Local Review: Trendspotting? Fluff Ice

Shaved iced is quite popular in a number of Asian countries (with regional variants) as well as in some Asian enclaves here in the States. To date, it hasn't yet hit mainstream popularity i.e. it hasn't been "Pinkberried." Fluff Ice seems to be aimed at possibly changing that with their own take on shaved ice.

International Weekend: Jacob's Cream Crackers

Today's International Weekend product comes from the U.K. and has been around for a while (since 1885!)--Jacob's Cream Crackers.

They're a bit like a cross between a saltine and a table water cracker. While a bulk package of six 200g (7.05oz) packages costs $18.00 on Amazon (affiliate disclosure - I may earn a commission if you buy something through this link), I was able to pick one package for just 99 cents at a local supermarket. Apparently they're the "fastest selling" crackers in the U.K.

Frozen Friday - Healthy Choice - Sesame Glazed Chicken

The Asian-themed Healthy Choice Steaming Entrée, Sesame Glazed Chicken features chicken tenderloins with whole grain rice, water chestnuts, sugar snap peas and red peppers in a sweet sesame glaze.

Like other Steaming Entrées, this 9-ounce frozen meal is generally about $2.99 or around $2.00 on sale.

News: Taco Bell - New 99 Cent Beefy Melt Burrito

Taco Bell's newest, latest, limited-time item, the 99 cent Beefy Melt Burrito replaces the outgoing Beefy Crunch Burrito. It's a Beefy Crunch Burrito minus the Fritos and nacho cheese sauce plus a melted three-cheese blend.

For those of you who missed that, it's a burrito with seasoned ground beef, seasoned rice, three cheeses, and reduced-fat sour cream.

A very familiar mix at Taco Bell but hey, it's 99 cents!

Review: In-N-Out - Cheeseburger McDonald's Style

Since you can have them make your burger any way you like at In-N-Out, I decided to try an In-N-Out take on an old classic, the McDonald's Cheeseburger. I call it the In-N-Out Cheeseburger McDonald's Style.

It's the same price as a regular Cheeseburger at $2.15.

Review: McDonald's - Asian Salad Returns for the Summer

Returning this summer through early September, McDonald's Asian Salad is one of the more healthy options on the menu and features iceberg lettuce, Romaine lettuce, spring greens, edamame, red pepper strips, carrots, sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, and snow peas.

The salad costs $4.69 with grilled or crispy chicken which is in line with other McDonald's salads. It is also available without chicken.

Review: Starbucks - Mocha Coconut Frappuccino

Starbucks' Mocha Coconut Frappuccino is back for a limited-time at your local Starbucks and features coffee, your choice of milk, bittersweet mocha sauce, coconut syrup and ice, blended together and topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle and toasted coconut flakes. A 12-ounce Tall costs $3.95.

News: The Coffee Bean - Free Ice Blended Drink Today, 4-7pm

The Coffee Bean is holding one of their Open Houses today, May 10, 2011, from 4pm to 7pm at participating locations where you can get a free 12-ounce Ice Blended drink of your choice from three flavors: Mocha Mint Chip, Cookies & Cream, and Espresso Cream.

The Coffee Bean describes the taste of each flavor in the following fashion:

"Mocha Mint Chip - Rich complex chocolate with balanced expresso notes and a creamy mint finish.

Cookies & Cream - Sweet & creamy with decadent chocolate cookie and vanilla cream notes.

Expresso Cream - Rich, bold expresso flavor, creamy and smooth, balanced with just the right amount of sweetness."

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Mountain Dew Coolatta

It's Mountain Dew, only frozen. Well, more like slushied.

For a limited time, participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants nationwide are offering new Mountain Dew Coolattas this summer for the suggested retail price of $2.29 for a small, 16-ounce drink.

In conjunction with the new product, Dunkin' is running a rather odd promotion where up to 600 entrants a day get to control an ice blaster to unfreeze a Mountain Dew Coolatta Cup from a real block of ice to win prizes such as a Burton snowboard (isn't it summer?), a DD card, and other stuff. You can check out the details on their Facebook page.

