News: Pei Wei - New Menu Items and New Small Size Option

Pei Wei Asian Diner rolls out some new menu items to start the year as well as a new "small" option on their entree sizes.

The newly available items include new Thai Lime & Chili, Ginger Orange Edamame, Szechuan Green Beans, and Wok Roasted Vegetable Salad.

Available for a limited time, Thai Lime & Chili features Thai lime pineapple chili sauce and Fresno chile peppers and a choice of protein (chicken, steak, shrimp, or tofu). It's available with rice or as a salad.

News: White Castle - Valentine's Day Dinner Once Again Offered for 2014

In an annual tradition, the White Castle Valentine's Day dinner is once again accepting reservations for this year's Valentine's Day festivities on February 14, 2014.

Available only at select locations (you can find the list of locations here), the event includes new menu items, tableside service, photo ops, and themed decorations. Specially available menu items for the dinner include Cheesecake-on-a-Stick and Shrimp Nibblers.

Review: Trader Joe's - Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Butter Cookies

Trader Joe's... er Trader Jacque's Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Butter Cookies are made in France and feature salted caramel covered in milk chocolate, affixed onto a thin butter cookie.

A 5.64-ounce box was $3.99.

Around the World: Wendy's Singapore - Christmas Cranberry Burger

It's a little bit late but last month, Wendy's was offering the new Christmas Cranberry Burger out in Singapore.

The burger came with either a grilled chicken breast fillet or beef patty along with turkey bacon, iceberg lettuce, tomato, and cranberry sauce.

News: New Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Creamers at Grocery Stores

Dunkin' Donuts now offers Dunkin' Donut Coffee Creamers at grocery stores currently. The creamers are being produced by WhiteWave Foods under a licensing agreement and are made with milk and cream.

Around the World: Taco Bell Philippines Offers Taco Filled with Bacon

Apparently, Taco Bell recently starting offering First Meal (breakfast) in the Philippines, but instead of the vanilla First Meal they're rolling out here, they get Bacon First Meal!

Review: General Mills - Cinnamon Toast Crunch Treats

General Mills' Cinnamon Toast Crunch Treats are a cereal bar version of the cinnamon-sugar that's bound together with corn syrup and dipped and drizzled with a creamy "confectionery coating."

A 5.1-ounce box contains 6 bars and I found this one for 90 cents on clearance.

Around the World: Krispy Kreme Australia - New Aussie Thong Donuts

Krispy Kreme Australia is celebrating Australia Day on January 26 (analogous to Independence Day here in the States) by offering new, limited-time Aussie Thong Donuts... as in thong sandals and not the other thong.

News: Snyder's of Hanover - New Sweet and Salty Pretzel Pieces

Following the trend for more sweet and salty snacks, Snyder's of Hanover now offers new Cinnamon Sugar and Salted Caramel varieties of their Flavored Pretzel Pieces.

Sweet and Salty Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Pieces feature cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on lightly-salted sourdough pretzel pieces.

Frozen Friday: Tyson - Buffalo Mini Grilled Chicken Sandwiches

Tyson's Buffalo Mini Grilled Chicken Sandwiches are basically grilled chicken sliders with Buffalo seasoning on the chicken patties.

A 10-ounce box comes with four mini sandwiches wrapped in packs of two. I found this box on sale for $3.

News: Panera Bread - Featured 2014 Winter Menu

Panera Bread has a few new items to kick off the new year for their featured 2014 Winter Menu.

Here's what's new this winter:

Triple Berry Scone - A cream-based scone made with dried strawberries and blueberries plus raspberry-flavored chips. To finish, there's a light glaze of white icing and half & half.

News: TGI Fridays - Two New Under 500-Calorie Dishes

TGI Fridays' new entrees to start the new year are Sizzling Chicken & Spinach and Sizzling Sirloin & Spinach.

Both come in at under 500 calories and are offered as part of Fridays' "Pick 2 for $10" value menu, where you can choose an entree and an appetizer from a select list for $10.

News: Chili's - New Fresh Mex Bowls

Chili's introduces new Fresh Mex Bowls as part of their new Fresh Mex Menu. The Tex-Mex-inspired menu features some regular menu items as well as some new ones.

Review: Jack in the Box - Egg White and Turkey Breakfast Sandwich

Jack in the Box's Egg White and Turkey Breakfast Sandwich features a grilled slice of turkey, tomato, American cheese, and egg whites on a plain burger bun.

I picked one up for $1.99.

News: Cookie Dough and Marshmallow Crispy Oreos Coming February

Nabisco is set to unleash two new, limited-edition flavors of the US's number one-selling cookie this February with the introduction of new Cookie Dough Oreos and Marshmallow Crispy Oreos.

In case you're wondering what a Marshmallow Crispy is, it's what they've chosen to call what most would know as a "Rice Krispy Treat."

News: Taco Bell - XXL Steak Nachos Returns

Along with the launch of two new Grillers, XXL Steak Nachos are back for a limited time at Taco Bell.

The roughly one-pound offering features tortilla chips topped with refried beans, three-cheese blend, warm nacho cheese sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, reduced-fat sour cream, and steak.

Review: Burger King - Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Burger King's new Spicy Chicken Sandwich is a spicy version of their Original Chicken Sandwich. It comes with the same lettuce, mayo, and long sesame bun, but adds a little bit of heat to the breading with black pepper and cayenne.

It's typically $3.99 in my area, but I bought two sandwiches for $5 under the current deal.

News: Denny's - New $4 Breakfast Sandwiches

Denny's is highlighting the humble breakfast sandwich to start the new year with new $4 Breakfast Sandwiches.

Around the World: McDonald's Singapore - New Lychee Chocolate Frappe

Over in Singapore, McDonald's is going with the odd pairing of lychee and chocolate for their new, limited-time McCafe Litchi Coco Frappe. While Lychee tends to go well with other fruit, the pairing with chocolate in an ice-blended beverage doesn't sound too promising.

News: Jelly Belly - New Beer-Flavored Jelly Beans

Jelly Belly debuts the world's first beer-flavored jelly bean with new Draft Beer Flavor jelly beans. Inspired by the brand's German roots, they aimed for a Hefeweizen ale flavor.

According to Jelly Belly, "beer has been a highly-requested flavor for decades" and the beer flavor took about three years to perfect. The new variety should come as no surprise from the company that brought us popcorn-flavored jelly beans.

Review: Jack in the Box - Criss-Cut Sweet Potato Fries

Jack in the Box's new, limited-time Criss-Cut Sweet Potato Fries are lightly seasoned and battered.

An order was $2.19.

Around the World: Burger King Singapore - New Striking Gold Burgers

Burger King Singapore celebrates the Lunar New Year by offering new, limited-time Striking Gold Burgers. Gold as in cheese that is...

The two new sandwiches offer a trifecta of cheese: nacho, Swiss, and American cheeses. Along for the ride are either double fish or double beef patties, onions, and a sesame seed bun.

News: McDonald's - New Chocolate Covered Strawberry Frappe

McDonald's launches the new Chocolate Covered Strawberry Frappe this week (although some locations have it early... and some will have it late).

The frozen beverage features a mocha-coffee frappe base blended with ice and chocolate chips and strawberry-flavored syrup, topped with whipped cream and a strawberry drizzle.

News: Burger King - New Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Burger King now offers a spicy version of their Original Chicken Sandwich plainly named the "Spicy Chicken Sandwich" 

The new sandwich takes the white-meat long chicken patty of the Original Chicken Sandwich and takes it up a notch by adding cayenne and black pepper for some heat. The rest is the standard mayo and shredded lettuce on a long sesame seed bun.

Review: Del Taco - Bacon & Egg Quesadilla

Del Taco's Bacon & Egg Quesadilla is a flour tortilla folded over scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, and just a bit of green sauce, and then grilled flat.

I bought one for $2.19 at 1:32 in the morning because that's when you go to Del Taco (plus they start serving breakfast at 11 pm; some locations serve breakfast all day).

News: McDonald's China - New Red Sausage Pork Burger Plus Shrimp & Chicken Sandwich

McDonald's China welcomes the new year and adds some Chinese flair to the menu with the new, limited-time Red Sausage Pork Burger as well as the Chestnut Grilled Chicken with Shrimp Sandwich.

News: Church's Chicken - New Honey Buffalo BBQ Sauce

Church's Chicken is offering a new sauce to dip their Tender Strips in: Honey Buffalo BBQ Sauce. They've also brought back Purple Pepper Sauce for a limited time.

Honey Buffalo BBQ Sauce is a spicy, tangy, smoky buffalo sauce with a hint of honey sweetness, while Purple Pepper Sauce is a sweet and spicy jalapeno jelly sauce.

News: Lay's - "Do Us A Flavor" Contest Returns for 2014

Lay's is once again inviting fans to submit their ideas for potato chip flavors for the chance to win $1 million and see it on the shelves with their second "Do Us A Flavor" contest.

Review: Post - Xtremely Chocolatey Cocoa Pebbles

Post's Xtremely Chocolatey Cocoa Pebbles is a souped-up, limited-time version of the chocolate-flavored crisped rice cereal that purports to turn your milk "Xtremely Chocolatey!"

It's around $2.99 for a 15-ounce box but I received this courtesy of Post.

News: Mountain Dew - New Nighttime Flavors of Kickstart Drink

Mountain Dew Kickstart morning soda is now dipping its foot into nighttime territory with the introduction of two evening flavors: Black Cherry and Limeade.

The nighttime sodas pair the taste of Mountain Dew with a little bit (5%) of fruit juice plus "electrolytes for taste." (what?) Like the morning version, they come in 16-ounce cans and come in at 80 calories per can.

News: Hershey's - New Chocolate Spreads

Hershey's is looking to challenge Nutella hazelnut spread with the launch of Hershey's Spreads, a new line of chocolate spreads that's available in three flavors: Chocolate, Chocolate with Almonds, and Chocolate with Hazelnut.

News: Taco Bell - New Chili Cheese Fries and Chipotle Ranch Chicken Loaded Grillers

Taco Bell will be introducing two new flavors of their Loaded Grillers this Thursday, January 23, 2014. The new flavors are Chili Cheese Fries and Chipotle Ranch Chicken.

The Chili Cheese Fries Loaded Griller features chili, crispy potato bites, and warm nacho cheese sauce, wrapped up in a tortilla and grilled.

Review: Trader Joe's - Cowboy Bark

Trader Joe's Cowboy Bark is something new this season featuring dark chocolate with toffee, pretzels, Joe Joe cookies, peanuts, almonds, and a sprinkling of salt.

A 9-ounce package was $3.69.

News: Sonic - $1 Popcorn Chicken on January 21

Apparently there's a National Popcorn Day (seriously, who decides these days?) and Sonic will be celebrating it on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 by offering their snack-sized Jumbo Popcorn Chicken for $1.

The 4-ounce snack-size typically goes for $3.19 (may vary) and you can choose from Spicy or Regular flavors.

News: 7-Eleven - New Egg White Breakfast Sandwich

7-Eleven starts the new year by throwing their hat into the egg white (and better-for-you) arena with the introduction of their new Egg White Breakfast Sandwich.

Weighing in at 180 calories, the new offering features egg whites, Canadian bacon, and cheddar cheese on a whole wheat English muffin for $1.99 each.

News: Starbucks Testing Tiramisu Latte

In what could be next year's Caramel Flan Latte, Starbucks is testing a new Tiramisu Latte at Starbucks stores in St. Louis and Jacksonville (Florida, not Illinois sorry).

The dessert/drink features espresso, steamed milk, and a creamy mascarpone sauce/syrup, topped with a dusting of cocoa espresso powder. Like most Starbucks espresso-based drinks, it's available hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino.

Frozen Friday: Michael Angelo's - Spaghetti and Meatballs

Michael Angelo's Spaghetti and Meatballs frozen meal features beef Italian-style meatballs and vine-ripened tomatoes.

I picked up this 11-ounce meal for $3.00 on sale.

News: Arby's - Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake Returns

Arby's Mint Chocolate Swirl Shake Returns for a limited-time this winter. The shake features mint chocolate syrup blended with a vanilla shake base with a chocolate swirl inside the cup for decoration, and finished with whipped cream, and broken pieces of Andes Mints.

Around the World: Taco Bell India - New Double Crunchwrap

Taco Bell Crunchwrap fans might want to look to India for inspiration as they recently introduced the new Double Crunchwrap over there.

While it might be called a Double Crunchwrap, it's actually a triple-layered Crunchwrap (just like the regular Crunchwrap actually has two separated layers).

News: Taco Bell Adds Six New Fountain Drinks for 2014

Taco Bell ups their fountain drink selection by a full six new faces this year.

The new drinks are Manzanita Sol, Diet Mountain Dew Baja Blast, Mountain Dew Sangrita Blast, Brisk Mango Fiesta, Brisk Iced Tea  & Lemon, and zero-calorie SoBe Lifewater Yumberry Pomegranate.

Review: Pizza Hut - New Hand-Tossed Pizza

Pizza Hut's new Hand-Tossed Pizza promises a "lighter, airier crust topped with real cheese made from mozzarella and brushed with a garlic buttery flavor." They're so sure people will like it that they're offering a limited-time, free pizza guarantee, where your next pizza is free if you don't "love it" (details here).

I picked up a large Super Supreme Hand-Tossed Pizza for $10 (under the popular $10 "any size, any toppings" deal).

News: Panda Express - Free Firecracker Chicken Breast on January 31st

Panda Express will be celebrating Chinese New Year by offering guests free single servings of Firecracker Chicken Breast on Friday, January 31, 2014, a seasonal menu item brought back for Chinese New Year.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin

Dunkin' Donuts introduces a new Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin this month. It's a banana-flavored muffin interspersed with chocolate chips, topped with sanding sugar and chocolate icing drizzle.

The muffins go for around $1.49 each (may vary).

The chain also continues to offer new Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. The seasonal drink was introduced last month for those who desire a sweet and salty combo.

News: Pizza Hut - New, Revamped Hand-Tossed Pizza

Pizza Hut has gone back to the drawing board with their Hand-Tossed pizza and now offers a new version featuring a "lighter, airier crust topped with real cheese made from mozzarella and brushed with a garlic buttery flavor."*

Review: Einstein Bros. - Thintastic Bagels

Plain Bagel on the left, Everything Bagel on the right

Einstein Bros' new Thintastic Bagels are thinner, lower calorie versions of their regular bagels (i.e. they're bagel thins). They're available in Plain, Whole Wheat, and Everything (topped with a blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion, garlic, caraway seeds, and salt).

I tried the Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese, while The Woman tried the plain bagel with Garlic Herb Schmear. They're normally $2.65 each with Schmear (but were free because they were giving them away today to promote the new bagels).

News: Tropical Smoothie Cafe - New Coconut Curry Chicken Wrap and Coconut Lime Chicken Salad

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is going with a somewhat contrarian Hawaiian theme this winter with the introduction of the new Coconut Curry Chicken Wrap and Coconut Lime Chicken Salad.

News: Starbucks - Via Latte Taste Challenge Sampling Event

Starbucks wants you to try their new new instant Via Lattes and will be offering free sampling of the new instant coffee starting Thursday, January 16th through Sunday, 19th at participating Starbucks stores nationwide. The idea is to see if you can tell the difference from their handcrafted lattes.

Review: Corner Bakery Cafe - Avocado & Spinach Power Panini Thin

Corner Bakery's Avocado & Spinach Power Panini Thin features fresh avocado and spinach, scrambled eggs, and Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, on thinly-sliced whole grain harvest toast. Salsa is available on the side by request.

The sandwich came out to $3.49 (which is like dirt cheap for fast casual fare).

News: Bruegger's Bagels - Winter 2014 Menu

Bruegger's Bagels' 2014 winter menu is anchored by two new sandwiches: The Big Easy, featuring a taste of New Orleans, and the Turkey with a Twist, which offers a sweet, savory, bold, and mild taste profile. Both feature a new sriracha mustard inspired by the Sriracha Egg sandwich first introduced last year.

News: Carvel - New Mint Flavor

Carvel ice cream shops have introduced a new mint flavor to start the new year.

Available through March 31, 2014, the new flavor can be found as Mint soft serve, Oreo Mint ice cream, or Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream.

The flavor is also featured in the new Oreo Mint Sundae Dasher. The dessert meant for on-the-go eating features Mint soft serve with Oreo cookie piece, drizzled with fudge and topped with whipped cream.