Umami Burger Joins Pumpkin Spice Latte Craze with New Burger

Joining the effort to pumpkin spice everything, Umami Burger offers up the new Pumpkin Spice Latte Burger. Unlike the popular Starbucks drink, it actually contains pumpkin.

The limited-time burger features a beef patty, pumpkin pie spiced mascarpone cheese, tempura kabocha (also known as Japanese pumpkin), a coffee molasses drizzle, and roasted garlic aioli.

Whole Foods Hosting Free Thanksgiving Tasting on 11/15, 12 - 2 pm

Whole Foods vies for a place on your Thanksgiving spread by hosting a free Thanksgiving Tasting this Saturday, November, 15, 2014 from 12 pm to 2 pm, but only in their Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii stores.

The tasting includes the range of Whole Foods' Thanksgiving offerings, including brined turkey breast and mashed potatoes as well as creme fraiche mashed cauliflower & potatoes. They'll also have employees on hand to discuss recipe planning and, of course, to help with holiday pre-orders.

Here's the list of what they'll be sampling:

Free Coffee at Bruegger's Until 2 pm on November 13, 2014

Bruegger's is offering free coffee at participating locations today, November 13, 2014, until 2 pm. You can choose from whatever brew they have on hand as well as decaf.

They're calling it "Free Coffee Day." It also happens to be World Kindness Day.

Review: Burger King - Four Cheese Whopper

Burger King's Four Cheese Whopper features a quarter-pound beef patty, a slice of American cheese, a shredded, three-cheese blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella, cheddar sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, on a toasted sesame seed bun. It's more or less a standard Whopper with extra cheese/cheese sauce.

It was $4.99 for the burger (which is 40 cents more than a regular Whopper in my neck of the woods).

New Pumpkin Cake at KFC

KFC is offering the new Pumpkin Cake this holiday season as part of their Festive Feast family meals.

The Pumpkin Cake is a one-pound bundt cake drizzled with cream cheese frosting and pumpkin sauce. Beside being available as part of a Festive Feast, it can also be purchased individually for $3.99 (price may vary).

IHOP's 2014 Holiday Menu Includes New Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancakes

IHOP's 2014 Holiday Menu adds new Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancakes this year as well as new Caramel Bon Bon Pancakes.

New Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancakes feature the chain's seasonal pumpkin pancakes filled with cheesecake bites and topped with whipped topping.

Review: Dunkin' Donuts - Croissant Donut

Dunkin’ Donuts’ Croissant Donut features flaky layers of croissant glazed like a donut.

I picked some up at my local store for $2.49 each.

Pizza Hut Offering New Nachos, Burrito, and Quesadilla Pizzas in New Zealand

Pizza Hut offers a decidedly Mexican take on pizza with the launch of new Nacho, Burrito, and Quesadilla pizzas over in New Zealand.

They're calling it their "Mexican Flavor Fiesta" range.

Papa Murphy's Rolls Out New Thick 'N' Cheesy HomeBaked Bread

Papa Murphy's launches a "new and improved" Thick 'n' Cheesy HomeBaked Bread nationwide. The bread is made with fresh-made dough and topped an herb garlic spread and a quarter pound of whole-milk mozzarella cheese.

Review: Sonic Splash Sodas

Sonic Splash is the chain's new, low-cal, made-to-order soda platform. I recently tried the Blackberry-Pineapple, Sunshine Berry (strawberries, peach flavor, and fresh lemon) and Hawaiian Wave (mango syrup, pineapple, and fresh lime) flavors (there's also Peach and Raspberry).

They cost $1.19 each for a small 16-oz cup, but I received them courtesy of Sonic.

Buy One, Get One Free on Starbucks Holiday Drinks, 11/12 to 11/16

Starbucks is offering a buy one, get one free deal on Holiday Drinks starting Wednesday, November 12 through Sunday, November 16, from 2 to 5pm, at participating stores.

Holiday drinks include the Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Egg Nog Latte, Caramel Brulee Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, and Skinny Peppermint Mocha.

Outback Now Lets You Wait in Virtual Line with New Click Thru Seating

Outback Steakhouse now allows guests to access real-time wait time as well as put their name on the waitlist online.