News: Jack in the Box - New Bourbon BBQ Steak Grilled Sandwich

Along with its new Blackberry Shake, Jack in the Box has a new, limited-time sandwich: the Bourbon BBQ Steak Grilled Sandwich. The new sandwich features strips of steak, grilled onions and melting cheese covered with Jack’s new Bourbon BBQ sauce and served on grilled artisan bread.

Strangely the new sandwich is not available at restaurants in Austin, Houston and Kansas City. You can expect a price around the $4 mark (may vary).

Arby's Chicken Salad Taste-Off

I was asked by Arby's to participate in their Chicken Salad Taste-Off to compare Arby's Grilled Chicken & Pecan Salad Sandwich (or wrap) with Subway's popular Orchard Chicken Salad Sub. As part of my participation, I was given a gift card to Arby's and another to Subway to acquire each review item.

In addition, Arby's has graciously earmarked three $5 gift cards to give to three lucky readers (details at the end of this post).

News: Pizza Hut - $10.99 Any Large Lover's Pizza

Pizza Hut's limited-time promotion for May is $10.99 for any large Lover's Pizza which represents a savings of $1.01 off their regular simple price of $12.

Lover's Pizzas include the Ultimate Cheese Lover's Pizza (with Alfredo sauce topped three cheeses), the Pepperoni Lover's Pizza (with extra pepperoni and cheese, enough for every bite), the Meat Lover's Pizza (with pepperoni, ham, beef, bacon and sausage), the Cheese Lover's Plus Pizza (with lots and lots of cheese and your choice of two toppings), and the Veggie Lover's Pizza (with tomatoes, mushrooms, red onions, green peppers, and black olives).

Review: Pepperidge Farm - Gingerman Cookies

Pepperidge Farm's Gingerman cookies are different from the Gingerbread cookies they offer during the Christmas season. They're thinner and crisp rather than crunchy.

A 5-ounce bag retails for around $4.09 with sales prices ranging from $2 to $3.

International Weekend: Forelli - Sugar Topped Puff Pastry

Welcome to International Weekend, a new feature on Brand Eating highlighting vittles imported into the U.S. from other countries. First up are Forelli Sugar Topped Puff Pastry cookies which come from Italy.

I was able to score a 7-ounce package for $1.59.

Frozen Friday: Hungry-Man - Popcorn Chicken with Spiced Rum BBQ Sauce

A new addition to the Hungry-Man line, Popcorn Chicken with Spiced Rum BBQ Sauce features popcorn-shaped, breaded chicken patties with a spiced rum barbecue sauce, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

Retail price is about $3.99 while sale price tends to be around $2.50 or less.

Review: McDonald's - New Premium Crispy Chicken Club Sandwich

I walked into my local McDonald's the other day and found out that they had tweaked their line of premium chicken sandwiches with (as the manager explained to me) a new bun and a lower sodium count on the chicken. Intrigued, I ordered a new Premium Crispy Chicken Club Sandwich for $4.29.

The sandwich features a new crispy chicken breast fillet, tomato slice, bacon, natural Swiss cheese, mayo and leaf lettuce on a toasted bakery-style bun.

News: Starbucks - Happy Hour Returns - May 6-15, 3-5pm

Starbucks' Happy Hour event starts anew this year beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 6th, 2011 until Sunday, May 15th, 2011 between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m.

During the event, at participating stores in the U.S. and Canada, you can purchase any Frappuccino drink for half-price.

The event first started last year as Starbucks promoted their However-You-Want-It Frappuccinos which allows customers to choose from a variety of milks, different intensities of coffee, and different combinations of syrups or toppings (with varying costs).

News: Starbucks - Mocha Coconut Frappuccino Returns for the Summer

A permanent fixture on the Starbucks' Hawaii menu, the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino has returned to the mainland for a limited time as summer begins to take off. The Mocha Coconut Frappuccino features Starbucks' signature Frappuccino Roast coffee, your choice of milk, bittersweet mocha sauce, coconut syrup and ice, blended together and topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle and toasted coconut flakes.

For a more pure coconut experience, there's also the Coconut Crème Frappuccino Blended Crème which eschews the coffee and bittersweet mocha sauce.

News: Subway - The Orchard Chicken Salad Sub Returns

The Orchard Chicken Salad Sub is back for a limited time at Subway as May's $5 Featured Footlong. The perennial sandwich features a base of chicken chunks, celery, red apples, golden raisins, cranberries, a light mayo and your choice of bread and veggies.

