Review: Starbucks - Java Chip Frappuccino Ice Cream

Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino Ice Cream offers the taste of a Java Chip Frappuccino in ice cream form. Of course they could have just called it Java Chip Ice Cream because it's just coffee ice cream with dark chocolaty chunks.

A pint normally sells for $4.99 at my local supermarket but I picked this one up on sale for $2.50.

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's - Swedish Meatballs

Stouffer's Swedish Meatballs is one of their Signature Classic frozen dinner and is pretty much a frozen food staple. Stoffer's version comes with noodles and parsley in a sour cream sauce.

A 11.5-ounce box retails for around $3.69 but I bought this particular box on sale for $2.

News: Quiznos - Over 25 New Menu Items

Looks like Quiznos is re-doing their image and food with a menu overhaul and brand makeover. Best known for their toasted subs, the chain is angling to emphasize their better ingredients (like all-natural chicken, Angus beef, and better turkey) and unique flavors.

The featured new menu item to show the new direction of Quiznos is the Chicken Milano Sub, an under-500 calorie sub sandwich that aims directly at Subway's Fresh Fit Choices while highlighting the new flavors of Quiznos. The sandwich is filled with all-natural chicken, all-natural mozzarella, an Italian 3-cheese blend, a seasonal lettuce blend, tomatoes, and smoky sundried tomato and basil pestos. Sounds pretty fancy, no? It's served on your choice of Artisan Breads (Whole Grain Flatbread, White, Wheat, Rosemary Parmesan or Chipotle Jack).

News: McDonald's - S'mores Pie Coming in June!

As McDonald's Strawberries & Creme Pie winds its way down off the McDonald's menu (to the sadness of many), a new pie stands at the ready on the horizon: the S'mores Pie is coming to McDonald's near you in June!

First seen during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada, the S'mores Pie has long been a curiosity to us here in the U.S. A curiosity that will be sated this summer with its arrival.

Review: Wendy's - Baked Sweet Potato

Wendy's Baked Sweet Potato is a new, limited time Signature Side on the menu and is simply a baked sweet potato served with an all-natural buttery cinnamon spread.

I got mine's for free courtesy of Wendy's but these normally sell for $2.49.

News: Jack in the Box - New Chicken Nuggets

Jack in the Box adds new Chicken Nuggets and other new value menu items. The new nuggets are breaded and made of all-white meat chicken. They're available in an order of 5 nuggets for $1.29.

Other new value menu items include: the the new Jr. Jack Hamburger for $1.19 (it looks like a Jumbo Jack but smaller), a 16-ounce drink for $1, and Value Fries for $1.

I'm guessing with beef costs rising, the Jr. Jack is replacing the Jumbo Jack on the value menu or at the very least replacing its price point.

News: Panera Bread - Summer Offerings 2012

Panera Bread returns their Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad for Summer 2012 along with a slew of other new and returning menu items for a limited time only.

The Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad features all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, romaine lettuce, fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, fresh pineapple, Mandarin oranges, pecans, and fat-free poppyseed salad dressing.

In addition, there's a new salad available, the Chopped Chicken Cobb with Avocado Salad with all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Applewood-smoked bacon, Gorgonzola, hard-boiled eggs, dressed with herb vinaigrette, and topped with fresh avocado.

News: Sonic - New Hey Batter Batter Blast

Sonic is welcoming in the Summer with new, limited time Hey Batter Batter Blast.

The frozen dessert blends ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough and brownie batter pieces.

In conjunction with the launch of the new Blast, Sonic also now offers a new 10-ounce mini-size for those looking for more portion control in their ice cream consumption or maybe just less ice cream.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New MIB 3-inspired Coffee and Donuts

Like sister brand Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts is doing a Men in Black 3 promotion with three new menu items inspired by the movie.

For a limited-time, you can pick up Black Cocoa Creme Iced Coffee, Undercover Black Cocoa Donuts, and Chocolate Lunarmax Donuts at your local Dunkin' Donuts (of course, my "local" Dunkin' is one state over...).