They call it "Click Thru Seating." To use the service, visit Outback.com/seating to view the current wait time at your local participating Outback restaurant and put your name on the wait list for now or later. The idea is that, unlike a reservation, you won't be dropped from the wait list if you're late.

This Bedazzled Starbucks Mug Costs Over $100

For the Starbucks fan in your life that enjoys sparklies of the Swarovski variety, there's this limited-edition bedazzled Swarovski crystal studded, gold-colored stainless steel tumbler from Starbucks this holiday season.

You better really like them though (and they better really like Starbucks) because it'll set you back $109.95 for the Gold Swarovski Tumbler, which comes in a Starbucks-branded sliding wood box.

Review: Church's Chicken - Chicken Fried Steak

Church's Chicken's Chicken Fried Steak features a tenderized steak that's breaded and deep-fried like fried chicken. It comes with a peppery white gravy in a sizable cup on the side.

A large, thin slab of a steak came with two, sides and a biscuit for $3.99.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Shake & Chicken Tortilla Soup Back at Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A has brought back the Peppermint Chocolate Chip Milkshake and Chicken Tortilla Soup as we get closer to winter.

The seasonal holiday shake features the chain's Ice Dream soft serve blended with a milkshake base, peppermint syrup, and red & white dark chocolate peppermint pieces, topped with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.

New Loaded Potato Bowl at KFC

KFC is offering a new variation on their Famous Bowl with the new, limited-time Loaded Potato Bowl.

It features a bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy topped with corn, diced Extra Crispy tenders (since they got rid of Popcorn chicken), a new bacon cheese sauce, green onions, and three cheese blend.

Pizza Hut Rolls Outs New Crusts, New Toppings, New Sauces, and New Look

Calling it their "biggest brand evolution ever," Pizza Hut adds ten new crust flavors, five new toppings, four new drizzles, new Skinny Slice Pizzas, eleven new specialty recipes, and a new logo, box, and uniforms starting Wednesday, November 19th, nationwide. You might remember that I mentioned they might be coming out with new pizzas.

They're calling the new menu, "The Flavor of Now" and with the addition, Pizza Hut touts that there are over 2 billion different combinations to their overall menu.

Here's a breakdown of all the changes (with links to the new ingredients/crusts I've tried so far):

Dewritos is Exactly What You Think It is

Well, I suppose you might guess "Dewritos" are Mountain Dew-flavored Doritos, but they already tried that a few years back as "Doritos Quest." That leaves the opposite.

That's right: Mountain Dew has been taste-testing a Doritos Nacho Cheese-flavored version of Mountain Dew soda on, at least, a few college campuses according to Time.

Review: Trader Joe's - Iced Pumpkin Scone Cookies

Trader Joe's Iced Pumpkin Scone Cookies are new this year and feature glazed pumpkin cake cookies.

An 8-oz box cost me $3.49 and contains two separately wrapped trays of 8 cookies each.

New Post Sugar Cookie Pebbles Cereal for Holidays

Post introduces a limited edition holiday version of their Pebbles cereal this year in new Sugar Cookie Pebbles.

The themed cereal is colored red, green, and white and flavored to match many a decorated holiday cookie this winter.

Coca-Cola Adds New Reduced-Calorie "Life" Version

Coca-Cola is out with a new reduced-calorie or mid-calorie cola that they're calling "Coca-Cola Life." Like Pepsi True, the new cola has a nonsensical name is sweetened with a blend of sugar and natural zero-calorie sweetener stevia rather than high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners.

Review: Beyond Meat - Chicken-Free Strips

Beyond Meat's Chicken-Free Strips are a vegan plant-based protein that purportedly "looks, feels, tastes, and acts like chicken - without the cluck."

I bought a 12-oz package of the lightly-seasoned version for $5.49 from Whole Foods, which is about the same price as cooked chicken strips there.

New Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread

One of America's favorite candies now comes in spreadable form: introducing new Reese's Peanut Butter Chocolate Spread.

Considering that there's already Reese's peanut butter and Reese's peanut butter baking chips, it was only a matter of time before they offered a Nutella-like spread.