I tried it the last time it came around and you can check out my review of the Orchard Chicken Salad Sub here.

Review: McDonald's - New Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

Looks like McDonald's is rolling out their new Frozen Strawberry Lemonade for the summer if my local McDonald's is any indication. The drink features a lemonade ice slush with a strawberry flavored syrup swirled in.

Prices start at $1.69 for a 16-ounce small to $1.99 for a 20-ounce medium and $2.29 for a 24-ounce large.

News: Jack in the Box - New Blackberry Shake

Jack in the Box is going with blackberry as the temperatures rise with the onset of summer. For a limited-time, Blackberry is being added to Jack's line up of real ice cream milkshakes.

The new Blackberry Shake features real ice cream and blackberry-flavored syrup plus whipped topping and a Maraschino cherry on top.

It is available served in a 16-ounce or 24-ounce cup for $2.69 and $3.19 respectively (may vary).

Nutritional info not yet available.

Review: KFC - Extra Crispy Fried Chicken

In addition to the Colonel's Original Recipe, KFC also offers Extra Crispy Fried Chicken which offers a flavor that more like other fried chicken chains and is tinged with garlic and double dipped before frying to offer a crispy, crunchy texture.

KFC is currently running a promotion where you can get 6 legs and/or thighs for $5 and a Sunday Bucket promotion where you can get 10 mixed pieces for $10.

Review: Arby's - Jr. Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Arby's Jr. new Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is their value Jr. Chicken Sandwich played to the tune of Buffalo; that is with Buffalo sauce instead of mayo. The sandwich is similarly priced at $1.

It's not on the menu on their website, so it's either regional or is being test-marketed.

News: Popeyes - Buy One, Get One Chicken Dinner

Popeyes is offering a "buy one, get one" promotion on their chicken dinners where you get a free 2-piece chicken dinner with the purchase of a 3-piece chicken chicken dinner. Not as sweet as getting a 3-piece dinner with a 3-piece dinner but still pretty good.

A 3-piece chicken dinner comes with 3 pieces of chicken, a regular side and a biscuit while the 2-piece dinner is the same except with two pieces.

The promotion runs until May 29th, 2011 and is good at participating restaurants.

Review: Lay's - Kettle Cooked Original Potato Chips

It wasn't too long ago when Frito Lay got into the kettle-cooked potato chips game with Lay's Kettle Cooked Original Potato Chips where the chips are cut a little thicker and fried at lower temperatures in small batches to garned a thicker, crunchier chip.

A 8.5-ounce bag retails for $3.49 but it's not unusual to find them on sale south of the $2.00 mark.

Review: Pepperidge Farm - Garlic Texas Toast

Pepperidge Farm's Garlic Texas Toast is your typical thick-sliced garlic bread made with real garlic. There are 8 slices to each 11.25-ounce box and each box retails for around $2.99 with sale prices ranging around $1.50.

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's White Meat Chicken Pot Pie

Stouffer's White Meat Chicken Pot Pie features a flaky pie crust filled with pieces of white meat chicken, peas, carrots, celery and onions in a gravy made with real cream.

A Stouffer's pot pie retails for about $3.99 and can be found on sale around the $2.00 mark.

Review: Arby's - Grilled Chicken and Pecan Salad Wrap

Arby's only-available-in-some-markets Market Fresh Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich is now available for a limited-time (through mid-August) in a whole-grain wrap just in time for summer. The Grilled Chicken and Pecan Salad Wrap fills a whole wheat flatbread with sliced roast chicken, mayo, diced apples, sliced grapes, diced celery, chopped, toasted pecans, and green leaf lettuce.

Each wrap is available for $4.29.

Review: Wendy's - Bistro Cheddar Cheeseburger

Wendy's new Bistro Cheddar Cheeseburger is the newest burger on the Wendy's menu. It features a 1/4 beef patty, two slices of Cheddar cheeeses, three slices of applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato (by request because of supply issues), and a "bistro sauce."

The burger carries a premium price tag of $3.99.

Classic Review: KFC - Original Recipe Fried Chicken

KFC's Original Recipe Fried Chicken is the flavor most deeply associated with KFC. Much speculation has been made as to what exactly makes up the Colonel's secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, the recipe of which is guarded under lock and key at KFC headquarters.

