Tag: Fast Food

REVIEW: Sonic Brunch Burger

Louis 7 Comments

Sonic Brunch Burger

For quite a while now, one of my favorite burger toppings has been that of a fried egg, usually sunny-side up, always sitting on top of the sizzling meat and cool cheese, the sticky ovum running down your face and hands with every sensual bite. It’s usually worth the extra dollar charge to the bill.

It’s a singular treat of mostly gourmet burger spots. Almost none of the bigger fast food joints around town have even attempted an egg-drenched burger, except Jack in the Box. But now Sonic adds itself to this short list with its new Brunch Burger, available for a limited time only at $2.79 with a single-patty, which is more than enough.

Made with the usual Sonic burger platitudes including an undoubtedly 100-percent pure beef patty, crispy bacon strips, and a gooey layer of melted cheese, the Brunch Burger throws in a pillow-soft brioche bun and, for good measure, a fried-egg of sorts. They all come together in Sonic’s grand effort to serve the underserved between breakfast and lunch, even if people have securely had brunch for years.

Still, even though I went against dining protocol and had it for dinner, I’d have to say Sonic is mostly successful in creating a somewhat decent substitute for true brunch.

Sonic Brunch Burger Eggs

While the meat is juicy, bacon is salty, and cheese gunky — and yes, the brioche bun is a definite somewhat sweet improvement — the real tipping point here is the egg which, as you might have guessed, isn’t of the sunny-side-up variety but rather of the rubbery McMuffin sort. That means it’s a large pressed disc of what I believe to be an egg, professionally shaped and heartlessly cooked.

Sonic Brunch Burger in Half

A good-enough spanner in the usual burger works, the egg, when combined especially with the cheese and large slice of tomato adds a nice bit of tasty roughage to the meal, a heated-wet goodness that can’t be denied. The meat I can give or take, especially when Sonic’s mouth-puckering bacon overtakes it. Thankfully, this brioche bun does an excellent job of tying it all together with its dull sweetness and makes it work rather well.

Overall, it’s a good attempt at a classy fast food burger. Do I wish it was a proper sunny-side up egg? Sure, I bet we all would. But, whatever it is, it can’t be any worse than the new Cherry Limeade Mimosa, which is a disappointing blend of limeade and orange juice.

The Brunch Burger would be a decent treat on a Wednesday morning (or evening), but on a Sunday, just head down to your favorite uppity bistro for its omelet, grapes, and champagne-infused drink specials instead. Cómpralo ya!

Purchased Price: $2.79
Size: Single
Rating: 5 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 510 calories, 33 grams of fat, 21 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 grams of trans fat, 190 milligrams of cholesterol, 1100 milligrams of sodium, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of fiber, 7 grams of sugar, and 29 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Taco Bell Steak Rattlesnake Fries and Burrito

Louis 5 Comments

Taco Bell Rattlesnake Fries

Like an angry sirocco tearing through the cactus-strewn desert of Death Valley, Taco Bell has inevitably whipped up a whole nest of spicy snakes into a flavorful frenzy with both the figurative and literal arrival of what is now more popularly known as the Steak Rattlesnake Fries and the Steak Rattlesnake Fries Burrito.

Utilizing its delicious fries, beautifully clad in a hefty amount of taco seasoning, combined with its patented nacho cheese goodness, creamy jalapeno sauce, chunky cuts of steak, and scads upon scads of perfectly sliced jalapenos, together they all naturally combine to deliver an unholy bit of border-bound heat, especially when purposefully devoured with that Taco Bell passion I know we can all muster.

The Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries — reviewed here before — are, of course, a surefire winner, delivering some of the best fast-food fries in the business, but the addition of these tongue-searing extras make the Steak Rattlesnake Fries a wholly welcomed addition to the TB menu. I personally believe that what makes the Bell’s newest menu items so fire-worthy is that, with this delectable go ‘round, it’s definitely not afraid to bring the heat and bring it mercilessly.

Taco Bell Rattlesnake Fries Closeup

The dark spices on the fries, the creamy jalapeno sauce, and especially the multiple jalapeno slices are a definite match made in the deepest pits of Mexico, delivering a heat that, for about a minute, renders the actual taste of the fries a bit obsolete. But, hold steady and that’s when the actual flavor of the fries comes through, a passport from the edge of righteous potatoes to the subtle cream of the jalapeno sauce. It’s a flavor train that goes even deeper with the Steak Rattlesnake Fries Burrito.

Taco Bell Rattlesnake Fries Burrito

Taking a cue from some of this country’s bravest five-year-old chefs, combining Taco Bell’s fries with a burrito is already the game-ball, but to add in this Rattlesnake variety, it’s the whole damn championship. Combining a large tortilla with, of course, the Taco Bell fries with the aforementioned nacho cheese, jalapeno sauce, steak, and even more of the vaunted jalapeno slices, it makes it an easier to eat method of madness. Not to mention how devilishly delicious the whole thing absolutely is.