Review: Wendy's - Mac 'N Cheese

Wendy's Macaroni 'N Cheese is one of three new Signature Sides. It features large macaroni pasta smothered in a cheese sauce that's made with milk, cream and white Vermont Cheddar and American cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top.

An order comes in a wide cup for $2.49 and is available for a limited time only. I got this particular order for free courtesy of Wendy's though.

News: New Nestle Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars

Girl Scout Thin Mints, the great ruiner of diets, are, along with two other flavors, now available as a Nestle Crunch bar (but only for a limited time).

They won't be available in stores until June 1st and will only be in stores through September.

If you can't wait until June, new Nestle Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars are currently available via a pre-sale on the Nestle Facebook page here. You can only order up to three 7.8-ounce Fun Size Boxes at $3.99 a box (shipping is free) per Facebook ID.

News: The Coffee Bean - $1 Ice-Blended Drinks, May 10, 2-6pm

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is holding one of their regular Open House events again tomorrow, May 10, 2012 from 2pm to 6 pm.

During the event, you can pick up a 12-ounce cup of either their Mocha Mudslide Ice Blended or Cookies & Cream Ice Blended for $1.

The deal is good at participating locations only and you can locate the nearest Coffee Bean here.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Breakfast Burritos

Taking advantage of their turbo convection ovens, Dunkin' Donuts is now offering oven-toasted breakfast burritos in two varieties: the Southwest Steak Burrito and the Southwest Veggie Burrito.

The Southwest Steak Burrito enfolds strips of seasoned steak, scrambled eggs, fire-roasted veggies, potatoes, and Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack cheeses in a flour tortilla.

The Southwest Veggie Burrito features all the same but takes out the steak and gives you roasted corn and black beans instead.

Review: Wendy's - Chili Cheese Fries

Wendy's Chili Cheese Fries is a new "Signature Side" that was recently added to the Wendy's menu. It features Wendy's Natural-Cut Fries topped with their trademark chili, cheddar cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar.

It sells for $2.49 but I got this one for free courtesy of Wendy's.

News: Del Taco - New Asada Burritos

Del Taco serves up new Asada Burritos joining their Asada Tacos. Available with grilled marinated steak (Carne Asada) or chicken (Pollo Asada), the Asada Burritos also come with seasoned rice, guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo salsa.

News: Wienerschnitzel - New $9.99 Family Combos

Wienerschnitzel offers new, limited-time Family Combos for $9.99 this summer. Under the promotion you can get either: 3 Hamburgers, 3 Chili Dogs, and 3 Regular Fries; 6 Chili Dogs, and 3 Regular Fries; or 5 Chili Dogs and 5 Corn Dogs for $9.99.

Additionally, they're running a limited-time promotion where you can get a mix-and-match 5 for $5 combination of Corn Dogs/Chili Dogs.

News: Domino's Offers Gluten-Free Crust Option

For those suffering from mild gluten sensitivity, Domino's now offers a Gluten-Free Crust option, becoming the first national pizza chain to offer such.

Why only mild? Because Domino's pizza is still made in a kitchen full of flour that's why. As such it is not recommended for people who suffer from celiac disease.

The new crust is made of water, rice starch, rice flour, potato starch, and olive oil.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Dunkin' Donuts is offering a trio of gift ideas to help you celebrate Mother's Day (it's this upcoming Sunday FYI) this year.

First, and apparently sold out online, is the "This Mom Runs on Dunkin'" Tumbler, a 16-ounce BPA-free tumbler for hot or cold beverages. It retails for $6.99 and your best bet is to call ahead to your local Dunkin's to try and locate one.

Review: Starbucks - Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

Starbucks' new Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino is a new, limited-time half-frozen coffee concoction this summer. It features Starbucks coffee blended with mocha sauce, vanilla syrup, chocolaty chips, milk, and ice, and then topped with chocolaty whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumbles.

The price ranges from $3.95 (for a Tall) to $4.95 (for a Venti). I went with the Tall with whole milk for extra creaminess.

News: Chipotle - Free Entree with $30 Gift Card Purchase

It's graduation time! Chipotle is hoping you'll reward your favorite grads (or yourself) with a Chipotle gift card (or two) so they're offering a free burrito, bowl, order of tacos or salad when you buy $30 or more in Chipotle graduate gift cards at any Chipotle restaurant.

Just save the original receipt and bring it back to a Chipotle restaurant on or before June 30th, 2012 to redeem it for your free entree.

News: Sonic - Half-Price Milkshakes After 8pm

Sonic is offering another late night deal starting this month and continuing all summer long. This time around they're plying us with half-price shakes after 8pm and calling it "After Moon Delight."

Sonic's shakes are made with real ice cream and come in six flavors: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, caramel, banana and pineapple.

Around the World: The Biggest McMenu, Part Three

Part Three of the Biggest McMenu, highlighting various "Mc-" items from McDonald's restaurants all over the world, first takes a look at the McHotdog Classic.

Hailing from Japan, it's a hot dog available at McDonald's with ketchup and mustard relish... for breakfast!

Review: Hershey's - Zero Candy Bar

Hershey's Zero candy bar is a bit of an oddity in the candy bar world with a snow white layer of white fudge on the outside. Inside, there's a mix of caramel plus peanut and almond nougat.

It's not originally a Hershey's product but it's theirs now. I bought a bar from a local drugstore for $1.

News: Quaker Oats - New Quaker Real Medleys

Quaker Oats is out with a convenient on-the-go solution, new Quaker Real Medleys that expands their line up of oatmeal products.

The new line's main selling point is the inclusion of real chunks of dried fruit and/or crunchy nuts to go with a portable cup of instant oatmeal (just add water or microwave with water).

News: Frito-Lay - New Smartfood Selects

Frito Lay has expanded their brand of Smartfood products (or rather product since their was only one flavor of popcorn initially) into a whole line dubbed "Smartfood Selects" which feature all-natural ingredients, no preservatives, and no MSG.

The Smartfood Selects line includes popped chips, popcorn, and puffed corn. Another highlight of the brand is that certain nutritional information (calories per serving, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar) is displayed prominently on the front of the package  and accompanied by readily identifiable nutrition icons.

Review: Frito Lay - Enchilada Supreme Doritos Jacked

Doritos Jacked tortilla chips are a recent innovation from Frito Lay boasting of being bigger, bolder, and thicker. I recently tried Enchilada Supreme Doritos Jacked which purported to meld the flavors of cheddar cheese with tangy salsa and the bite of Mexican spices.

A 10.5-ounce bag cost me $2.00 on sale off a retail of $4.29.

News: White Castle Offers Craver Nation Loyalty Program

White Castle kicks off the launch of Craver Nation, a loyalty program/website for its fans that rewards them with free Sliders. You can visit the site at www.cravernation.com.

The website is a social media website where fans of White Castle can interact with each other.

News: Burger King - $1 for 2 Chicken Strips This Weekend

Starting today and running through the end of tomorrow, Burger King is discounting their new Chicken Strips to $1 for two.

The offer is only good May 5-6 at participating locations. The offer is not valid in Hawaii and Alaska because food just costs more out that way.

Frozen Friday: Lean Cuisine - Roasted Turkey and Vegetables

Lean Cuisine's Roasted Turkey and Vegetables features a 200-calorie frozen meal with roasted turkey tenderloins with gravy and green beans with cranberries and slivered almonds.

I got an 8-ounce box from my local supermarket for $2 but they're normally $3.29.

News: Arby's - New Orange Cream Shake

For a limited-time, Arby's is blending a new flavor of milkshake with the Orange Cream Shake.

They're describing it as "cool, creamy & totally dreamy!" It features vanilla shake mix blended with Orange Cream syrup.

Sounds to me like it would taste like those orange Popsicles with a vanilla ice cream filling except blended into a shake.

News: Hardee's Cooking Up New Breakfast Wraps

Hardee's is now offering new Breakfast Wraps, perhaps for those who want something more snackable than a breakfast burrito (they're about 100 to 110 grams compared with 265 grams for Hardee's Loaded Breakfast Burrito).

The new tortilla wraps are offered in two varieties: Bacon, Egg & Cheese and Sausage, Egg & Gravy.