KFC currently has a special where you can get 6 legs and thighs for $5.

News: Frito Lay - New Lay's Kettle Cooked Flavors

Frito Lay has two new Lay’s Kettle Cooked flavors on the store shelves this month: Creamy Mediterranean Herb and Spicy Cayenne & Cheese.

Creamy Mediterranean Herb features a Mediterranean Cheese and Herb seasoning which includes basil, oregano, onion, and garlic.

Spicy Cayenne & Cheese which includes cayenne red pepper, paprika, cream cheese, sour cream, and Cheddar cheese to achieve its flavor profile.

Review: Jack in the Box - Jalapeño Double Cheeseburger

I drove past a Jack in the Box, saw the new Jalapeño Double Cheeseburger in the window and stopped in for a try. The burger is about the same size as the All American Jack and features two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, sliced jalapeños, and what is either a Thousand Island sauce or a chipotle mayo for $3.99.

Review: Magnum - Almond Ice Cream Bar

The new rich kid on the ice cream block, Magnum ice cream bars are virtually unknown save by those who have traveled abroad. They're working on it though with three short films featuring Rachel Bilson of The OC fame (Viewable on their website here). I recently tried the Almond bar which is a Belgian milk chocolate covered vanilla bean ice cream bar with bits of almonds in the chocolate.

A box of three bars retails for $3.99 but can be found on sale around the $3.00 mark.

Review: Pollo Campero - Fried Chicken Wrap

Pollo Campero has it's own take on the popular snack wrap with their plainly named Fried Chicken Wrap which features a piece of their fried chicken strips, tomato salsa, and rice wrapped in a flour tortilla. Each Fried Chicken Wrap costs $1.99.

Frozen Friday - Healthy Choice - Honey Balsamic Chicken Steaming Entrée

Healthy Choice's Honey Balsamic Chicken Steaming Entrée features chicken tenderloins with red potatoes, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes in a honey-herb balsamic glaze.

A 9-ounce package costs about $2.99 or about $2 on sale.

News: Starbucks - Bring Your Own Cup for Free Coffee on Earth Day

Today is Earth Day, April 22, and Starbucks is celebrating by offering to keep you awake with a free brewed coffee or tea when you bring in a reusable mug or tumbler into your local Starbucks (as long as it's a participating store in the United States or Canada).

If you don’t have a tumbler or travel mug, Starbucks will have them for 20% off for today. In addition, as a standing policy, anytime you bring in your own tumbler or travel mug to a participating Starbucks, you get 10 cents off your drink every day (also true of asking for a "for-here" cup).

Even if you don't have a reusable mug or tumbler and don't want to buy one, you can still get your free brewed coffee or tea by asking for in a "for-here" cup (i.e a mug or glass).

Review: El Pollo Loco - Sweet Potato Fries

The final member of El Pollo Loco's new premium side triumvirate, Sweet Potato Fries are lightly battered and deep-fried from seasonally harvested sweet potatoes.

A small order will cost you $1.79 while a large will run you $3.99.

Review: El Pollo Loco - Sweet Corn Cake

Another new premium side at El Pollo Loco, the Sweet Corn Cake is a corn meal cake with corn kernels baked in. The price is in line with the other new premium sides at $1.79 for a small and $3.99 for a large.

News: Just Born - New Chocolate Peeps

With Easter just around the corner, I imagine Just Born's Peeps are on the shopping list of many of you with kids out there or who just really like sugar coated marshmallows (AKA sugar-covered sugar).

If sugar and marshmallows aren't enough for you, this year, Just Born is throwing chocolate into the equation with new Peeps Peepsters and Peeps Chocolate Dipped Chicks.

Review: El Pollo Loco - Flame-Grilled Corn

El Pollo Loco's new Flame-Grilled Corn features sweet, fire-roasted corn-off-the-cob seasoned with chipotle en adobo and a squeeze of lime. It's one of three new premium sides at El Pollo Loco.

It's priced at $1.79 for a small cup, $3.99 for a large family-sized side.

News: Frito Lay - New Regional Lay's Potato Chip Flavors

This month Frito Lay is rolling out three, new regional flavors of Lay's Potato chips here in the U.S.:

In the Northeast, there's Lay’s Honey Mustard which combines the flavor of tangy mustard with a touch of sweet honey.