Taco Bell Rattlesnake Fries Burrito Closeup

Here, the steak really shines through, mingling in a seductive tango with the impervious creamy jalapeno sauce. The nacho cheese, per usual, adds an extra kick but, once again, the addition of real live jalapenos is what it’s all about, a much-needed addition of puro machismo that most of the burritos on Taco Bell’s menu could definitely use. Maybe a little of that jalapeno sauce too, but far be it from me to ask for too many extras.

But, if I may, my main complaint with both of these products would be the $2.99 price tag. The container holding the Steak Rattlesnake Fries is a bit chintzy and, the Steak Rattlesnake Fries Burrito, while seemingly more when holding it in your hands, is apparently even less. Dine accordingly, but, as they are here for a limited time only, maybe order both or, if I’m being honest, order two burritos and be done with it. You’ve probably spent far more for far less.

Currently, some Taco Bell locations around the country are in the process of test-marketing the supposedly even hotter Reaper Ranch Fries, made with, as you probably guessed, the famed Carolina Reaper peppers. And while it might or might not ever make it to market, nfor now, we can all be routinely thankful and stop by the Bell to take a venomous bite of out of the Rattlesnake. Cómpralo ya!

Purchased Price: $2.99 each
?Size: N/A
?Rating: 8 out of 10 (Steak Rattlesnake Fries)
Rating: 9 out of 10 (Steak Rattlesnake Fries Burrito) 9 out of 10
?Nutrition Facts: Steak Rattlesnake Fries – 450 calories, 28 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 1150 milligrams of sodium, 39 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of total sugars, and 12 grams of protein. Steak Rattlesnake Fries Burrito 470 calories, 22 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 1260 milligrams of sodium, 52 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, 4 grams of total sugars, and 15 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Del Taco Beyond Tacos

Louis 7 Comments

Del Taco Beyond Tacos

What are the Del Taco Beyond Tacos?

Utilizing Beyond Meat, a wholly plant-based meat substitute in its tacos, Del Taco officially overtakes Taco Bell as my faux-Mexican eatery of choice. The vegetarian Beyond Taco and the vegan Beyond Avocado Taco, apparently here for a limited time, are being tested throughout the United States. My area was finally lucky enough to receive them.

How are they?

In short, a revelation. Del Taco took its charming array of spices and seasonings and mixed it into the ground beef-like Beyond Meat, creating a flavorful mélange that is even better than its real meat mixture. Offering two distinct tacos — the Beyond Taco and the Beyond Avocado Taco — I ordered both as soft tacos, natch, with no problem and no argument.

Del Taco Beyond Taco

The Beyond Taco contains the plant-based protein, lettuce, tomatoes and shredded cheese – perhaps a little too much shredded cheese. After taking a handful of it off, the spicy meat substitute really comes through, filling and satisfying, far more than you would think it would.

Del Taco Beyond Avocado Taco

Additionally, the Beyond Avocado Taco features the protein, lettuce, tomatoes and, for all the difference in the world, a hearty slice of avocado. While the cheese kind of took over the previous taco, here the cool denseness of the avocado really brings out the seasonings that make the Beyond Meat so mouth watering.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Tacos not your bag, baby? I’m sure if you ask nice enough, they will substitute meat with Beyond Meat on just about anything on the menu. They did it for me with the soft tacos. The taste I’m sure would go great with its burritos, nachos and, sorry Carl’s Jr., burgers as well.

Conclusion:

In both the Beyond Taco and the Beyond Avocado Taco, the plant protein elevates both and finally gives taco-hungry vegetarians and vegans a palpable choice as opposed to settling on lame takeaways and substitutions at other restaurants.

Purchased Price: $2.49 each
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10 (Beyond Taco)
Rating: 9 out of 10 (Beyond Avocado Taco)
Nutrition Facts: (1 taco) Beyond Taco – 300 calories, 19 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 510 milligrams of sodium, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of total sugars, and 19 grams of protein. Beyond Avocado Taco – 260 calories, 14 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 390 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 2 grams of total sugars, and 12 grams of protein.

REVIEW: McDonald’s Donut Sticks

Marvo 14 Comments

McDonald s Donut Sticks

After the employee handed me the bag that contained my six-piece order of McDonald’s Donut Sticks (it’s also available with 12 pieces), I wondered if there were cameras around and I was being pranked. Because it was so light, it felt as if it contained only the obligatory napkins.

