News: Carl's Jr. - New Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich

Adding a twist to their summer, Carl's Jr. debuts their new Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich which is a variation of Carl's Jr.'s Teriyaki Burger but replaces the beef patty with grilled chicken.

The Hawaiian-inspired Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich features a charbroiled chicken breast, a teriyaki glaze, charbroiled Dole pineapple, Swiss cheese, lettuce, red onion, tomato and mayo, atop a honey-wheat bun.  Other Hawaiian-themed items are expected at Carl's Jr. all summer long.

The sandwich carries a suggested price of $3.89 or comes in a combo with fries and a drink for $6.39.  There's a $1 off printable coupon on the Carl's Jr website for the combo.

The Asia Trip: MOS Burger - Yakiniku Rice Burger

MOS Burger began serving rice burgers in 1987 (I would guess to better appeal to the Asian market) and continues to do so to this day.  I've always thought it was an interesting idea and finally got to try one while in Taiwan.

News: Jamba Juice - Daily "Feel Good Specials" During May

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Jamba Juice is offering customers several weekday "Feel Good Specials" for all of the month of May. There are five in all, one for each day of the week. At participating locations only.

The alliterated deals featured are:

• Ideal Meal Monday - 12-ounce Ideal Meals for $3 (blended soy milk, and various fruits topped with banana slices and organic granola).
• Buy Two Tuesday - A special pairing offer of the week (changes weekly).
• Wake Up Wednesday - slow-cooked, steel-cut oats for $2.
• Tasty Thursday - All baked goods are $1 with the purchase of any drink on the menu.
• All Fruit Friday - A 16-ounce All Fruit Smoothie for $3.

News: Hardee's - Free Beef Taco on Cinco de Mayo

Hardee's is giving away free Beef Tacos on Cinco de Mayo!  That's May 5th, 2010 for the non-Spanish-speakers.  For those of you in the eastern half of the U.S. that has Hardee's/Red Burrito (it's Carl's Jr./Green Burrito on this side), Hardee's is giving away free beef tacos (1 per customer) during lunch from 11am to 1pm.

At participating locations only. No purchase necessary. Do keep in mind that not all Hardee's have a Red Burrito and therefore don't serve beef tacos.

Use the Hardee's Restaurant Locator to find Hardee's locations with a Red Burrito.

Review: Jack in the Box - Turkey, Bacon & Cheddar Grilled Sandwich

Jack in the Box's Turkey, Bacon & Cheddar Grilled Sandwich is one of three Jack in the Box Grilled Sandwiches that made their way onto Jack's menu this year.  The other two are the Deli Trio and the Breakfast Sandwich.

News: Starbucks - Half-Price Frappuccinos "Happy Hour" - May 7-16, 3-5pm

Starbucks is kicking off their summer and promoting their new, customizable "However-you-want-it" Frappuccinos blended beverages with a Happy Hour from Friday, May 7 until Sunday, May 16, 2010 from 3 to 5 pm at participating locations.

During Happy Hour, you can get any Frappuccino for half price any way you like it.  Options include various milk or soy, varying coffee intensity, syrups (including sugar-free), and toppings (just whipped cream really).

With temperatures ratcheting up as we edge towards summer, Starbucks seems to have timed this promotion pretty well.

For pricing and customization information check out my guide to the customizable Frappuccino.

Starbucks Store Locator

News: Ben & Jerry's - Bonaroo Buzz Flavor Release Party, May 4, 2010

Tomorrow, May 4, 2010, from 5-7pm, participating Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops will be holding a Flavor Release Party for Ben & Jerry's latest flavor, Bonaroo Buzz. The event will feature music by Bonaroo artists, giveaways, and free samples of Bonaroo Buzz ice cream (No word on how big the samples will be).

Bonaroo Buzz is a blend of light coffee and malt ice creams with whiskey caramel swirls and English toffee pieces. The Bonaroo bit comes from the Bonaroo Music and Art Festival.

Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop Locator

Details available at the Ben & Jerry's website here.

