News: Papa John's Returns the Buffalo Chicken Pizza

It hasn't been gone for that long, but it must have been popular because Papa John's returns the Buffalo Chicken Pizza for a limited time.

The Buffalo Chicken Pizza features ranch sauce (instead of pizza sauce), sliced chicken strips, bacon, onions, mozzarella cheese and a tangy Buffalo sauce. Just an FYI, as you may notice from the picture, the "sliced chicken strips" are breaded.

Review: Good Humor - Mounds Ice Cream Bars

Good Humor's Mounds Ice Cream Bars are a new add to the Good Humor ice cream portfolio and consist of coconut-flavored light ice cream with coconut flakes dipped in a dark chocolate flavored coating.

There are 6 bars to an 18-fl-oz box. One of my local supermarket has these selling for a regular price of $4.29, but I raided one of these from my brother's fridge (money saved!).

Around the World: Dunkin' Donuts Korea - Monkey Banana Mini Donuts

So this summer, Dunkin' Donuts has been frying up donuts shaped like bananas in Korea. But, not just any bananas... mini bananas. They call them "Monkey' Banana" donuts (I think they mean "Monkey's Banana" or it could just be a random apostrophe).

They kinda look like bananas, but they also look like fat sausages. Maybe they should put them in a hot dog bun or roll for their next promotion.

As you can see, the promotion comes complete with a silly-looking monkey mascot.

Review: Twix Ice Cream Bars

Twix Ice Cream Bars are an ice cream version of the Twix candy bar. Each one features vanilla ice, caramel, and Twix cookie bits covered in a chocolaty coating.

A 11.58-fl-oz box of six retails for $4.99 at my local Ralph's. They were on sale for $2.99 though.

Around the World: McDonald's Taiwan - Hello Kitty McDonald's Plush Dolls

McDonald's x Hello Kitty in Taiwan.

While not as extravagant as the Hello Kitty Fairy Tales promotion in Hong Kong earlier this year, McDonald's Taiwan is currently offering a limited-time run of four Hello Kitty plush dolls dressed up as the McDonaldland characters.

The dolls are about 6" tall and the available characters are Ronald McDonald, Birdie, The Hamburglar, and Grimace. The Ronald and Hamburglar versions are currently available while the Birdie dolls are set to release on 8/20 with Grimace soon following after on 8/23.

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's - Farmer's Harvest Garlic Chicken

Stouffer's Farmer's Harvest Garlic Chicken features grilled white meat chicken, cavatappi pasta, asparagus, broccoli, and carrots in a creamy garlic sauce.

A single-serving, 12-ounce bag retails for $4.49 at my local supermarket (sale price usually about $2.50 to $3).

Around the World: The Kit Kat Chunky Peanut Butter Bar

The Canada version. The French gives it away.

So, Kit Kats come in a peanut butter version, but not in the U.S. Instead, it's available up north in Canada and across the Atlantic in the U.K. Sad, right?! It's called the Kit Kat Chunky Peanut Butter.

"Chunky" not because the peanut butter is chunky, but because the bar itself is chunkier than that standard Kit Kat bar and it comes as one big Kit Kat rather than four separable ones.

News: Burger King Offers 50 Cent Vanilla Soft Serve Cones

For a limited time, Burger King is offering their Vanilla Soft Serve Cones for only 50 cents. They're normally around a buck (price varies from location to location).

Not a bad deal to beat the summer heat.

Price and participation may vary.

Review: Carl's Jr. - Sweet Potato Fries

Carl's Jr. Sweet Potato Fries are a new addition to the menu this summer so I popped over to my local Carl's Jr. for a try.

A small order set me back $2.29.

News: Sonic - New Cheesesteak and Chipotle Breakfast Burritos

Sonic is serving two new breakfast burritos for a limited time: the Zesty Cheesesteak Breakfast Burrito and the Smoked Chipotle Breakfast Burrito.

Both are variations of Sonic's existing Steak & Egg Breakfast Burrito.

