Review: Porto's Bakery - Chocolate Croissant

Porto's Bakery's Chocolate Croissant features a croissant with chocolate inside and on the outside.  It's a fairly good value for a bakery croissant priced at $1.50.

Frozen Friday: Claim Jumper - Baby Back Pork Ribs

In a rather curious decision, Claim Jumper sells a full rack (about 14 - 16 ribs) of Baby Back Pork Ribs with barbecue sauce in the frozen food section for $14.99(!) at my local supermarket.  Normally, I wouldn't even thinking of spending that much in the frozen food aisle, but since it was free courtesy of Claim Jumper, I thought it would be interesting to try.

Review: Taco Bell - Mexican Pizza

A Taco Bell favorite of mine, the descriptively named Mexican Pizza is Taco Bell's take on the pizza complete with a "pizza" sauce, melted cheese and toppings. A bit ironic since my local Taco Bell is also a /Pizza Hut where a Mexican Pizza can be had for $2.79 whereas a more traditional Personal Pan Pizza will run a bit more.

News: Krispy Kreme - Free Donut on June 4, 2010

Looks like Krispy Kreme is getting in on the National Donut Day celebration and one-upping Dunkin' Donuts by offering a free Krispy Kreme donut with no strings attached (well, except for the sugar rush, but you know what you're getting yourself into).

When:  National Donut Day, Friday, June 4, 2010.

Where: At participating Krispy Kremes across the U.S.  Store Locations.

Why: Free Krispy Kreme donut (any variety), no purchase necessary.

Review: Chipotle Secret Menu - Steak Quesadilla

An off-the-menu or "secret" item at Chipotle, the Quesadilla is huge! For $2.75, I got a large flour tortilla (the same they use for their burritos) filled with cheese, wrapped in foil and pressed until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is seared. For $2 more, I got steak in my quesadilla for a grand total of $4.75.

Review: Starbucks - Mocha Frappuccino

Starbucks' Mocha Frappuccino in its base configuration (since it's customizable) features a blend of strong coffee flavor with a bit of milk chocolate flavor at $3.65 for a 16-ounce pop.

The Asia Trip: McDonald's Hong Kong - Chocolate Pie

Mmm... Chocolate... they had Chocolate Pie at McDonald's in Hong Kong (it's not currently on the menu as far as the Hong Kong website is concerned).  And, at 1 HK as an add-on to a combo meal.  That is ridiculous cheap!  $0.13 cheap!  So yes, I got one with my combo meal.  Does this mean I'm a sucker for super-sizing?

News: Dunkin' Donuts - Free Donut with Any Beverage Purchase - June 4th

Dunkin' Donuts is celebrating National Donut Day by offering a free donut with the purchase of any Dunkin' beverage. Not a bad deal, if you stop by Dunkin' for your morning pick-me-up anyway.

When: All Day, June 4th, 2010

Where: All participating Dunkin' Donuts - Store Locations

Why: Free Donut with purchase of any beverage.

Details: "*Offer valid all day on 6/4/10. Store hours may vary by location. While supplies last. Limited time offer. Price and participation may vary."

Review: Burger King - Sausage Biscuit

A BK Breakfast Value Menu item, Burger King's Sausage Biscuit is simply a breakfast sausage patty place within a biscuit and sold for $1.

News: KFC New Extra Crispy Strips

I recently saw a commercial advertising KFC's new $5 Big Crunch Box marking the return of the Extra Crispy Strip, which saw its exile from the KFC menu when the Original Recipe Strip made its debut a few years back, replacing the Crispy Strip.

The questions then are: 1) Does this mean the Original Recipe Strips are out? and 2)  Are the Extra Crispy Strips the same Crispy Strips of old or something new entirely?  (Update: Looks like they're the Crispy Strips of old but are being advertised as "new."  I suppose they have been gone for a while.)

As to question #1, a quick perusal of KFC's latest nutrition guide yields the noticeable absence of Original Recipe Strips, with only "Crispy Strips" on the guide.  However, Original Recipe Strips are still pictured on the online menu.

Along with the promotion of the new Big Crunch Box are two new sauces: KFC Signature Sauce which looks like it might be a honey mustard type affair and a Spicy Chipotle Sauce.  I found the Original Recipe Strip's flavor too strong for dipping, but the new(?) Extra Crispy Strips should have a more neutral flavor ideal for carrying sauce.

The $5 Big Crunch Box features three Extra Crispy Strips, a side, a biscuit, and a drink for $5.

Check out the commercial and nutritional information after the jump.