News: Wendy's New Spicy Chipotle Boneless Wings

Wendy's latest menu addition are Spicy Chipotle Boneless Wings.  The Spicy Chipotle Boneless "Wings" feature all-white meat chicken breast pieces, breaded, deep-fried, and then hand-tossed in a sauce made with a blend of chipotle peppers, dark chili powder, and honey.

An order of wings contains seven to nine pieces and has a suggested price of $3.99.

Spicy Chipotle Boneless Wings join Wendy's existing lineup of Honey BBQ and Sweet & Spicy Asian (Honestly, they all sound and look like they'd all taste pretty similar).

News: Boston Market - New Market Sliders

Boston Market is now serving its new Market Sliders in three different flavors:

• BBQ Chicken & Cheddar – Rotisserie chicken topped with a tangy BBQ sauce and melting aged Cheddar cheese.
• Meatloaf &; Cheddar – A slice of home-style meatloaf topped with hickory ketchup and melting aged Cheddar cheese.
• Turkey & Swiss – Hand-carved turkey topped with aged Swiss cheese and dill Parmesan mayo.

The Market Sliders are available for an introductory price of $2.99 for three Sliders or $4.99 for three Sliders, a regular side, and a regular drink until May 31, 2010.  

After May 31, 2010, Boston Market will continue to carry the Sliders but for a buck more at $3.99 for three Sliders and $5.99 for the combo.

Review: Burger King - Whopper

The Burger King Whopper is perhaps one of the most well-known burgers throughout the world. Where rival McDonald's went tall with the club-sandwich-style Big Mac, Burger King went wide with the Whopper.

Sunday Funny: From Burger King - Eat Like Snake!

This little gem comes courtesy of Burger King back when they were promoting the Triple Whopper.

News: El Pollo Loco - New Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

El Pollo Loco has added two new Grilled Chicken Sandwiches to their menu: the Guacamole Grilled Chicken and the Jalapeño Grilled Chicken. The sandwiches feature a base of flame-grilled chicken breast on a telera roll (a dense, soft, Mexican-style bread) with shredded lettuce and pico de gallo. The Guacamole Grilled Chicken Sandwich adds to that a dollop of guacamole while the Jalapeno Grilled Chicken Sandwich adds sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a spicy Southwestern sauce. Both sandwiches retail for $4.29.

El Pollo Loco has an online coupon for a small chips and small drink when you buy one of the new Grilled Chicken Sandwiches at regular price. Just click on the link and print it out. The coupon is valid from 5/1/10 to 5/25/10.

News: Jack in the Box - Free Deli Trio Grilled Sandwich

Good until Sunday, May, 2, 2010, you can print and use this coupon for a Free Jack in the Box Deli Trio Grilled Sandwich with any purchase.

Details: Expires 5/2/2010. FREE Deli Trio Grilled Sandwich with any purchase. One offer per person. At participating restaurants. No substitutions. Not valid in combination with any other offer. Not valid in Austin, TX, Beaumont/Pt. Arthur, TX, Boise, ID, Lake Charles, LA, Seattle, WA, Tulsa, OK, Twin Falls, ID, Waco, TX, Yakima, WA.

Local Review: Two Little Red Hens - Cheesecake

I had my brother buy and carry this roughly-ten-pound cheesecake from Two Little Red Hens on a cab and a plane from New York City to Los Angeles because it's supposed to be one of the best in the City.  He complained about having to carry the it on his lap for the six-hour flight.

Review: Taco Bell - Bean Burrito

Taco Bell Bean Burritos have been on the menu for as long as I can remember. Back in undergrad, a couple of my friends used to love them (actually, I still think they love them)... especially before a road trip. Cue "Beans, beans, the magical fruit..."

Review: McDonald's Mocha Frappe

McDonald's is doing a staggered rollout of their newest McCafe offering, the Frappe, an ice-blended coffee beverage, not unlike Starbucks' Frappuccino, that comes in Mocha and Caramel flavors. It wasn't until recently that my local McDonald's starting serving them and I tried one for myself.