News: Kraft - Lunchables Now Available with Smoothies

Move over fruit juice! Three varieties of Lunchables now feature Chiquita Strawberry Banana Smoothies.

The smoothies are made with real fruit with no added sugar or sweeteners and count as a 1/2 cup serving of fruit.

Review: El Pollo Loco - Original Pollo Bowl

El Pollo Loco's Original Pollo Bowl features a bowl of seasoned rice and pinto beans topped with flame-grilled chicken breast, onions, cilantro, and pico de gallo.

It's $4.69 a bowl at my local El Pollo Loco restaurant.

News: Nabisco - Two New Belvita Biscuits This Fall

Nabisco is expanding their line of Belvita Breakfast Biscuits just in time for school with new Chocolate and Cinnamon Brown Sugar biscuits.

The whole idea of Belvita is an on-the-go breakfast solution for people with no time or inclination to sit down and enjoy breakfast, which pretty much puts them in competitions with granola bars, cereals bars, Pop Tarts, and the like. They are apparently quite popular in certain countries in Europe.

McDonald's Offers McWings Platter in Hong Kong

McDonald's is offering a limited-time McWings Platter in Hong Kong featuring three different types of McWings: Original, BBQ, and new Smoky Hot.

The McWings Platter comes with 6 pieces (two of each type) for 30 Hong Kong Dollars (~$3.87) a la carte  or 40.80 Hong Kong Dollars (~$5.26) for a combo. The McWings come in a compartmentalized box to keep each variety separate.

News: Caribou Coffee - New Breakfast Sandwiches to Welcome the Fall

With fall slowly approaching, Caribou Coffee is launching three new breakfast sandwiches to their line-up this Friday, August 17, 2012.

The three new sandwiches are pretty self-explanatory. They are: the Maple Bacon, Egg, and Gruyere Wheat Ciabatta (limited-time only), the Spinach, Egg, and Swiss Mini Ciabatta, and the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit.

In addition to the new sandwiches, Caribou will be bringing back their seasonal, fall menu with Pumpkin Lattes, Pumpkin White Chocolate Mochas, new Pumpkin Chais, Pumpkin Breads, and Caramel Apple Crisp Oatmeal. The pumpkin drinks should be improved as Caribou is using a new pumpkin syrup that is made from real pumpkin.

Review: Papa John's - Chicken Strips

Papa John's Chicken Strips feature breaded and baked chicken breast strips.

They come in an order of seven pieces for $5.99. The next size up is 30 pieces for $24.99..

News: Domino's Unveils New Logo and Store Design

Continuing their brand/pizza renovation, Domino's today unveiled a new, simpler logo and a new store design dubbed the "Pizza Theater."

The new logo goes the way of McDonald's and Nike with a simple red and blue domino tile that can be accompanied by text, but doesn't have to be.

News: Pinkberry - New Chocolate Hazelnut Frozen Yogurt

Pinkberry introduces Chocolate Hazelnut as their latest new flavor and suggests a few topping combinations to better complement the new flavor.

The suggested topping combinations are:

- Chocolate Hazelnut Trio - Nutella, strawberry, and banana.

- Chocolate Hazelnut Decadence - dark chocolate crisps and mixed nuts.

Around the World: McDonald's Features Indian-themed Burgers... in Japan

McDonald's is currently cooking up two Indian-themed burgers out in Japan. What makes them Indian-themed? Curry apparently. Oh, and chicken instead of beef, of course, since the cow is sacred to Hinduism and all.

Review: Jack in the Box - Tacos

Jack in the Box Tacos are a common order for many a late night food run. They consist of beef, American cheese, shredded lettuce, and taco sauce in a crunchy corn tortilla.

They are dirt cheap at two for 99 cents.

News: Krispy Kreme - Caramel Apple and Cotton Candy Donuts

Krispy Kreme turns to the county fair for inspiration with the release of their newest limited-time donuts: the Caramel Apple Donut and Cotton Candy Donut.

The Caramel Apple Donut features a glazed, apple-flavored cake donut topped with caramel icing.