News: Häagen-Dazs - Free Cone Day, May 8th

Like Ben & Jerry's, ice cream maker Häagen-Dazs has their fair share of fans and like Ben & Jerry's, Häagen-Dazs also throws a Free Cone Day event and it's coming up this Tuesday, May 8th, between the hours of 4 and 8 pm.

Not sure if you can get in line repeatedly like at the Ben & Jerry's event but free ice cream is free ice cream, no?

News: The Chicken Pecan Salad Returns to Arby's

The Chicken Pecan Salad is back for the summer at Arby's. Available on either honey wheat bread or in a whole-grain wrap, the Chicken Pecan Salad features sliced roast chicken, mayo, diced apples, sliced grapes, diced celery, chopped, toasted pecans, and green leaf lettuce.

I tried both versions last year. Both were fresh and flavorful if a little heavy on the mayo but I preferred the wrap over the bread.

News: Starbucks - Frappuccino Happy Hour Returns, May 4-13, 3-5pm

Starbucks is bringing back Frappuccino Happy Hour starting today and running till May 13. Under the Happy Hour promotion, you can pick up any Frappuccino, made the way you want it, for half the regular price from 3-5 pm.

Heading into summer, Starbucks introduces the new Mocha Cookie Crumble as well as its non-coffee counterpart, the Chocolate Cookie Crumble Creme. Their features include a chocolaty whipped creme that might look mighty fine on whatever Frappuccino you have your local Starbucks make for you.

I put together a guide last year on the basics of Starbucks Frappuccino customization. You can check it out here.

News: Carl's Jr. - New Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Sandwiches

Apparently, not content with the Hand-Breaded Chicken Fillet Sandwich, Carl's Jr. is replacing it with new Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Sandwiches which come with two Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders inside instead of a single chicken breast fillet.

The new sandwiches come in three varieties partially aping their snack wrap flavors: Bacon Swiss Crispy, Honey Mustard, and Buttermilk Ranch.

News: Starbucks Summer 2012 Featured Line Up

For those of you wanting a more chocolaty Frappuccino this summer, Starbucks is aiming to please with new, limited-time Mocha Cookie Crumble and Chocolate Cookie Crumble Creme Frappuccinos.

The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino features coffee blended with mocha sauce, vanilla syrup, chocolaty chips, milk, and ice topped with chocolaty whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumbles. "Chocolaty," by the way tends to mean made with cocoa and not chocolate.

The Chocolate Cookie Crumble Creme is for when you're not feeling the coffee and blends the same ingredients as the Mocha version sans the coffee.

Review: Frito Lay - Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Skins Ruffles Potato Chips

Ruffles Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Skins flavored potato chips promise the flavor of green onions, sour cream, cheese, and bacon in a potato chip.

I picked up a bag at a local supermarket for $2.50 (off of a $4.29 retail).

News: Baskin-Robbins - May 2012 Flavor of the Month

Baskin-Robbins is doing a Men In Black 3 tie-in this May. The promo for the movie (which comes out May 25) includes Lunar Cheesecake as the Flavor of the Month.

Lunar Cheesecake is a returning flavor that was first introduced in 1969 to commemorate the first spaceflight to the Moon. It features green and white cheesecake ice cream with cheesecake bits and a crunchy graham cracker ribbon.

In addition to the limited-time return of Lunar Cheesecake, Baskin-Robbins is also offering two space-themed sundaes, a new Triple Mocha Cappuccino Blast, and a special cake for a limited time.

News: Subway - May 2012 $5 Featured Footlong

This month Subway is offering the Pizza Sub as their May $5 Featured Footlong.

The Pizza Sub features a base of spicy pepperoni slices and marinara to go with the customary choice of cheese, veggies, and condiments.

Subway has also been running a $3 Breakfast Combo which comes with your choice of a 6" Egg and Cheese Sub with either Ham or Bacon and a 16-ounce coffee or 21-ounce fountain drink.

Review: McDonald's - Cherry Berry Chiller

McDonald's Cherry Berry Chiller is an ice-slush drink made by blending a 100% fruit juice base with ice. It uses a combinations of apple, grape, and raspberry juice plus cherry puree to achieve a cherry raspberry flavor.

