Tag: Fast Food

REVIEW: Burger King Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Brandon 6 Comments

Burger King Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich Whole

Despite its godawful name, I liked the Ch’King. While it wasn’t Popeyes-level delicious (I mean, what is), it was better than many other fast food chicken sandwiches. But, as with my appreciation for McDonald’s short-lived Arch Deluxe, I was in the minority and the Burger King fat cats 86’d it. So it goes. In its place is the Royal Crispy Chicken line, which, I guess is “Royal” because of the whole “King” thing.

Between us, it just seems to be a pretty standard chicken sandwich patty.

First, I’ll tell you some things I liked about Burger King’s new Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

The chicken patty was quite large. Two of its edges hung off the side of the bun, which, as we all know, is a generally agreeable quality in a chicken sandwich. (Well, okay, provided you want to actually EAT said chicken patty.)

Burger King Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich Split

Further, this large chicken patty was not dry. I’d stop short of calling it juicy, but I’ve had much drier chicken patties from the King and his many competitors.

And finally, the “marinara sauce” that lightly adorned the sandwich was definitely recognizable as an Italian red sauce, and not just like ketchup with some oregano.

That’s it. Those were the three things I liked: the big piece of chicken wasn’t bone dry and it had a little Prego on it.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement, I know. But then again, if I didn’t like it, I guess I shouldn’t give it a ringing endorsement, right?

Burger King Italian Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich top

Here’s my main complaint with this chicken sandwich: it was completely uninspired. Yes, it was problematic that the execution and ingredients were lackluster; the big-and-not-dry patty was bland and void of any real flavor; the marinara was indistinguishable from a jarred supermarket spaghetti sauce; and the long slice of mozzarella was, for lack of a better word, floppy and tasted like white American cheese.

But aside from the poor ingredients, were we as consumers really clamoring for another burger baron’s take on an Italian chicken sandwich? It feels like everyone trots theirs out every couple of years and none of them are ever very well received, and they eventually fade into the lost land of LTOs, where they silently remain for a handful of years before bursting back onto the scene with an un-triumphant flourish.

I mean, if you’re gonna do it, maybe try something interesting like Wendy’s with its Deep Fried Mozzarella Disc. Or what about doing something with Alfredo sauce instead? But also, do I really want to eat Alfredo sauce from Burger King? And why am I asking so many questions?!

In the end, this sandwich will fade from memory, just as the universe intended. If you liked it, I’m sorry. Take solace in the fact that it will be back again in a year or two, just the way you remembered it.

Purchased Price: $5.49
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 533 calories, 21 grams of fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 5.4 grams of saturated fat, 78 mg of cholesterol, 1641 milligrams of sodium, 57 grams of total carbohydrates, 8 grams of sugars, 9 grams of fiber, and 33 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Wendy’s Peppermint Frosty

Vin 15 Comments

Wendy s Peppermint Frosty Cup

My gym’s cardio room stares directly at a Wendy’s – dead central, right in your face, can’t miss it.

There’s no better cardiovascular inspiration than accepting that you’re almost certainly getting fast food the minute your workout is over. It’s embarrassing how many times I’ve tricked my brain into pretending a 6-piece nugget is just as good as a protein shake.

It’s all good, though, because staring at that building has propelled me to run* 12 miles** at a time in preparation. (*walk **1.5 miles.)

Anyway, a few days ago, while plodding along at breakneck speeds upwards of 4, and fighting the inevitable call of that redheaded siren, I noticed Wendy’s had an entirely new seasonal menu. There were new burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and the pièce de résistance – a Peppermint Frosty.

That’s… kinda like a protein shake. There’s milk, right? Naturally, I immediately fired up my app and had one ready and waiting.

While I found Wendy’s recent Strawberry Frosty to be “mid,” I gotta say, its Peppermint Frosty is a Yuletide miracle. Whereas “mid” meant “meh” in Strawberry’s case, I’ll use it here as the ultimate compliment. The Peppermint Frosty is a perfect middle ground between vanilla and mint-flavored ice creams.

I’m a mint ice cream lover, but I feel it can sometimes start to taste like you’re chewing gum after a couple of scoops. This had just enough peppermint flavor to balance off the vanilla base.

Wendy s Peppermint Frosty Top

The texture was everything I wanted a Frosty to be – not quite shake, not quite ice cream, with enough tiny ice crystals for that distinctly gritty Frosty consistency.

The faint pink color is even a midway point between a Vanilla Frosty and the Pepto-esque Strawberry.

This Frosty is perfectly balanced, as all things should be. If Thanos had one, he would’ve never snapped. I genuinely think everyone will enjoy this. Some might say the peppermint flavor isn’t big enough, but ya know what I say? If you want a mint bomb, brush your teeth!