The Cotton Candy Donut is an Original Glazed donut dipped in blue cotton candy sugar.

In addition to the new donuts, Krispy Kreme is also debutting two county-fair-themed drinks: the Cotton Candy Chiller and the Caramel Latte.

News: Green Burrito - New Charbroiled Chicken and Steak Torta Sandwiches

Carl's Jr./Green Burrito locations are now serving up new Charbroiled Chicken and Steak Torta Sandwiches.

The Charbroiled Tortas feature your choice of charbroiled chicken or steak, guacamole, pinto beans, shredded cheese, hot sauce, tomato, and shredded lettuce, served on a Mexican-style Telera roll.

The Charbroiled Chicken Torta is available by itself for $3.29 and the Charbroiled Steak Torta is priced at $3.89. The new Tortas are also available as combos with chips or fries and soft drinks. Prices may vary by location.

News: Mountain Dew - New Malt-Flavored Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew is out with a new malt-flavored Mountain Dew soda (isn't malt usually associated with beer and ice cream shakes?). They're calling the first batch Mountain Dew Johnson City Gold after their roots, but it's only in select stores for a limited time and only in the Midwest, Denver, and Charlotte (Mountain Dew was first started in Johnson City, TN).

But don't you fret! Mountain Dew is planning a second batch to release nationwide but they want Mountain Dew fans to name it. Basically, they're inviting fans to visit their website for an opportunity to re-name the soda and re-design the packaging.

Review: Keebler - Fudge & Graham Sandwich Crackers

New Keebler Fudge & Graham Sandwich Crackers feature two graham crackers filled with a thin layer of fudge.

It's $3.19 for an 8-pack of individual-wrapped 1.27-ounce packages.

Review: White Rabbit Creamy Candy

White Rabbit Creamy Candy or White Rabbit Milk Candy is something I used to love as a kid. I saw it at a local Asian supermarket one day and quickly picked a bag up for nostalgia's sake. It's basically a chewy milk-based candy.

A 180g (6.35 ounces) bag was selling for $1.99.

Around the World: Subway Japan Serves Up Coronation Chicken

Subway Japan has been running a British-themed promotion with a few limited-time menu items including Coronation Chicken (which I've honestly never heard of except maybe in passing). The Subway version features a curry sauce that includes tomato paste, white wine, onion, paprika, and chickpeas and is served atop Subway's roast chicken. The sauce can also be added onto other subs.

Have You Seen Goldfish Sandwich Bread?!

Everyone knows about Pepperidge Farm's trademark Goldfish Crackers, but apparently, there's also Goldfish Sandwich Bread! They were introduced last year (2011), but I gotta say, I've never seen them in any of my local supermarkets.

The bread is of the crustless "sandwich thin" variety and are shaped in the mold of giant goldfish crackers, complete with a smile. I imagine kids (and the young at heart) would love these; my nephews already eat plenty of Goldfish Crackers.

Frozen Friday: Red Baron - Thick Pan Meat-Trio Pizza for One

Red Baron's Thick Pan Meat-Trio Pizza is designated as a "Feast for One," which apparently means the two servings listed on the nutritional info is for one person. It features a thick, pan-style pizza topped with sausage, pepperoni, and ham.

A 10.29-ounce pizza retails for around $5.29 but I paid $2.50 for this one on sale.

News: Jamba Juice Adds Greek Yogurt "At Home" Smoothies

Jamba Juice jumps on the Greek yogurt bandwagon and now offers ready-to-blend Greek Yogurt Superfruit Smoothies in your local frozen food aisle.

Jamba "At Home" Greek Yogurt Superfruit Smoothies are available in two varieties: Pomegranate Pick-Me-Up and Acai Super-Antioxidant. They carry a suggested retail price ranging from $3.29 to $3.99 per 8-ounce package. Each package makes two 8-ounce smoothies when blended with apple juice at home.

Review: Klondike - Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches

Klondike's new Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches feature chocolate light ice cream sandwiched between two square chocolate wafers.