But after opening the bag, getting a sweet whiff of cinnamon sugar and not so sweet whiff of oil, and seeing six sticks staring back at me, my Punk’d fears subsided. I don’t know why I thought they’d be more substantial than they are.

McDonald s Donut Sticks Airy

The Donut Sticks are sweet golden-brown dough, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and made fresh every morning. They’re also a little disappointing. The cinnamon sugar is everywhere, but there’s no cinna-plosion in my mouth. Because I can taste a bit of the oil used, I thought its flavor dulled the sweet seasoning. However, even licking off whatever cinnamon sugar clung to my fingers didn’t have a strong taste.

No dipping sauce comes with them, although I imagine hot fudge or soft serve would pair well. Unfortunately, I read Donut Sticks are only available in the morning so it might be hard to get them with either, but they really should be an all-day thing.

If I had to compare these with Dunkin’s Donut Fries, these are better, but not by a whole lot. They’re thicker because they’re fluffier and airer. They also taste a little bit better, even though I wish the cinnamon sugar stood out more. Although, they do look freaky.

If you order these, don’t let them sit around. Eat them fresh because, just like McDonald’s World Famous Fries, they taste better when they are and have a bit of crispiness that fades if not eaten quickly. If you pick some up via the drive-thru, eat them while you drive, even though there is a 100 percent chance the Donut Sticks are the nimbus clouds that will rain cinnamon sugar onto your crotch.

Although, like most donuts, you could stick them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, to get some of that fresh-from-the-fryer quality back.

Overall, McDonald’s Donut Sticks are decent, if eaten fresh, and slightly less so, if not. They are not at the luscious level as my sorely missed Cinnamon Melts, but if you believe your breakfasts should end with dessert, which they should, this will do an adequate job.

Purchased Price: $2.29*
Size: 6 pieces
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 280 calories, 13 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 gram of trans fat, 15 milligrams of cholesterol, 260 milligrams of sodium, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 9 grams of sugar, and 6 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: Wendy’s Barbecue Cheeseburger

Louis 10 Comments

Wendy s Barbecue Cheeseburger

The act of adding any type of barbecue, from the sauce to the meat, is the quickest way to screw up an otherwise decent cheeseburger. Either the sauce is too sweet, the meat bone dry, or everything is delivered to you sopping in pickle juice because they added too many damn BBQ-related toppings underneath the toasty bun.

Our girl Wendy’s, God bless her, has thankfully gotten the barbecue cheeseburger right this time.

Settling in to my neighborhood restaurant on a cold evening, unwrapping the meaty mound, a proud steam rises high like a smokehouse smokestack, gently giving off a true barbeque aroma that you don’t get with too many of these fast food concoctions. As the barbecue sauce runs wantonly down the sides, crispy fried onions try desperately to escape, but I push them back in with one hand as I lick the sauce off my other one.

Holding the single snugly (it is also available in double and triple denominations if you’re so inclined, natch) as I take a bigger first bite than I usually would, I get an immediately dream-like taste of that manufactured barbecue flavor that only Wendy’s can accomplish, with daring singularity. The sauce is the best in the fast-food biz (and it always has been) while the addition of the fried onions is a tangy treat that is immediately welcomed overkill.

Wendy s Barbecue Cheeseburger 2

With a mixture of sweet brown sugar and tart vinegar, the barbecue sauce that Wendy’s uses isn’t an additive meant to take your mind off what you’re actually eating, but instead it’s used to thoroughly enhance the flavor, letting it mix deftly with the meat and cheese and, even better, the fried onions. Sure, perhaps there was a few too many on my cheeseburger, but I’d rather take too many than not enough and at Wendy’s they do like to pile them high.

As usual, the rest of the Wendy’s Barbecue Cheeseburger – the never-frozen meat, the fresh bun and of course, American cheese — are all tops, but what really impressed me were the inclusion of these fat slices of pickles. I know it seems weird for me to point out, but I love how they weren’t soaking in juice. Instead, they were firm discs that added a true snarl to the burger, instead of being immediately discarded off to the side, as they usually are.

Wendy s Barbecue Cheeseburger 3

Wendy’s has had quite a few successes over the past couple of years and it is safe to say that we can add the tempting Barbecue Cheeseburger to the list. A slight caveat however: even though the single has around 630 calories, once again, the sodium at 1360 takes a few points off. If this is the type of thing you watch, like I do, get one, but go easy on it, will ya? Cómpralo ya!

Purchased Price: $5.49
Size: Single (1/4th pound; also available as Double and Triple)
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 630 calories, 34 grams of fat, 13 grams of saturated fat, 1.5 grams of trans fat, 95 milligrams of cholesterol, 1360 milligrams of sodium, 53 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 14 grams of sugar, and 30 grams of protein.