News: Chick-fil-A - New Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Chick-fil-A announced today their new Spicy Chicken Sandwich, the chain's first new sandwich since 1989.  I'm not sure why they announced the sandwich after they announced the sandwich giveaway but there you go.  The sandwich is like Chick-fil-A's Chicken Sandwich but moderately spicy, seasoned with a blend of peppers.  They've been tested in California since last spring but the official menu add will happen on June 7th.

The sandwich will be priced at $2.99 and is also available in a "deluxe" version with lettuce, tomatoes, and Pepper Jack cheese for $3.59.  For an extra spicy touch, I suggest adding Chick-fil-A's delicious Buffalo sauce to your sandwich.

Chick-fil-A is also planning a Spicy Chicken biscuit sandwich for breakfast in January 2011.

Nutritional Information after the jump.  Watch out for the KFC Double Down-exceeding sodium.

Review: Subway - Orchard Chicken Salad Sub

As I've written before, Subway's Orchard Chicken Salad Sub features chunks of chicken, celery, red apples, golden raisins, cranberries, a light creamy mayo and your choice of veggies, on Subway's fresh-baked bread. As a bonus, the Orchard Chicken Salad Sub is part of the $5 Footlong Value menu as well as a part of the Subway Fresh Fit Menu if you only eat half of the foot-long.

What's on the Menu: McDonald's Hong Kong

A mix of Chinese and British influences, Hong Kong presents an interesting juxtaposition of East and West even after the British turnover to the Chinese.  While the mix is a bit less interesting at McDonald's Hong Kong, it's still interesting to see what McDonald's is up to in Hong Kong nonetheless.

First off, is the very British and very Hong Kong habit of afternoon tea, taken with milk of course and stylized by McDonald's as "McBrew" Tea available to 10 Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) or about $1.28 US.

Sunday Funny: Jack in the Box - "Mini Sirloin Burgers" Jingle

I like catchy jingles. This one by Jack in the Box always makes me smile. If it doesn't make you smile, you are dead inside. It's true! Look it up! ;P

The burgers didn't really appeal to me but look at the little cows!

Review: Dunkin Donuts - Coffee Coolatta

I tried Dunkin' Donuts' Coffee Coolatta while I was in Vegas; Fremont Street specifically.  Why Vegas?  Because we don't have Dunkin' Donuts in California and Vegas has the closest one.  I kid.  I went to Vegas to eat buffets.  Lots of them.  Honestly, I haven't been wowed (or even reasonably distracted) by anything I've tried at Dunkin'.  I was actually on Fremont Street to eat deep-fried Oreos for $0.99 and Dunkin' was nearby and a novelty.

Frozen Friday: Claim Jumper - Salisbury Steak Dinner

Salisbury steak has been a TV dinner staple for as long as I can remember. Salisbury steak was invented by an American physician believe it or not. It's a meat patty made with a blend of minced beef and varying ingredients. I received this Claim Jumper's Salisbury Steak Dinner courtesy of Claim Jumper (Actually, I got six coupons from them for any Claim Jumper frozen food item, so if you have any requests on any you'd like to see reviewed, now's the time). It would normally cost $3.99 at my local supermarket and probably $3 to $3.50 on sale.

Review: Domino's - Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes

One of a few desserts available at Domino's Pizza, Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes are baked in the pizza oven so that they're crunchy on the outside with gooey, liquid chocolate on the inside. They're then dusted with powdered sugar and sold at a price of $3.99 for two cakes.

Review: Taco Bell - Classic Limeade Sparkler

Apparently, Taco Bell is using the word "classic" to signify the norm for their drinks.  They could have saved a word (and me from typing seven extra letters) by just calling the Classic Limeade Sparkler the "Limeade Sparkler."  I got one by taking advantage of the promotional free Limeade Sparkler coupon on Taco Bell's website.

Review: Burger King - BK Fire-Grilled Ribs

Burger King's BK Fire-Grilled Ribs recently made their debut to major markets, including my very own Los Angeles.  Made possible by the new batch ovens that replaced the old conveyor belt flame broilers of old, the new BK Fire-Grilled Ribs are a limited-time item and advertised as "smokey and slow cooked" and "authentic bone-in pork ribs."  Around the web, they are also known for hitting a fairly high price and as a potential face plant for Burger King.

News: Taco Bell Giving Free Coupon for New Limeade Sparklers

Taco Bell is promoting its new Limeade Sparklers by giving away free printable coupons for a Limeade Sparkler on their website (click here for coupon link).  No purchase necessary to redeem the coupon which will be given away until 500,000 are redeemed or until 7/11/2010, whichever comes first.  One free online coupon per customer.