A box of six sandwiches retails at my local Ralph's supermarket for $4.99 ($2.99 on sale), but I got this box for free courtesy of Unilever/Klondike.

News: Smucker's - New Maple Bacon Syrup

Just when you though the bacon-flavored food items had stopped, Smucker's Foodservice (that's Smucker's for restaurants, cafes, etc.) produces new Maple Bacon Syrup in sealed 1.4-ounce cups.

They sell these in 100-cup cases if you happen to run a restaurant, cafe, etc. or want to make a request from your local restaurant, cafe, etc. You can also purchase a pallet of 126 cases (I wonder if Costco will be stocking these?).

News: Dairy Queen to Add Orange Julius to All Locations

Previously only joined together at DQ/Orange Julius mall locations, Dairy Queen is looking to shore up their smoothie portfolio by adding Orange Julius smoothies and Julius Originals to all Dairy Queen locations.

With smoothies already offered at such rival chains as Burger King and McDonald's as a healthier option, Dairy Queen looks to muscle in with a recognized brand.

Notably, Wendy's has yet to offer any smoothie options.

News: Taco Bell Offers Happy Hour in Los Angeles Area

Taco Bell restaurants in the Los Angeles market are offering a limited-time Happy Hour promotion. Under the promotion, you can get a regular-sized Frutista Freeze or Limeade Sparkler for 99 cents every day between the hours of 2pm to 5pm.

Both drinks are regularly $2 or more. The Frutista Freeze is a flavored ice slush drink and the Limeade Sparkler is a drink of Sierra Mist, lime juice, and various flavored syrups.

News: El Pollo Loco - New Stuffed Quesadillas

Following on the heels of the limited-time-and-now-gone Pork Carnitas Quesadilla, El Pollo Loco serves up new Stuffed (chicken) Quesadillas. Available in three varieties, the Stuffed Quesadillas feature a Crunchwrap-Supreme-style fold for portable, one-handed eating.

The three flavors are: Chicken, Bacon & Guacamole, Chicken Avocado, and Barbecue Chicken.

Review: Papa John's - Chicken Parmesan Pizza

Papa John's Chicken Parmesan Pizza is their current featured pizza and, as such, is only available for a limited time. It features garlic parmesan and pizza sauce, sliced chicken strips, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and Italian herb seasoning.

As is the norm for Papa John's featured pizza, it costs $10 for a 14-inch large.

News: Burger King - New BK Bacon Burger

In what looks to be an unheralded add to the value menu, Burger King now serves the BK Bacon Burger.

The BK Bacon Burger is simple enough; it features a flame-broiled beef patty, thick-cut hardwood-smoked bacon, mayo, ketchup, and sliced white onions on a toasted sesame seed bun.

It's about the same size as a Burger King Cheeseburger.

News: Burger King - $4.99 King Deals in SoCal

Burger King is running a limited-time promotion in Southern California called "King Deals" where they're offering a different combo during each weekday at a price of $4.99.

Each King Deal comes with you choice of small fries or onion rings, a small soft drink, and a different entree depending on which weekday it is.

The schedule is as follows:

Review: KFC - Mixed Veggies

Mixed Veggies is offered at Southern California KFC restaurants as a healthy alternative to the more KFC-like sides. It's often advertised with KFC's Grilled Chicken. The vegetable mix features a blend of broccoli, green beans, and red bell peppers.

It's $1.89 for an individual-sized order.

Papa John's Offers 50% Off Your Order

Papa John's is offering a 50% discount off menu prices if you enter the discount code "SUMMER50" when ordering through their website. The code is good through this Sunday, August 12, 2012.

Unlike Domino's current promo, which is good for pizza only, Papa John's discount is good on your entire order.

News: Jamba Juice - $1 Smoothies in the Morning till Aug 10

Jamba Juice is offering their 16-ounce smoothies for $1, but only from 9am to 11am through August 10, 2012. (Update: Jamba Juice is extending the promotion through Friday, 8/17/2012)

The offer is also limited to participating locations in California, New York, New Jersey, and Idaho. Fortunately, they've made a list of participating locations online.