The Asia Trip: MOS Burger - Spicy MOS Cheeseburger

MOS Burger is a Japanese burger chain popular in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore (It also has locations in Thailand, Indonesia, and until 2005, in Hawaii). The chain was inspired by the Original Tommy's in Los Angeles, CA which explains the similarities between their signature MOS Burger and Tommy's burgers. MOS stands for "Mountain, Ocean, and Sun."

News: Burger King Launches Whiplash Whopper Nationwide

Leading up to the much anticipated release of Iron Man 2, Burger King today announced the nationwide launch of the Whiplash Whopper, named after the film's villain and marking Burger King's continued sponsorship of the movie franchise (They had a conspicuous placement in the first movie that saw Tony Stark eating a Burger King cheeseburger).

What does the Whiplash Whopper and the villain Whiplash (played by Mickey Rourke) have in common?  According to Burger King, the sandwich "captures the sharp edge of the film’s villain, Whiplash, with an intense, red-hot flavor combination."

The Whiplash Whopper is priced near Steakhouse XT territory with a suggest price of $3.79 and is a Whopper variant with melted Pepper Jack cheese, crispy red peppers, and spicy mayo.

Review: Jack in the Box: New French Fries

So after one failed attempt, I managed to try Jack in the Box's new crispier French Fries.  As you can see, they look very McDonald's-like so I decided to get an order of McDonald's fries to compare.

Review: Burger King - Buck Double

It seems a bit redundant to review the Burger King Buck Double seeing how I already reviewed the Burger King Double Cheeseburger but I'm doing it anyway, just for the sake of posterity and all that.

Sunday Funny: Breakfast at McDonald's Philippines

An interesting way to get your morning breakfast on.

What's on the Menu: McDonald's Philippines

In this edition of "What's on the Menu," we take a look at one of the countries where McDonald's delivers: McDonald's Philippines.  That's right, for a flat fee of 40 pesos (about 90 cents), "McDo" (pronounced "mac-do") is delivered to your door in the land of Manny Pacquiao.

Local Review: Porto's Bakery - Bread Pudding

Porto's Bakery is very popular in the southern California area and are famous for their Cheese Rolls and Potato Balls.  However, their bakery display is quite expansive and I decided to try something new in hopes of finding something yummy.  The Bread Pudding looked pretty interesting so I bought one for 95 cents.

Review: Corner Bakery Cafe - Bavarian Ham on Pretzel Bread

I went to Corner Bakery Cafe and ended up trying the Bavarian Ham on Pretzel Bread which is pretzel bread filled with your choice smoked ham or smoked turkey, shaved red onions, plum tomatoes, caraway Havarti cheese, and stoneground mustard-mayo. The price is $6.79 which included a pickle spear and kettle-cooked chips.

News: Carvel - Free Ice Cream All Day on April 29, 2010

Carvel is tempting customers to try their new Low Fat Ice Cream and Flavor Shotz by offering a free 3.5-ounce cup to anyone who stops by on April 29, 2010.

When: All day, Thursday, April 29, 2010

Where: Participating Carvel ice cream shops nationwide. Shop Locator

Why:  It's free!  Plus their new lowfat ice cream has 75% less fat and 30% fewer calories. You also get your choice of a Flavor Shotz on your ice cream.  Flavor Shotz are flavored syrups and come in 12 flavors, including Acai Berry, Banana, Black Raspberry, Blueberry, Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy, Mango, Mint, Orange, Peach, Pistachio and Pomegranate.

Details: One serving per customer.

Review: Starbucks - Perfect Oatmeal

It's quite a claim to call your breakfast product "perfect" but there you go: Starbucks' Perfect Oatmeal. Perfect Oatmeal features hot oatmeal with your choice of brown sugar, dried fruits, and nuts for $2.49 at my local Starbucks. I wasn't actually offered a choice the guy behind the counter just handed me a bag with a lidded cup of hot oatmeal and a bag of each topping.

