Pizza Hut Rolls Outs New Crusts, New Toppings, New Sauces, and New Look

Calling it their "biggest brand evolution ever," Pizza Hut adds ten new crust flavors, five new toppings, four new drizzles, new Skinny Slice Pizzas, eleven new specialty recipes, and a new logo, box, and uniforms starting Wednesday, November 19th, nationwide. You might remember that I mentioned they might be coming out with new pizzas.

They're calling the new menu, "The Flavor of Now" and with the addition, Pizza Hut touts that there are over 2 billion different combinations to their overall menu.

Here's a breakdown of all the changes (with links to the new ingredients/crusts I've tried so far):

Dewritos is Exactly What You Think It is

Well, I suppose you might guess "Dewritos" are Mountain Dew-flavored Doritos, but they already tried that a few years back as "Doritos Quest." That leaves the opposite.

That's right: Mountain Dew has been taste-testing a Doritos Nacho Cheese-flavored version of Mountain Dew soda on, at least, a few college campuses according to Time.

Review: Trader Joe's - Iced Pumpkin Scone Cookies

Trader Joe's Iced Pumpkin Scone Cookies are new this year and feature glazed pumpkin cake cookies.

An 8-oz box cost me $3.49 and contains two separately wrapped trays of 8 cookies each.

New Post Sugar Cookie Pebbles Cereal for Holidays

Post introduces a limited edition holiday version of their Pebbles cereal this year in new Sugar Cookie Pebbles.

The themed cereal is colored red, green, and white and flavored to match many a decorated holiday cookie this winter.

Coca-Cola Adds New Reduced-Calorie "Life" Version

Coca-Cola is out with a new reduced-calorie or mid-calorie cola that they're calling "Coca-Cola Life." Like Pepsi True, the new cola has a nonsensical name is sweetened with a blend of sugar and natural zero-calorie sweetener stevia rather than high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.

Review: Beyond Meat - Chicken-Free Strips

Beyond Meat's Chicken-Free Strips are a vegan plant-based protein that purportedly "looks, feels, tastes, and acts like chicken - without the cluck."

I bought a 12-oz package of the lightly-seasoned version for $5.49 from Whole Foods, which is about the same price as cooked chicken strips there.

New Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread

One of America's favorite candies now comes in spreadable form: introducing new Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread.

Considering that there's already Reese's peanut butter and Reese's peanut butter baking chips, it was only a matter of time before they offered a Nutella-like spread.

New Oreo Churros Coming to an Eatery Near You?

J&J Snack Foods Corp. introduces new Oreo Churros for the foodservice industry. The chocolaty dessert features a "crispy exterior, warm soft interior and Oreo cookie pieces in every bite" for a "just-baked Oreo cookie taste."

Frozen Friday: Chili's Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Chili's Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl frozen meal features grilled white meat chicken with roasted vegetables and a "bold" Fajita sauce on a bed of white rice and black beans.

I got a 10-oz box for $2 on sale.

Burger King Canada Tops Poutine with Burger

Calling it "Poutine a la Burger," Burger King Canada offers regular-menu fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, plus the all the ingredients of their standard hamburger--chopped beef patty, mustard, ketchup, and pickles.

Carl's Jr. Testing French Dip Thickburger

Continuing their penchant for putting meat on meat, Carl's Jr. is testing the new French Dip Thickburger in at least one location in Los Angeles County.

The burger was spotted by a reader out in Stevenson Ranch, CA. The French Dip Thickburger features thin-sliced roast beef, creamy horseradish sauce, and a slice of Swiss cheese atop a charbroiled beef patty with au jus for dipping.

Reference: 2014 Veterans Day Freebies

Here's a handy list of restaurants that are showing appreciation for veterans and active members of the U.S. military with free or discounted food in celebration of Veterans Day, this upcoming Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

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

Here they are in alphabetical order (I've linked to the appropriate pages on the restaurants' respective websites, where applicable):

Review: Jack in the Box - Southwest Monster Taco

Jack in the Box's Southwest Monster Taco is an extra-long taco shell filled with seasoned meat, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, grilled onions, and Southwest sauce.

I picked one up for $1.79

Spice Box Chicken Coming Soon to Popeyes

Something called "Spice Box Chicken" looks to be the next limited-time chicken entree coming to Popeyes. 

I spotted this small poster touting its arrival at one of my local restaurants.

Burger King Comes Up with New Four Cheese Whopper

Burger King's latest iteration of their signature Whopper is the new Four Cheese Whopper. The four cheeses involved are American, cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.

Dunkin' Donuts Pouring New Cookie-flavored Coffees

Dunkin' Donuts is going with two new cookie-flavored coffees heading into the holiday season. Eschewing the more traditional gingerbread, they're going with new Sugar Cookie Lattes and new Snickerdoodle Cookie Lattes. Peppermint Mocha coffees and lattes are also available.

Arby's Debuts New Montreal Angus and Portabella Sandwich

Arby's latest this fall is the new Montreal Angus and Portabella sandwich, which features the Montreal steak seasoning, thin-sliced Angus steak, and fire-roasted portabella mushrooms on a sub roll. Accompanying the namesake ingredients are Vermont cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli.

Review: Yoshinoya - Angus Steak

Yoshinoya's Angus Steak features grilled, sliced Angus steak with a "sweet, savory sauce," topped with sesame seeds and green onions (you can request it without as well).

The steak was being offered in a regular bowl for $5.39 or $6.69 in a combo bowl. I went for the combo bowl.

$1 Holiday Beverages at The Coffee Bean on 11/6 from 2 to 6 pm

The Coffee Bean kicks off their 2014 holiday drink menu with a $1 deal good for a small holiday beverage on Thursday, November 6, from 2 to 6 pm, at participating locations.

In the spirit of giving, The Coffee Bean will be donating all proceeds from the promo that day to The Help Group.

This year's holiday drink menu is available through December 29th and includes:

Schlotzsky's Adds Gluten-Free Bun Option

Schlotzsky's adds a gluten-free bun option to their sandwiches for potential customers who have an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten (plus those who are just avoiding gluten as part of a diet).

The gluten-free buns are made by Udi's and carry a suggested upcharge of $1.50 (may vary).