Free Satisfries on October 12 and 13

Burger King will be giving away free value-sized orders of their new, crinkle-cut Satisfries (review here) on October 12 and 13 (this Saturday and Sunday).

The new fries are marketed as a reduced fat, reduced calorie option featuring 40% less fat and 30% fewer calories than an equivalent serving of "the leading French Fries" (i.e. McDonald's).

News: New Sprite Cranberry for the Holidays

Sprite is getting into the festive spirit with new Sprite Cranberry in both regular and diet formulations. The drink features the classic lemon-lime flavor of Sprite paired with a touch of sweet and tart cranberry flavor.

Sprite Cranberry and Sprite Zero Cranberry is slated to arrive in stores starting mid-October and will be available through the new Year.

Review: Subway - New Garlic Bread

Subway's Garlic Bread is a new, limited-time bread option for their sub sandwiches. It's basically their Italian bread sprinkled with garlic powder and parsley.

I got it with this month's Featured $5 Footlong, the Spicy Italian, for $5.

News: Starbucks Loyalty Program Changes

Beginning October 15, 2013 Starbucks will add a few new benefits to their "My Starbucks Reward" loyalty program.

Basically, rewards can now also be redeemed for bottled beverages and at recently-acquired Teavana tea shops for drinks and loose leaf-teas. 

News: Kate Upton and Snoop Dogg Push Hot Pockets in New Music Video

Kate Upton and Snoop Dogg have joined forces to shill for Hot Pockets as the brand goes all out with a full-length music video to promote their "new and improved" Hot Pockets sandwiches.

The video is a comedic remix of Biz Markie's 1989 hit single "Just a Friend (You Got What I Need)" entitled "You Got What I Eat." The set up is dream sequence stand-off between the new "premium" meats and the new buttery, seasoned crusts (#TeamMeat and #TeamCrust respectively). Snoop Dogg plays The Baker (of course) for Team Crust while Kate Upton falls asleep and dreams the whole sequence.

Review: Jack in the Box - Exploding Cheesy Chicken Sandwich

Jack in the Box's Exploding Cheesy Chicken Sandwich is part of their new late-night menu, which is only available between the hours of 9pm and 5am. It features a chicken sandwich with mayo, breaded mozzarella cheese sticks, and a gooey white cheese sauce.

It's available in a Munchie Meal with 2 Tacos, an order of "Halfsie fries"(half seasoned curly fries and half regular fries), and a 20-ounce fountain beverage for $6 or a la carte for $4.

News: KFC - New $10 Weekend Bucket

KFC's latest deal is the new, limited-time $10 Weekend Bucket, which offers 10 mixed pieces of chicken for only $10 on Saturdays and Sundays.

According to KFC, you can get "10 pieces any way you want it," which generally means you can choose from Original Recipe, Extra Crispy, Grilled, or Boneless (I say "generally" because with a franchise model, there tends to be inconsistencies).

News: McAlister's Deli - New Turkey Cranberry Sandwich and Salad

McAlister's Deli jumping to the holiday season a little early with the release of two new Turkey Cranberry menu items: the Turkey Cranberry Griller and the Turkey Cranberry Salad.

Review: Wendy's - Pretzel Pub Chicken Sandwich

Wendy's Pretzel Pub Chicken sandwich feature a chicken breast fillet (available in three varieties: Homestyle, Spicy, or Grilled), spring mix, tomato, a slice of Muenster cheese, cheddar cheese sauce, and honey mustard on a pretzel bun.

I went with the Homestyle chicken fillet and picked one up for $4.79.

News: Krispy Kreme - 2013 Halloween Donuts

Krispy Kreme's "Krispy Skremes" Halloween-themed donuts are back and available through October 31st.

This year's lineup is the same as usual and includes:

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Angus Steak and Cheese Wraps

For the month of October, Dunkin' Donuts is offering new, limited-time Angus Steak & Cheese Wraps.

The wraps are made with a warm, 8-inch flour tortilla filled with pieces of Angus steak, white cheddar cheese, and a choice of barbecue or ranch sauce.

Review: Trader Joe's - Cinnamon Rolls

Trader Joe's Cinnamon Rolls are slightly flaky with a light drizzle of icing on top.

The 12-ounce box of four was $3.49.

Around the World: Subway Japan - New Vegetable Cheese Melts

Subway Japan's latest menu innovation are new "Sub Melts," which come in several varieties that each feature steamed vegetables in a thickened "enchanting" cheese sauce. They're basically a blend of stew and sub sandwich.

The steamed vegetable mix includes a full eight different vegetable types including potato, onion, cabbage, broccoli, kidney beans, shallots, cauliflower, and carrots.

Around the World: McDonald's France - New Goat Cheese McWrap

McDonald's France recently introduced a new, limited-time Goat Cheese McWrap with two thick slices of goat cheese (with rind) instead of chicken. The new McWrap joins a line up that includes the Chicken & Bacon McWrap and Pepper Chicken McWrap.

This is not the first Goat Cheese McWrap the chain has offered. The previous version came with breaded and fried goat cheese instead of fresh-sliced ones.

Review: The Coffee Bean - Pumpkin Ice Blended

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Pumpkin Ice Blended is a seasonal pumpkin-flavored concoction that rolls out every year around the fall.

It features spiced pumpkin syrup, vanilla powder, coffee extract, and non-fat milk blended with ice.

It was $3.95 for a 16-ounce "regular"-sized cup.

News: McDonald's to Offer Healthy Side Options

McDonald's recently committed to make some changes to provide/push healthier options including making available a choice of side salad, fruit, or vegetable as a substitute for French fries in value meals.

The move comes in partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a nonprofit whose stated goal in the matter is "to increase customers' access to fruit and vegetables and help families and children to make informed choices in keeping with balanced lifestyles."

News: Pizza Hut - New 3-Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza

Pizza Hut is set to roll out their new 3-Cheese Stuffed Crust Pizza starting October 20.

The new crust will feature pockets of white cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone along the crust compared to the ring of string cheese of the original Stuffed Crust.