News: Burger King - New Buck Double Sandwich

Burger King today announced the nationwide launch of their Buck Double Sandwich, a new addition to their BK Value Menu that is really just an old mainstay less a slice of cheese.  A replacement for the controversial $1 Double Cheeseburger (controversial because of all the grumbling of franchisees over lost profits), the Buck Double Sandwich features two flame-broiled beef patties, a slice of American cheese, a couple slices of pickle, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun.

It retails for $1. Surprise I know. Actually the fine print states: "Price and participation may vary. Not available in AK and HI." But it would be weird for a Burger King franchisee to offer a Buck Double Sandwich for more than a buck, no?

P.S. The picture is a mock-up via Burger King's website's "Have it Your Way" burger customization.  I'm pretty sure an actual Buck Double Sandwich will have the cheese slice between the beef patties.  Update: I posted a picture of the actual Buck Double posters.

Review: Burger King - A.1. Steakhouse XT Burger

Burger King's Steakhouse XT Burger features a thick 7-ounce flame-broiled beef patty with mayo, crispy onions, A.1. Thick & Hearty Steak Sauce, a slice of American cheese, bits of lettuces, and two slices of tomato. A kingly feast for the kingly sum of $4.79 (Get it? Because it's Burger King! I can feel the eye rolls a-coming).  It does not however get a kingly robe and is wrapped in plain wax paper unbecoming of a premium burger.

Review: Jack in the Box - Iced Kona Classic Coffee

Jack and the Box's new Iced Kona Classic Coffee is a slightly sweetened blend of Kona Classic coffee and 2% milk, served over ice. It is available in regular, vanilla, and caramel flavors and is $1.99 for a 24-ounce cup.

The Asia Trip: 7-Eleven Taiwan

While I was in Taiwan, I came across many a 7-Eleven so I thought I'd point out some interesting differences in the food served there.

News: Jack in the Box - New Kona Classic Coffee

Jack in the Box restaurants are now serving a new premium blend of coffee made with real Kona coffee beans from Hawaii. The new Kona Classic coffee blend replaces Jack in the Box's old coffee and is used for both hot and iced coffees.

Kona Classic is available at participating Jack in the Box restaurants for a suggested price of $1.39 and $1.59 for regular and large hot coffees, respectively, and $1.99 for a 24-ounce iced coffee. The iced coffees are available in regular, vanilla, and caramel flavors.

Kona Classic is not offered in Hawaii which continues to serve a different blend of Kona coffee produced by local vendor Hawaiian Paradise Coffee.

News: Haagen-Daz Celebrates Free Flavor Day on May, 18, 2010

Super premium ice cream maker Haagen-Daz is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with its annual Free Flavor Day.

When: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 from 4pm to 8pm

Where: Any participating Haagen-Dazs Shop in the U.S. Shop Locator

Why: You want to help wish Haagen-Daz a "Happy Birthday" and stuff your face with a free scoop of either Chocolate, Coffee, or Vanilla ice cream.

Review: Taco Bell - Salsa Roja Tortada

One of two Taco Bell non-sandwich limited-time menu items (along with the Bacon Ranch Tortada), the Salsa Roja Tortada features southwest-marinated chicken breast (seasoned with garlic powder, "spices," chili pepper, and paprika among other things), shredded lettuce, a blend of three cheeses (mozzarella, pepper jack, and Cheddar), Fiesta Salsa (tomatoes, onions, and cilantro), and salsa rojas (a spicy red sauce) for $3.29.

News: Burger King Testing Brunch

Burger King is currently testing more breakfast offerings under the guise of "brunch." Burger Business reports that, in addition to their normal breakfast menu, Burger King is offering Mimosas (Relax, it's non-alcoholic... What?!), the BK Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich, and the Whopper (yes, it's the Whopper, but for breakfast!) during breakfast time.

Brunch is being offered in select markets in Massachusetts, Florida, and western Canada.  The Mimosa is a blend of orange juice, Sprite, and ice while the BK Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich is a ciabatta sandwich with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, cheese, ham, bacon, and a smoky tomato sauce.