The Asia Trip: McDonald's Hong Kong - McPepper Sandwich

A limited-time item while I was in Hong Kong, McDonald's McPepper Sandwich takes a base of a plain McDonald's Hamburger patty, bun, and onions and tailors it to more Hong Kong tastes by adding a black pepper gravy of the kind used in some Chinese dishes.

News: Subway - New Orchard Chicken Salad Sub

Okay, I've seen Subway carry this sub before, so I'm thinking it might have previously been a regional item because they're currently announcing it nationally as a limited-time summertime sub. So yes, it's chicken salad summer at Subway (available until July 4). I know, my alliteration skills are awesome.  (Update: Check out my review of the Orchard Chicken Salad Sub)

The Orchard Chicken Salad Sub features chunks of chicken, celery, red apples, golden raisins, cranberries, a light creamy mayo and your choice of veggies, on Subway's fresh-baked bread. As a bonus, the Orchard Chicken Salad Sub is part of the $5 Footlong Value menu as well as a part of the Subway Fresh Fit Menu if you only eat half of the foot-long.

Nutritional Info after the jump.

Review: Taco Bell - Classic Margarita Frutista Freeze

Don't get too excited, Taco Bell's new Margarita drinks don't have any alcohol in them. Though, if you have some tequila lying around, just pour some into a Margarita Frutista Freeze and you'll have yourself a bona-fide margarita. The Margarita Frutista Freeze is also available topped with real strawberries in syrup instead of a wedge of lime.

News: Del Taco - New Big Fat Crispy Chicken Taco

Del Taco recently unveiled the latest in its Big Fat Taco series with the Big Fat Crispy Chicken Taco which features a deep-fried crispy chicken patty, freshly grated Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce on a flatbread tortilla with your choice of ancho chile or cool ranch sauce. The price is a cool $2.19 each.

News: Jack in the Box Promoting New Raspberry Trio

At Jack in the Box, the beginning of summer means raspberries this year.  Jack in the Box has added a new Raspberry Smoothie and Raspberry Shake to team up with their current Raspberry Tea to form a Raspberry Trio.

They've also announced that Jack in the Box is using a new brand of tea, Gold Leaf featuring 100 percent real Ceylon tea leaves.

Jack in the Box Smoothies are made with a blend of fruit juice and nonfat frozen yogurt and carry suggested prices of $2.99 and $3.99 for 16-ounce and 24-ounce cups respectively.

Jack in the Box Shakes are made with real ice cream and are retail-priced at $2.49 and $2.99 for 16-ounce and 24-ounce cups respectively.

News: Sonic Replaces Soft Serve with Real Ice Cream

In a move to improve the quality of their frozen desserts, Sonic has replaced their existing soft serve (and soft serve based desserts) with a creamier, richer version dubbed "Real Ice Cream" (to call a frozen dairy food "ice cream," it has to have at least 10% milk fat).

In addition to the introduction of Real Ice Cream, Sonic has also improved many of its dessert toppings by, among other things, reducing or removing high fructose corn syrup with more natural ingredients.

To promote Real Ice Cream, Sonic is running a "buy one, get one free anytime" offer on their shakes until June 27th, 2010. Basically, you can buy any shake and get one free shake right there and then, or get a coupon for a free shake to use later.

Sonic will also be promoting 99-cent one-topping sundaes after 8pm from Memorial Day until Labor Day (i.e. most of summer).

Details on the shake promotion: "Buy One, Get One Free Anytime offer ends June 27th, 2010. Buy one shake at regular price (plus tax) and get one free shake of equal or lesser value now or receive a coupon for a free shake on a future visit. Coupon expires July 15, 2010. Includes Cream Pie shakes and malts where available."

Review: Taco Bell - Mini Quesadilla

With the two "new" additions to Taco Bell's "Why Pay More" value menu, I worry that Taco Bell might be running out of ideas with the Mini-Quesadilla for $0.89 (The other item is the equally mundane Cheesy Nachos).

Review: Taco Bell - Cheesy Nachos

One of two new additions to Taco Bell's "Why Pay More" value menu, Cheesy Nachos did not require much (if any) wracking of the culinary minds at Taco Bell in name or substance. In fact, it is only new in that it comes in a different container than Taco Bell's plain Nachos. With Cheesy Nachos, the nacho cheese is just put on top of the tortilla chips instead of on the side.

Sunday Funny: McDonald's - "Baby"

The best of the latest batch of McDonald's "I'm Lovin' it" commercials that try to bring a different vibe to the campaign. Since the nephew is 8 months old, I totally get this now.

Review: Yoshinoya - Beef Bowl

Yoshinoya is a Japan-based fast food chain started in 1899 that made it's way to the States in 1979 with locations mostly in California. Their main dish is the "gyudon" or "beef bowl" and indeed their logo features a bull. In addition to beef bowls, they also have chicken teriyaki bowls, grilled shrimp bowls, and recently added Korean-style BBQ meats to their menu.

Local Review: Porto's Bakery - Apple Strudel

Porto Bakery's Apple Strudel is priced at a reasonable 80 cents and looks a bit different from your typical strudel. It's shaped similar to their Guava Strudel but dusted with powdered sugar.

News: Jack in the Box Testing Oven Toasted Croissants

Looks like Jack in the Box is testing Oven Toasted Croissants out in Austin, Texas.  Oven Toasted Croissant come in two varieties: a Chick-fil-A-like Spicy Chicken and a Grilled-Sandwich-like Turkey & Swiss.

The Spicy Chicken looks like it features a deep-fried spicy chicken patty with pickles and maybe a sauce.  The Turkey & Swiss appears to contain sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, and what might be the same sun-dried tomato sauce used in the Turkey, Bacon & Cheddar Grilled Sandwich.

Both are served on a toasted croissant.  The toasting seems like a good idea if they do it right; there's nothing like an oven-warmed croissant and none of the major fast food chains serve a croissant sandwich.  Hopefully, they turn out a better croissant than Burger King uses for breakfast.

Review: Starbucks - Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino

So I've figured out why Starbucks' Frappuccinos taste so watery, the default milk in a Frappuccino is 2% and not whole milk.  I actually discovered this by taste when I ordered a Frappuccino and specified "whole milk" to my barista; the resultant drink was much creamier by far, and better for it.  Unfortunately, I didn't know this before I ordered my Strawberries & Creme (you know because it's so much fancier than "cream") Frappuccino during Starbucks' Frappuccino Happy Hour.

Seattle's Best: Starbucks' Answer to McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts?

It looks like Seattle's Best is poised to become the Toyota to Starbucks' Lexus. With competitors like McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts serving up espresso-based drinks, Starbucks recently announced the relaunch of Seattle's Best with a new simpler look, a publicity push, and new growth strategy.

With contracts in place with AMC Theaters (beginning in July), Burger King (beginning in September), and Subway (currently serving), Seattle's Best is now poised as Starbucks' mainstream/value brand with plans to increase distribution with more value-oriented locations such as conveniences stores, vending machines, and fast food eateries as well as bookstores, and common carriers (airlines, cruise lines, and the like).

The new look is meant to be simpler and incorporates universal coffee symbols with the cup and the drop. If you ask me, it looks a bit generic but that might be what they're going for. It reminds me a bit of the look of Target's generic store branding for some household items.

News: Taco Bell - New 2 Dollar Meal Deals

Taco Bells' newest promo is the very affordable $2 Meal Deal which features a your choice of a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Gordita Supreme, Grilled Chicken Burrito, or a Double Decker Taco plus a small bag of Doritos tortilla chips and a medium drink.  At $2, it sounds like a pretty good bargain for lunch, or fourth meal, or snack, I guess, if you have a big appetite.

Review: In-N-Out - Cheeseburger

Sometimes, because of this blog, I eat fast food items I wouldn't normally eat because they're either too big or they just don't sound very good to me.  Granted sometimes I'm delighted and surprised, but this review isn't for one of those items.  This review is about something I unequivocally love to eat: the In-N-Out Cheeseburger.

The Asia Trip: Cafe de Coral - Hong Kong

Cafe de Coral is the biggest Chinese fast food chain in Hong Kong with over 100 restaurants.  While I was in Hong Kong, every one I saw was fairly busy and, for a fast food restaurant, pretty upscale.  I wouldn't have guessed it was a fast food chain from the exterior if my cousin hadn't told me.

Baja Fresh - New "Guest Choice" Prototype

My local Baja Fresh shuttered a while ago and left me bereft of any of their delicious made-to-order churros. However, it recently re-opened with a new look dubbed the "Guest Choice" prototype.  I happened to get a look on opening day and took some pictures. You can see that they're still training new employees and whatnot.

Review: Taco Bell - Ham and Egg Breakfast Burrito

Taco Bell has been testing breakfast for several years now with a revolving menu at a select few Taco Bells.  The sister-in-law came across one of these selected restaurants and brought me back one of the current flavor du jours, a Ham and Egg Breakfast Burrito (also available with bacon or sausage) at the value price of 89 cents.  Gotta love that value menu.

News: Burger King Testing Country Pork Sandwich?