In the Midwest, Lay’s Creamy Garden Ranch matching sour cream with spices and fresh cucumbers for the flavor of herb ranch dressing.

Finally in the Southwest comes Lay’s Chipotle Ranch which joins sour cream and buttermilk ranch with chipotle spice and green chili.

These flavors are in addition to current regional flavors, Lay's Balsamic Sweet Onion ( Northwestern U.S.) and Lay's Cajun Herb & Spice (Southeastern U.S.).

Review: Taco Bell - Cheesy Double Decker Taco

Taco Bell's newest limited-time menu item, the Cheesy Double Decker Taco adds the slightest of tweaks to the standard Double Decker Taco: some nacho cheese sauce to go with the refried beans that hold the Crunchy Taco to the soft flour tortilla. The price is especially nice at 89 cents a pop.

News: Häagen-Dazs - Free Cone Day 2011

Haagen-Dazs Scoops Shops are holding a Free Cone Day on May 10th from 4-8pm.

When: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 from 4pm to 8pm

Where: Any participating Haagen-Dazs Shop. Shop Locator

Why: Get a free scoop or cone of Häagen-Dazs super-premium ice cream.

Review: Calbee - Shrimp Flavored Chips

Calbee is a major Japanese snack food maker and its Shrimp Flavored Chips have been available locally here in southern California for as long as I can remember. The "chips" are shaped somewhat similar in size and shape to a Cheeto but less craggy and with even ridges. They are toasted and made with wheat flour. A 4-ounce bag retails for $2.29 at my local major supermarket but generally cost about $1 to $1.50 at an Asian grocery store.

Review: Magnum - Double Chocolate Ice Cream Bar

Magnum ice cream bars are analogous to Haagen Daz super-premium ice cream bars, they're quite popular in Europe and were just recently launched by Unilever in the U.S. in six different flavors (Double Caramel, Double Chocolate, Classic, Almond, White and Dark.). The Double Chocolate bars features chocolate ice cream enrobed in a chocolatey (i.e. not technically chocolate) coating, rich chocolate sauce and then dipped in thick Belgian milk chocolate.

They're sold in a 3-pack retailing for $3.99 and can be picked up on sale for around $3.00.

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's - Farmer's Harvest Roasted Chicken & Bowtie Pasta

Stouffer's new Farmer's Harvest line of frozen meals feature slightly more upscale ingredients such as sea salt, olive oil, and whole grains as well as no preservatives. The Roasted Chicken & Bowtie Pasta entree features roasted chicken and bowtie pasta in a basil pesto sauce with a medley of carrots, green beans and grilled red peppers in a butter sauce.

The price is the same as Stouffer's normal entrées at about $3.99 a box or ranging around $2 on sale.

Review: McDonald's - Cheddar Onion McChicken

The other new McChicken offered in conjunction with the Jalapeño Cheddar McChicken, the Cheddar Onion McChicken substitutes mayo with caramelized onions and white Cheddar cheese. Like the Jalapeño Cheddar version, it is also priced at $1.49.

News: Chipotle Details New Asian Restaurant Concept

ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen. It's like Chipotle but with a southeast Asian theme (specifically inspired by Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisine).

Chipotle has reveals a few more details about their new southeast Asian restaurant concept:

There will be the same "down the line" format as Chipotle (and Subway) where you move down the service station as they prepare your food to your specifications.

There will be the same focus on sustainably-raised food and promises "grilled and braised meats, a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, spicy sauces, and an array of garnishes."

The first location is set to open this summer in Washington, D.C.

Review: McDonald's - Jalapeno Cheddar McChicken

McDonald's Jalapeño Cheddar McChicken is a slightly different take on the storied McChicken sandwich which replaces the mayo with a slice of white Cheddar cheese and jalapeño salsa and costs $1.49. Inexplicably, the McDonald's I went to also had these at two for $3.50.

Review: Jack in the Box - Sourdough Jack

Jack in the Box's Sourdough Jack is a fairly simple affair as far as burgers go: a beef patty, bacon, tomatoes, Swiss-style cheese, Mayo-Onion sauce and ketchup sandwiched between two slices of sourdough bread. It's more or less a patty melt for $3.59.