Burger King is also testing other breakfast items elsewhere. According to the Birmingham Business Journal, Burger King is testing pancake and scrambled egg platters (similar to the Big and Deluxe Breakfast by McDonald's), mini blueberry muffins, and the same ciabatta breakfast sandwich in the Birmingham area.

News: Hardee's Introduces Loaded Biscuit 'N' Gravy

Carl's Jr eastern counterpart, Hardee's, is also pouring gravy onto its breakfast with the Loaded Biscuit 'N' Gravy. The Loaded Biscuit 'N' Gravy is a Hardee's Biscuit 'N' Gravy smothered in sausage gravy. Specifically, it consists of two folded scrambled eggs and two sausage patties open-faced on a fresh-baked buttermilk biscuit topped with sausage gravy.

It is available at participating Hardee’s restaurants for $2.99 or in a small combo for $4.69 (hash rounds and a beverage). Prices may vary with location.

Review: Domino's - New Pizza

So I finally tried Domino's Pizza's new pizza and have to say that I wasn't impressed and the sister-in-law was even less so. I ordered a large pepperoni with extra cheese for the promotional price of $5.99 carryout.

Sunday Funny: From McDonald's Egypt

A funny McDonald's Egypt commercial to the tune of Meatloaf's hit ballad I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That).  I think you can see where this is going.

What's on the Menu: McDonald's Turkey

This edition of What's on the Menu takes us to McDonald's Turkey where we take a look at some of the dishes localized to suit the Turkish palate in additional to some of the more interesting variants not available here in the U.S.

First up, the Kofteburger which features a Turkish-spiced minced beef patty with a toasted special bun with what appears to be dried parsley on top, filled with ketchup, onions, lettuce, and  yogurt sauce.

Review: The Hat - Chili Cheese Fries

One of my favorite things to eat at The Hat are the Chili Cheese Fries which features a thick paper serving tray filled with a freshly-fried batch of French fries, generously covered with shredded Cheddar cheese, and then smothered in the Hat's delicious all-meat chili.  One order is enough for at least two people and costs $4.79 for just Chili Fries.  The cheese is an extra 50 cents.  Tomatoes and pickles is also an optional topping for 20 cents.  A total of $5.49 plus tax.

Review: Jack in the Box - Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit

Currently, at a promo price of two for $3, Jack in the Box's Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit features a buttermilk biscuit with a fried egg, a slice of American cheese, and a sausage patty.

Review: Carl's Jr. - Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Shake

Carl's Jr.'s Banana Chocolate Chip Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shake features banana cream syrup, milk, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate chip flakes topped with whipped topping (i.e. not actual cream). You can choose whether to get it with malt powder.

It costs $3.19 for a 16-ounce cup but there's $1 off coupon available off of the Carl's Jr. website.  Note: the suggested retail price is $2.89 so the Banana Chocolate Chip Shake might be cheaper at your local Carl's Jr.

The Asia Trip: McDonald's Taiwan - Spicy Chicken Filet Burger

The Spicy Chicken Filet Burger at McDonald's Taiwan is a variant of your standard McChicken but adapted for Taiwanese tastes.  It is also sold by McDonald's China.  It's also about twice the price of a McChicken at approximately $2.

Review: KFC - Double Down Part Deux - The Fix

Here's part two of my KFC Double Down Sandwich review AKA the Fix.  I recommend it to anyone who, like myself, finds the Double Down too salty to enjoy.  It's all the goodness of the Double Down but with less saltiness (but, sorry to say, not less actual salt).

Review: KFC - Double Down Sandwich

With all the media coverage, everyone and their mom, their dad, and their extended family and friends, now knows that the KFC Double Down Sandwich is two boneless Original Recipe or Grilled Filets sandwiching two strips of bacon, a slice of pepper jack cheese, a slice of Monterey Jack cheese, and a squirt squeeze of the Colonel's Sauce.  The price tag on this almost all-meat monster is $4.99.