I actually tried this twice, it was $2.29 for a 12-ounce small in San Francisco but only $1.49 for the same in central California. San Francisco has a pretty high cost of living though.

News: Hardee's - New Cheddar Cheese Fries

Hardee's returns Bacon Cheddar Fries as summer begins. The returning menu item features Hardee's Natural Cut Fries smothered with melted cheddar cheese sauce and sprinkled with crumbled bits of bacon.

While chili cheese fries are fairly common, bacon and cheese on fries aren't so much. I'm not actually sure why as both combinations sound pretty good.

To promote Bacon Cheddar Fries, Hardee's is looking to entice you further by offering a coupon for a free drink to go with your order of fries here: http://www.hardees.com/coupons/baconcheddarfriesfreedrink

News: Dairy Queen - May Blizzard of the Month 2012

It's May 1st and that means a new Blizzard of the Month at Dairy Queen.

This May, for all you cake fans out there, it's Confetti Cake which takes white cake pieces and confetti frosting and blends them into Dairy Queen's vanilla soft serve.

Also new for the month is the Chicken Bacon Ranch Iron Grilled Sandwich featuring grilled chicken, bacon, green leaf lettuce, tomatoes, and Ranch dressing on iron-grilled bread.

Review: McDonald's - Blueberry Banana Nut Oatmeal

McDonald's Blueberry Banana Nut Oatmeal is a new seasonal summertime offering with banana oatmeal, topped with chopped walnuts and fresh blueberries. It's most likely ordered for breakfast but it's served all-day.

While on a road trip, I picked up a cup for $2.49.

Around the World: The Biggest McMenu, Part Two

I'm going to jump right into it for Part Two of the Biggest McMenu (you can check out part one/un/uno/ein here) highlighting "Mc-" items from McDonald's restaurants all over the world.

I'm sure you might know what a macaron is (if you don't it's a like a meringue-based sandwich cookie), but unless you're in Austria, you've probably never heard of a McCaron! That's right macarons are offered at McCafes in Austria and are called "McCarons."

News: Starbucks Coming Soon to Disneyland

Along with Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, Starbucks is coming this summer to Disney's California Adventure (and perhaps introducing kiddies to some caffeinated branding).

The first of six Starbucks set to open at various Disney theme parks, the new Starbucks location will be located in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe on Buena Vista Street. Along with Cars Land, Buena Vista Street opens on June 15, 2012 and is themed after 1920s Los Angeles, when Walt Disney first arrived in California.

Review: Meiji - Yan Yan

Meiji's Yan Yans are a Japanese biscuit and chocolate-dipping creme combo that comes in an individual tapered cup for easy snacking.

A 2-ounce cup goes for about 79 cents at Asian supermarkets in my area, they cost a bit more at the supermarket chains (like $1 or more).

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's - Chicken in Barbeque Sauce

Stouffer's Chicken in Barbeque Sauce is one of their Signature Classics, which I take to me they've been making it for a while. The frozen entree features grilled white meat chicken strips in a barbecue sauce and a cheddar cheese potato bake with bacon.

I bought a 10-ounce box at my local supermarket on sale for $2.00 (regularly $3.99).

News: Burger King Offering Minibons

Burger King is set for a nationwide rollout of Cinnabon's Minibon in their restaurants. The Minibon is a miniature version of the Cinnabon with the same trademark Makara cinnamon and cream cheese frosting. It's actually been around for 25 years now.

News: IHOP Syrups in Blueberry and Strawberry!

Rejoice IHOP fans or IHOP syrup fans! IHOP has recently launched new IHOP at Home syrups in three flavors: Original, Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N' Fruity Strawberry, and Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N' Fruity Blueberry.

If the Original varieties contain too much calories for you, there's also Lite and Sugar Free pancake syrups.

IHOP at Home syrups are available in retail and grocery stores but not at your local IHOP.

Review: Taco Bell - Meximelt

Taco Bell's Meximelt is a cross between an Fresco Soft Taco and a quesadilla; it has the flour tortilla, seasoned ground beef, and fiesta salsa of a Fresco Soft Taco but the melted three cheese blend of a quesadilla

I picked one up at my local Taco Bell for $1.79.