New Oreo Churros Coming to an Eatery Near You?

J&J Snack Foods Corp. introduces new Oreo Churros for the foodservice industry. The chocolaty dessert features a "crispy exterior, warm soft interior and Oreo cookie pieces in every bite" for a "just-baked Oreo cookie taste."

Frozen Friday: Chili's Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Chili's Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl frozen meal features grilled white meat chicken with roasted vegetables and a "bold" Fajita sauce on a bed of white rice and black beans.

I got a 10-oz box for $2 on sale.

Burger King Canada Tops Poutine with Burger

Calling it "Poutine a la Burger," Burger King Canada offers regular-menu fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, plus the all the ingredients of their standard hamburger--chopped beef patty, mustard, ketchup, and pickles.

Carl's Jr. Testing French Dip Thickburger

Continuing their penchant for putting meat on meat, Carl's Jr. is testing the new French Dip Thickburger in at least one location in Los Angeles County.

The burger was spotted by a reader out in Stevenson Ranch, CA. The French Dip Thickburger features thin-sliced roast beef, creamy horseradish sauce, and a slice of Swiss cheese atop a charbroiled beef patty with au jus for dipping.

Reference: 2014 Veterans Day Freebies

Here's a handy list of restaurants that are showing appreciation for veterans and active members of the U.S. military with free or discounted food in celebration of Veterans Day, this upcoming Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

Please do keep in mind that most of these offers are good for dine-in only, require proof of service such as a military or VA card or discharge papers, and are at participating locations only.

Here they are in alphabetical order (I've linked to the appropriate pages on the restaurants' respective websites, where applicable):

Review: Jack in the Box - Southwest Monster Taco

Jack in the Box's Southwest Monster Taco is an extra-long taco shell filled with seasoned meat, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, grilled onions, and Southwest sauce.

I picked one up for $1.79

Spice Box Chicken Coming Soon to Popeyes

Something called "Spice Box Chicken" looks to be the next limited-time chicken entree coming to Popeyes. 

I spotted this small poster touting its arrival at one of my local restaurants.

Burger King Comes Up with New Four Cheese Whopper

Burger King's latest iteration of their signature Whopper is the new Four Cheese Whopper. The four cheeses involved are American, cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.

Dunkin' Donuts Pouring New Cookie-flavored Coffees

Dunkin' Donuts is going with two new cookie-flavored coffees heading into the holiday season. Eschewing the more traditional gingerbread, they're going with new Sugar Cookie Lattes and new Snickerdoodle Cookie Lattes. Peppermint Mocha coffees and lattes are also available.

Arby's Debuts New Montreal Angus and Portabella Sandwich

Arby's latest this fall is the new Montreal Angus and Portabella sandwich, which features the Montreal steak seasoning, thin-sliced Angus steak, and fire-roasted portabella mushrooms on a sub roll. Accompanying the namesake ingredients are Vermont cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and garlic aioli.

Review: Yoshinoya - Angus Steak

Yoshinoya's Angus Steak features grilled, sliced Angus steak with a "sweet, savory sauce," topped with sesame seeds and green onions (you can request it without as well).

The steak was being offered in a regular bowl for $5.39 or $6.69 in a combo bowl. I went for the combo bowl.

$1 Holiday Beverages at The Coffee Bean on 11/6 from 2 to 6 pm

The Coffee Bean kicks off their 2014 holiday drink menu with a $1 deal good for a small holiday beverage on Thursday, November 6, from 2 to 6 pm, at participating locations.

In the spirit of giving, The Coffee Bean will be donating all proceeds from the promo that day to The Help Group.

This year's holiday drink menu is available through December 29th and includes:

Schlotzsky's Adds Gluten-Free Bun Option

Schlotzsky's adds a gluten-free bun option to their sandwiches for potential customers who have an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten (plus those who are just avoiding gluten as part of a diet).

The gluten-free buns are made by Udi's and carry a suggested upcharge of $1.50 (may vary).

Review: Wawa's - Hot Turkey Gobbler

Wawa’s Hot Turkey Gobbler features turkey smothered with gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce all on one freshly baked roll.

I purchased the Shorti (6 inch) version for $4.39.