Wendy s Peppermint Frosty Spoon

Actually, brush your teeth anyway. Proper hygiene is always encouraged, and this is so good even the 5th dentist agreed he enjoyed it.

I’m ready to put the Peppermint Frosty on my Wendy’s Mount Run-more. There’s no doubt I’ll have a few more of these after my rigorous sprints (slightly inclined walks), but I won’t even feel guilty about it.

Wendy s Peppermint Frosty Bottom Cup

This will almost certainly be a limited holiday release, which is a shame, but the recent new Frosty flavor drops are very encouraging. I hope Wendy takes a cue from the Oreo and Kit-Kats of the world and puts out a unique Frosty flavor every month moving forward. I know international Wendy’s have dabbled. Give us a Peanut Butter Frosty. Salted Caramel. Banana! Whatever! Just keep ’em coming.

Add a topping bar while you’re at it. I’m still waiting for Wendy’s HQ to hit me up about my brilliant “Wendy’s Blendies” idea. This Peppermint Frosty is an all-timer, but it may be even better with little crunchy candy cane bits.

Ok, time for me to get back to “the gym.”

Purchased Price: $1.89
Size: Small
Rating: 10 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 330 calories, 7 grams of fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 35 mg of cholesterol, 130 milligrams of sodium, 58 grams of total carbohydrates, 50 grams of sugars, 0 grams of fiber, 7 grams of protein.

REVIEW: McDonald’s Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese

Marvo 11 Comments

McDonald’s Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese is like a combination of two other Quarter Pounder varieties — Quarter Pounder Deluxe and Quarter Pounder Bacon – but with the usual condiments kicked to the curb, the pickles punched out of the park, and the onions out of the picture.

The latest Quarter Pounder variation features a beef patty, two American cheese slices, applewood smoked bacon, Roma tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a new smoky sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun. It’s also available with two beef patties.

Before seeing pictures of this burger, I thought because of the “smoky” in its name that it would have a barbecue sauce. But as you can see in the photos, the smoky sauce looks like mayonnaise or ranch dressing. Its tangy and smoky flavor makes it similar to a bacon-flavored ranch dressing, but it doesn’t have a strong flavor even though it’s on both buns.

Is the sauce tasty enough that I’d want it on every McDonald’s burger? I’m not sure because I feel it’s there specifically to enhance the bacon’s flavor, much like the hot fudge in the new Oreo Fudge McFlurry enhances the chocolatey cookie crumbles. So putting it in burgers that don’t have bacon might not work. Speaking of the pork, I loved biting into the slices I had in mine. They were thick, salty, meaty, slightly crispy, and, as I’ve experienced with the regular bacon Quarter Pounder, paired well with the beef patty.

The lettuce was crunchy, somewhat green, and fell out from the burger like it was pretending to be in a Big Mac. As for the Roma tomatoes, two bright red slices added a slightly sweet and acidic bite. While eating the burger, I forgot two American slices were in it because my taste buds didn’t notice them. Instead, they ended up more focused on the bacon and smoky sauce.

Overall, McDonald’s Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese is a tasty variation of its classic burger, and it successfully makes me think of a BLT. I do believe its name is more of a mouthful than the burger itself, but I guess I should be glad that it’s not the McDonald’s Smoky Bacon Lettuce Tomato Quarter Pounder with Pasteurized Process American Cheese.

Purchased Price: $7.99*
Size: n/a
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 770 calories, 51 grams of fat, 18 grams of saturated fat, 115 milligrams of cholesterol, 1410 milligrams of sodium, 41 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 9 grams of sugar, and 36 grams of protein.

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.

REVIEW: McDonald’s Oreo Fudge McFlurry

Marvo 1 Comment

McDonald s Oreo Fudge McFlurry Cup

The “Customize” button that appears with most menu items when ordering from the McDonald’s app opens up various ingredients and options you can add that don’t come standard. Want your fries with MORE salt? That’s an option. Want to turn an inexpensive McDonald’s hamburger into something that costs twice as much with the addition of bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes? You can do that, moneybags. The “Customize” button also allows you to order McDonald’s limited time only Oreo Fudge McFlurry long after it’s gone.

Before being an official menu item, I could order an Oreo McFlurry with hot fudge sauce for an extra 35 cents, which ends up being slightly more expensive than what I paid for this official version.

While it’s not the most unique McFlurry idea I’ve stuffed into my face, I still think it’s a delicious treat. How could hot fudge in an Oreo McFlurry not be delicious?