Photo by: heyrocc, Flickr

Burger King has been promoting a Country Pork Sandwich out in Iowa since at least December.  Burger Business reports that the breaded pork sandwich is now available in Chicago and is priced at $3.49 for the Regular (which comes with onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard) and $3.99 for the Deluxe (which is like a Whopper but with a breaded pork patty and pickles).

The Country Pork Sandwich seems like it might just be a regional item, and not destined for nationwide greatness.  A particularly eye-opening fact is that one sandwich contains 3310mg(!) of sodium, according to the Burger King website, well over the FDA recommended daily intake of 2400mg.  Nutritional information follows after the jump.

Review: Starbucks - Extra Coffee Caramel Frappuccino

Starbucks' Extra Coffee Caramel Frappuccino is a new menu item coinciding with the launch of Starbucks' "however-you-want-it" Frappuccino.

Caramel Frappuccinos are made of coffee blended with caramel sauce, milk, and ice and then topped with whipped cream.  Extra coffee adds an unspecified extra bit of coffee.  A Venti (24 ounces, oh the irony) Extra Coffee Caramel Frappuccino is pretty expensive at $5.05.  It's a good thing I bought mines during Frappuccino Happy Hour for half-off.

What's on the Menu: KFC Australia

This edition of What's on the Menu takes a look at fried chicken in the land down under: KFC Australia.  So without further ado, a look at some items of interest and cultural nuances at KFC Australia, a storied chain which arrived in 1968 and has grown to over 600 restaurants since.

Sunday Funny: "For You, Only the Best" - McDonald's Germany

A funny McDonald's Germany commercial featuring German supermodel Heidi Klum and Barbara Meier, another model from Germany's Next Top Model. I think you can figure out what's going on.

Local Review: Porto's Bakery - Guava Strudel

The Guava Strudel is another popular item at local bakery Porto's Bakery. It's not sprinkled with sugar like strudel from your typical supermarket bakery.

Guide to Starbucks New Customizable Frappuccino

This is a guide on the add-on prices and options for Starbucks recent customizable Frappuccino push AKA the "however-you-want-it" Frappuccino.  Prices may vary from location to location.  This guide is based on my observations at a southern California Starbucks.

Review: McDonald's Caramel Frappé

McDonald's latest McCafe coffee-based beverage offerings, the Frappés, come in two varieties: Caramel and Mocha.  Having already written about the Mocha, this review covers the Caramel Frappé.

Review: Subway - Seattle's Best Coffee

Subway served Starbucks-owned Seattle's Best brand Brewed Coffee for breakfast price at $1.59 for a 16-ounce cup (I got this 8-ounce cup during their breakfast giveaway).  Subway is also currently running a promo where you can get an English Muffin Melt and a 16-ounce Coffee for $2.50.

News: The Coffee Bean - Free Ice Blended on May 11th

The Coffee Bean coffee shop is hosting a giveaway event on May 11th dubbed their "Ultimate Summer Open House." (Only in Arizona, California, Texas, and Nevada though)

When: Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 from 4pm-7pm
Where: Participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store locations
Why: Free 12-ounce Ice Blended coffee drink in one of three new limited-time summer flavors: Ultimate Honey-Kissed, Ultimate Caramel, or Ultimate Dark Chocolate.

Details: "Only valid at participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® store locations in AZ, CA, TX and NV, excludes all Ralphs stores, casinos, campus or airport locations. Valid only on May 11th, 2010, from 4pm to 7pm. Offer applies to 12oz. Ultimate Honey-Kissed, Ultimate Caramel or Ultimate Dark Chocolate Ice Blended® drink only. No substitutions. Limit one complimentary drink per customer. Check your local store for details."

Review: Subway - Egg Muffin Melt - Double Bacon

A part of Subway's new breakfast menu, the Egg Muffin Melt is available with either a plain egg omelet or an egg white omelet (a western omelet is also available) and your choice of meats (bacon, sausage, Black Forest ham, steak, or no meat).

News: Chick-fil-A - Reserve Your Free Spicy Chicken Sandwich on May 21

Starting Friday, May 21, 2010, Chick-fil-A is promoting its new Spicy Chicken Sandwich by inviting consumers to make their reservations to get a Free Spicy Chicken Sandwich.

To take advantage of the promo, you go to www.getspicychicken.com starting Friday, May 21 and choose your preferred Chick-fil-A Restaurant location and time.

Then, from May 31 - June 5, Chick-fil-A will be giving a limited number of free Spicy Chicken Sandwiches to customers who make a reservation.

The Spicy Chicken Sandwich will be added to the menu on June 7.