Burger King Selling Whoppers on eBay Prior to Launch in India

Ahead of the opening of their first restaurant in India, Burger King looks to generate some buzz by pre-selling their Whoppers on eBay so that customers can pre-book their Whopper of choice before picking it up during the grand opening, while scoring a free T-shirt at the same time.

They're calling it the "eBay Whopper Shopper" promotion.

McDonald's Testing Build-Your-Own-Combos

McDonald's is testing build-your-own combos out in San Antonio, TX that let customers mix and match entrees with different side options beyond the standard fries and a fountain drink.

New Doritos in Japan are Shaped like Christmas Trees and Taste Like Soup

Playing on a Christmas theme, Frito-Lay is releasing new Doritos tortilla chips in Japan that are green, shaped like Christmas trees, and taste like soup.

Review: Popeyes - Spiced Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Pie

Popeyes' Spiced Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Pie features a deep-fried, individual turnover-style pie with a flaky crust and a combination of spiced pumpkin and cream cheese filling.

I bought one for 99 cents.

Starbucks 2014 Holiday Drink Menu

It seems a bit early, but Starbucks trots out the familiar trio of the Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, and Caramel Brulee Latte in red cups for the 2014 Holiday Drink Menu.

The Eggnog Latte is back but only in the Pacific Northwest plus western and central Canada according to the Starbucks website (Update 11/5/14: Due to consumer demand/feedback, the Eggnog Latte will be available at most stores starting November 17, 2014. Additionally, the company is also working on getting Gingerbread Lattes back to stores in the Pacific Northwest).

Popeyes' Cajun Turkeys Now Available for 2014

Popeyes is once again taking orders for Cajun-Style Turkeys this fall. The Thanksgiving birds are marinated with the chain's signature blend of Louisiana seasonings, slow-roasted, and then flash-fried for a crispy coating.

Wendy's Discontinues Waffle Cones and Shakes

Frosty Shakes and Waffle Cones are off the menu at Wendy's. A spokesperson for the chain confirmed to me that they removed the items at the tail end of September.

If they're still offering them at your local Wendy's, they're probably going through the last of their supply of syrup and cones, so get it while you can.

Baskin-Robbins' November 2014 Flavor of the Month Honors Military

Baskin-Robbins goes with a military theme for November's Flavor of the Month (because it's Veterans Day soon!). The new flavor is called "First Class Camouflage" and it features a mottled green-, brown-, and tan-colored blend of Chocolate-, Salty Caramel-, and Cake-flavored ice creams.

Review: Taco Bell - Doritos Cheesy Gordita Crunch

Taco Bell's Doritos Cheesy Gordita Crunch features seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, and Pepper Jack sauce inside of a crunchy Doritos taco shell (choose from Fiery, Nacho Cheese, and Cool Ranch), which is then placed inside of a fluffy Gordita shell whose inner surface is covered in a melted 3-cheese blend.

I ordered the Nacho Cheese version via their new mobile app for $2.69.

Pizza Hut Introduces New Honey Sriracha Wings

Like many a fast food chain, Pizza Hut joins the sriracha club with the addition of new Honey Sriracha Wings at participating locations.

McDonald's Shows You How a McRib is Made

McDonald's wants to shows you how a McRib is made in the latest video from their recent food transparency campaign.

The footage features Grant Imahara, formerly of Mythbusters, as well as Wes Bellamy, a self-described "McDonald's skeptic," as they visit one of the factories where McRib patties are made.

Sonic Offers New Made-to-Order, Low-Calorie Sodas

Sonic rolls out a new low-cal, made-to-order drink platform that they're calling Sonic Splash Hand-Crafted Sodas. The new drinks feature carbonated water as well as fruit and fruit flavors.

Starbucks to Sell $200 Sterling Silver Cards for Holidays

Starbucks plans to offer a limited amount of special edition Sterling Silver Starbucks Cards as a fancy gift for that Starbucks superfan in your life.

The mini cards are fashioned out of sterling silver and cost $200 a piece. They are pre-loaded with $50 so you're basically paying $150 for a silver key chain. The cards each come in a red snap pouch which, in turn, is packaged inside of a red gift box with a bow.