News: Free Food at Southern California Chick-fil-As This Week

Participating Southern California Chick-fil-A restaurants are giving a free snack item every weekday this week from Monday, April 12th to Friday, April 16th, from 2 pm to 5 pm.  The items being given out each day are as follows:

• Monday, April 12, 2010 - Free Chick-n-Strips (3-count)
• Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - Free Small Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries
• Wednesday, April, 14, 2010 - Free Yogurt Parfait
• Thursday, April 15, 2010 - Free Chick-fil-A Nuggets (8-count)
• Friday, April 16, 2010 - Free Fudge Nut Brownie

Details: No coupon necessary.  Only at participating Southern California Chick-fil-A restaurants.  One item per person per visit.

Chick-fil-A Restaurant Locator

News: Jack in the Box adds the Grilled Breakfast Sandwich

A natural extension of their Grilled Sandwiches line, Jack in the Box is adding the Grilled Breakfast Sandwich to its menu.

The Grilled Breakfast Sandwich features two fried eggs and two slices each of American cheese, ham and bacon nestled between two sliced of artisan bread.

The Grilled Breakfast Sandwich is available at participating Jack in the Box restaurants for a suggested retail price of $2.99. Interestingly enough, the sandwich is not available in San Diego where Jack in the Box is headquartered (It is also not available in Seattle, Yakima, Boise, Twin Falls, Austin, Beaumont/Pt. Arthur, Lake Charles, and Waco.)

News: Starbucks Offering Free Brewed Coffee to Tumbler Users on April 15, 2010

If you bring in your reusable traveler's mug or tumbler to a participating Starbucks on April 15, 2010 (i.e. "Tax Day"), they're offering to fill it for free with brewed coffee. The environmentally-friendly freebie is to encourage Starbuck's customers to stop using paper cups. I wonder if they'll still give you free brewed coffee if you brought in the mother of all tumblers...

Note: Starbucks has offered a discount for customers who brought in their own tumblers or mugs since 1985, which makes sense since they'd save on cup costs.

The company has a stated goal to ensure all of its cups are recyclable or reusable by 2015.

News: Boston Market Reveals New Sauces

Starting today, Boston Market unveiled five new sauces that can be added for free when you order their rotisserie chicken much like you can get sauces for your Chicken McNuggets or chicken strips although I imagine a wee bit fancier.  The five sauces come in different levels of heat ranging from "Mild" to "Medium Hot."

The five sauces are described by Boston Market as follows and present quite a bit of variety:

• Island Mojo - A Caribbean-inspired sauce with garlic, citrus and extra virgin olive oil. (Mild)
• Zesty Barbecue - Our signature BBQ sauce with molasses, brown sugar and pit spices mixed to create a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. (Mild)
• Sweet Thai Chili Garlic - A traditional Thai dip with chilies, rice wine vinegar and sugar. (Medium Hot)
• Frank’s Sweet Heat - A popular Red Hot Wing sauce featuring aged cayenne, red peppers, tomatoes, honey and molasses. (Medium)
• Honey Habañero - A mix of one of the world’s hottest peppers with some sweetness and a little southwestern kick. (Medium Hot)

News: Jamba Juice - Buy One, Get One Free Until April 25, 2010

Jamba Juice is celebrating 20 years of business, by offering a "Buy One, Get One Free" coupon for any of their drinks.  The offer is valid for roughly about two weeks from today, Monday, April, 12, 2010 until Sunday, April 25, 2010. You do need to print out a coupon from their site here to take advantage of the offer.

Details: Drinks include both hot and cold beverages.  Free Drink is of equal or lesser value.

Jamba Juice Store Locator

Review: Panda Express - Chow Mein

Panda Express offers four different "sides" as part of their entrees: rice (steamed or fried), mixed veggies, and chow mein.  Out of the three, I usually get the chow mein because I think they do a good job of it and it's the hardest of the three for me to make at home.  Panda Express' Chow Mein features whole grain noodles sauteed in a wok with shredded onion, celery, cabbage, and bean sprouts.  It's prices at $2 a la carte or $5.99 as part of a 2-entrée meal.