My Starbucks is Not This Nice: A Starbucks in Brazil

I thought this was a neat looking Starbucks that recently opened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Between the wave-like ceiling and the blue lighting, there's a nice ocean motif going on that makes me think it's near the sea. So, I looked it up and yup, it's near the ocean. Makes sense, no?

I think it's supposed to feel like you're underneath the ocean maybe?

Review: Wendy's - Kids' Cheeseburger

Wendy's Kids' Cheeseburger is actually different from their Jr. Cheeseburger. It's basically a Jr. Cheeseburger, but without pickles or onions which makes it a really simple combination of a beef patty, American cheese, ketchup, and bun.

A Cheeseburger Kids' Meal goes for $3.69 at my local Wendy's.

News: The Coffee Bean - Bring Morning Receipt for Half-Off

Similar to Starbucks' current Treat Receipt promotion, The Coffee Bean is offering a half-off discount on any Iced or Ice Blended beverage when you bring back a same-day morning receipt after 2PM.

The promotion runs through August 19, 2012.

Like the Starbucks promotion, it's a nice discount if The Coffee Bean is your cafe of choice for your morning coffee.

Domino's Offers 50% Off Pizza This Week - Online Only

Domino's is once again offering their pizzas for 50% off regular menu prices ordered through online orders this week only. The promotion runs through Sunday, August 12, 2012.

Review: Lay's Classic BLT Potato Chips

Lay's Classic BLT Potato Chips feature the familiar taste and crunch of Lay's potato chips with the flavor of a classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato) sandwich.

A 10-ounce bag carries a suggested retail price of $4.29.

Neat! Lavazza Cookie Coffee Cup

Behold the Lavazza Cookie Cup in all it's awesome glory! It's an edible espresso cup that's made to be eaten after the espresso has been finished.

The cup was designed by a collaborative effort between designer Enrique Luis Sardi, the Lavazza Training Centre team, and confectioner Cataldo Parisi.

Around the World: Wendy's Japan Goes Fancy with Lobster and Caviar

To celebrate the opening of their second location in Japan on August 17, 2012, Wendy's will introduce two new burgers to their Japan Premium line of burgers which features  fancy ingredients. Calling it the "Ocean Premium" line, the premium ingredients this time are lobster and caviar and Wendy's is showcasing the fanciness with two burgers and a salad.

The burgers available are the Lobster and Caviar burger and the Surf & Turf burger. Each carries a price tag of 1280 yen or roughly $16.28. A better indicator of relative cost might be the price of a Dave's Hot 'N Juicy Cheeseburger which is 400 yen in Japan or about $5.09.

Review: Good Humor - Reese's Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cups

Good Humor's Reese's Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cups are pretty new to the frozen food aisle of the supermarket. Each "ice cream cup" features peanut butter ice cream swirled with Reese's trademark peanut butter and then dipped in a milk chocolate flavored coating.

A 19.8 fl oz box of six 3.3 fl oz bars retails at $4.29 at my local Ralph's supermarket, but my box was free courtesy of Unilever (the owner of Good Humor brand and world's largest ice cream producer)

A Guide to In-N-Out's Secret Menu

Here's a quick reference to In-N-Out's Secret Menu. It's basically a list of custom orders that customers have ordered enough times to warrant being keyed into their ordering system (most other chains don't have such items in their system so it can be hit or miss if you ask for "secret menu" items. Not so at In-N-Out).

Frozen Friday: Fresh & Easy - Chicken Tikka Masala

Fresh & Easy is like a Trader Joe's crossed with a 7-Eleven. They only have locations in California, Nevada, and Arizona so you may never had heard of it. One of the neat things they have is cheap frozen Indian cuisine including this Chicken Tikka Masala entree.

It cost me only $1.99 for a 10-ounce box featuring roasted white chicken, a spicy curry masala sauce with a side of basmati rice mixed with spinach and carrots.