McDonald s Oreo Fudge McFlurry Spoon

Mine was mixed well, and every spoonful had a bunch of crunchy Oreo crumbles. The cookies add a bit of a darker chocolate flavor than what the hot fudge does. Also, because the topping is mixed into the ice cream, its flavor doesn’t come through as it does with a hot fudge sundae.

McDonald s Oreo Fudge McFlurry Top

Also, I miss the fudge’s gooey texture, which isn’t there beyond whatever got flurried onto the inside of the lid. Instead, all the chocolatey topping does is enhance the Oreo flavor, which isn’t a bad thing at all.

McDonald s Oreo Fudge McFlurry Spoon Cinn Roll

Since McDonald’s didn’t put much thought into this treat, I decided to put as much effort into enhancing it one step further. Thanks to a birthday surprise through the McDonald’s app, I could get a free cinnamon roll. So I decided to combine the two treats, thinking it would be awesome. It ended up being okay because the cinnamon roll overpowered the ice cream and cookies. They’re definitely better apart.

With the McDonald’s Oreo Fudge McFlurry, I guess we finally got a McDonald’s Menu Hack that doesn’t involve us having to put it together on our own. It’s available for a limited time, and it’s definitely worth a try while it’s around or when it becomes the slightly more expensive McDonald’s Oreo McFlurry with hot fudge sauce that you can get by tapping the “Customize” button.

SIDE NOTE: It seems while the Oreo Fudge McFlurry is available, it’s not possible to customize a regular Oreo McFlurry with hot fudge sauce. Makes sense. But you can add caramel topping to one. Maybe an Oreo Caramel McFlurry is in our future?

Purchased Price: $4.39
Size: Regular
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 630 calories, 20 grams of fat, 12 grams of saturated fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 340 milligrams of sodium, 99 grams of carbohydrates, 77 grams of sugar, 3 grams of fiber, and 14 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Wendy’s Garlic Fries

Karen 2 Comments

Wendy s Garlic Fries Tray

Garlic can be a tricky ingredient to work with. First, you’ve got to peel off all the pieces of that weird, paper-thin husk that never wants to separate, and then you have to try not to lose all the incredibly tiny pieces you get when you mince it, then you have to decide how much of it will complement your dish without blowing out your taste buds. This is kind of a shame because garlic is supposedly very healthy — not just useful for keeping away vampires — and, of course, it’s quite delicious. Now, with Wendy’s Garlic Fries, I can let little Miss Wendy put on a chef’s hat over her little red pigtails and handle all the garlic wrangling herself.

Come to think of it, do you ever wish we knew more about Wendy? I would totally rock a comic strip all about Wendy and how she passes the time waiting for fries to finish cooking. Wendy’s, if you’re listening, I can put together a package of concept sketches at a moment’s notice. I will accept payment in the form of chocolate Frosties. Not vanilla.

Wendy s Garlic Fries First

ANYWAY, the fries come in one of those attractive little covered trays to keep the fries hot, which I appreciate; all fries are better hot, but that is especially true for these, because no one wants cold garlic. The taste begins with a note of parmesan -— not surprising considering that Wendy’s lists three different cheeses in the recipe for the garlic sauce. Then the garlic takes over, and it’s assertive. I kept thinking of garlic knots, but that association actually started working against my enjoyment of the fries.

Garlic knots are usually soaked with oil — or at least that’s how my local pizza joints prepare them. So the knots are, above all, moist; these fries were not. Even though the garlic seasoning (with some cheese seasoning included in the mix) was plentiful, I felt like I was missing the moisture of a garlic knot, or even of a slice of pizza, another food where I generally consume garlic as part of the experience.

Wendy s Garlic Fries Second

Puzzled and sure I must be missing something, I tried the fries another day. This time, the fries were thoroughly enrobed in the sauce, and the whole thing worked the way it was meant to: with copious amounts of grease. I’m glad that these are good, but it’s obviously not such a great thing that I had to come back and order them again to get a version that was prepared properly.

If anything, I would like a version of these that’s even more greasy, sending these things into Garlic Knot Nirvana (Knotvana?). What would really be amazing would be if Five Guys came out with a version of garlic fries, because the chain’s substantial fries are often already greasy with all the peanut oil they’re fried in. Is it weird that I’m complaining that a fast food item isn’t greasy enough? I’m not the only one who actually likes greasy fries, right?

I asked my husband about this as he was enjoying his own order of garlic fries.

He said, “Yes, (munch) you are the only one (munch) who likes greasy fries. You are a freak.”

These new fries are winners. Just make sure you pick them up on the right day.

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: n/a
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 450 calories, 30 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 730 milligrams of sodium, 41 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein.