Review: Pepperidge Farm - Garlic Texas Toast

Pepperidge Farm's Garlic Texas Toast is your typical thick-sliced garlic bread made with real garlic. There are 8 slices to each 11.25-ounce box and each box retails for around $2.99 with sale prices ranging around $1.50.

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's White Meat Chicken Pot Pie

Stouffer's White Meat Chicken Pot Pie features a flaky pie crust filled with pieces of white meat chicken, peas, carrots, celery and onions in a gravy made with real cream.

A Stouffer's pot pie retails for about $3.99 and can be found on sale around the $2.00 mark.

Review: Arby's - Grilled Chicken and Pecan Salad Wrap

Arby's only-available-in-some-markets Market Fresh Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich is now available for a limited-time (through mid-August) in a whole-grain wrap just in time for summer. The Grilled Chicken and Pecan Salad Wrap fills a whole wheat flatbread with sliced roast chicken, mayo, diced apples, sliced grapes, diced celery, chopped, toasted pecans, and green leaf lettuce.

Each wrap is available for $4.29.

Review: Wendy's - Bistro Cheddar Cheeseburger

Wendy's new Bistro Cheddar Cheeseburger is the newest burger on the Wendy's menu. It features a 1/4 beef patty, two slices of Cheddar cheeeses, three slices of applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato (by request because of supply issues), and a "bistro sauce."

The burger carries a premium price tag of $3.99.

Classic Review: KFC - Original Recipe Fried Chicken

KFC's Original Recipe Fried Chicken is the flavor most deeply associated with KFC. Much speculation has been made as to what exactly makes up the Colonel's secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, the recipe of which is guarded under lock and key at KFC headquarters.

KFC currently has a special where you can get 6 legs and thighs for $5.

News: Frito Lay - New Lay's Kettle Cooked Flavors

Frito Lay has two new Lay’s Kettle Cooked flavors on the store shelves this month: Creamy Mediterranean Herb and Spicy Cayenne & Cheese.

Creamy Mediterranean Herb features a Mediterranean Cheese and Herb seasoning which includes basil, oregano, onion, and garlic.

Spicy Cayenne & Cheese which includes cayenne red pepper, paprika, cream cheese, sour cream, and Cheddar cheese to achieve its flavor profile.

Review: Jack in the Box - Jalapeño Double Cheeseburger

I drove past a Jack in the Box, saw the new Jalapeño Double Cheeseburger in the window and stopped in for a try. The burger is about the same size as the All American Jack and features two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, sliced jalapeños, and what is either a Thousand Island sauce or a chipotle mayo for $3.99.

Review: Magnum - Almond Ice Cream Bar

The new rich kid on the ice cream block, Magnum ice cream bars are virtually unknown save by those who have traveled abroad. They're working on it though with three short films featuring Rachel Bilson of The OC fame (Viewable on their website here). I recently tried the Almond bar which is a Belgian milk chocolate covered vanilla bean ice cream bar with bits of almonds in the chocolate.

A box of three bars retails for $3.99 but can be found on sale around the $3.00 mark.

Review: Pollo Campero - Fried Chicken Wrap

Pollo Campero has it's own take on the popular snack wrap with their plainly named Fried Chicken Wrap which features a piece of their fried chicken strips, tomato salsa, and rice wrapped in a flour tortilla. Each Fried Chicken Wrap costs $1.99.

Frozen Friday - Healthy Choice - Honey Balsamic Chicken Steaming Entrée

Healthy Choice's Honey Balsamic Chicken Steaming Entrée features chicken tenderloins with red potatoes, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes in a honey-herb balsamic glaze.

A 9-ounce package costs about $2.99 or about $2 on sale.

News: Starbucks - Bring Your Own Cup for Free Coffee on Earth Day

Today is Earth Day, April 22, and Starbucks is celebrating by offering to keep you awake with a free brewed coffee or tea when you bring in a reusable mug or tumbler into your local Starbucks (as long as it's a participating store in the United States or Canada).

If you don’t have a tumbler or travel mug, Starbucks will have them for 20% off for today. In addition, as a standing policy, anytime you bring in your own tumbler or travel mug to a participating Starbucks, you get 10 cents off your drink every day (also true of asking for a "for-here" cup).

Even if you don't have a reusable mug or tumbler and don't want to buy one, you can still get your free brewed coffee or tea by asking for in a "for-here" cup (i.e a mug or glass).

Review: El Pollo Loco - Sweet Potato Fries

The final member of El Pollo Loco's new premium side triumvirate, Sweet Potato Fries are lightly battered and deep-fried from seasonally harvested sweet potatoes.

A small order will cost you $1.79 while a large will run you $3.99.

Review: El Pollo Loco - Sweet Corn Cake

Another new premium side at El Pollo Loco, the Sweet Corn Cake is a corn meal cake with corn kernels baked in. The price is in line with the other new premium sides at $1.79 for a small and $3.99 for a large.

News: Just Born - New Chocolate Peeps

With Easter just around the corner, I imagine Just Born's Peeps are on the shopping list of many of you with kids out there or who just really like sugar coated marshmallows (AKA sugar-covered sugar).

If sugar and marshmallows aren't enough for you, this year, Just Born is throwing chocolate into the equation with new Peeps Peepsters and Peeps Chocolate Dipped Chicks.

Review: El Pollo Loco - Flame-Grilled Corn

El Pollo Loco's new Flame-Grilled Corn features sweet, fire-roasted corn-off-the-cob seasoned with chipotle en adobo and a squeeze of lime. It's one of three new premium sides at El Pollo Loco.

It's priced at $1.79 for a small cup, $3.99 for a large family-sized side.

News: Frito Lay - New Regional Lay's Potato Chip Flavors

This month Frito Lay is rolling out three, new regional flavors of Lay's Potato chips here in the U.S.:

In the Northeast, there's Lay’s Honey Mustard which combines the flavor of tangy mustard with a touch of sweet honey.

In the Midwest, Lay’s Creamy Garden Ranch matching sour cream with spices and fresh cucumbers for the flavor of herb ranch dressing.

Finally in the Southwest comes Lay’s Chipotle Ranch which joins sour cream and buttermilk ranch with chipotle spice and green chili.

These flavors are in addition to current regional flavors, Lay's Balsamic Sweet Onion ( Northwestern U.S.) and Lay's Cajun Herb & Spice (Southeastern U.S.).

Review: Taco Bell - Cheesy Double Decker Taco

Taco Bell's newest limited-time menu item, the Cheesy Double Decker Taco adds the slightest of tweaks to the standard Double Decker Taco: some nacho cheese sauce to go with the refried beans that hold the Crunchy Taco to the soft flour tortilla. The price is especially nice at 89 cents a pop.

News: Häagen-Dazs - Free Cone Day 2011

Haagen-Dazs Scoops Shops are holding a Free Cone Day on May 10th from 4-8pm.

When: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 from 4pm to 8pm

Where: Any participating Haagen-Dazs Shop. Shop Locator

Why: Get a free scoop or cone of Häagen-Dazs super-premium ice cream.

Review: Calbee - Shrimp Flavored Chips

Calbee is a major Japanese snack food maker and its Shrimp Flavored Chips have been available locally here in southern California for as long as I can remember. The "chips" are shaped somewhat similar in size and shape to a Cheeto but less craggy and with even ridges. They are toasted and made with wheat flour. A 4-ounce bag retails for $2.29 at my local major supermarket but generally cost about $1 to $1.50 at an Asian grocery store.

Review: Magnum - Double Chocolate Ice Cream Bar

Magnum ice cream bars are analogous to Haagen Daz super-premium ice cream bars, they're quite popular in Europe and were just recently launched by Unilever in the U.S. in six different flavors (Double Caramel, Double Chocolate, Classic, Almond, White and Dark.). The Double Chocolate bars features chocolate ice cream enrobed in a chocolatey (i.e. not technically chocolate) coating, rich chocolate sauce and then dipped in thick Belgian milk chocolate.

They're sold in a 3-pack retailing for $3.99 and can be picked up on sale for around $3.00.

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's - Farmer's Harvest Roasted Chicken & Bowtie Pasta

Stouffer's new Farmer's Harvest line of frozen meals feature slightly more upscale ingredients such as sea salt, olive oil, and whole grains as well as no preservatives. The Roasted Chicken & Bowtie Pasta entree features roasted chicken and bowtie pasta in a basil pesto sauce with a medley of carrots, green beans and grilled red peppers in a butter sauce.

The price is the same as Stouffer's normal entrées at about $3.99 a box or ranging around $2 on sale.

Review: McDonald's - Cheddar Onion McChicken

The other new McChicken offered in conjunction with the Jalapeño Cheddar McChicken, the Cheddar Onion McChicken substitutes mayo with caramelized onions and white Cheddar cheese. Like the Jalapeño Cheddar version, it is also priced at $1.49.

News: Chipotle Details New Asian Restaurant Concept

ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen. It's like Chipotle but with a southeast Asian theme (specifically inspired by Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisine).

Chipotle has reveals a few more details about their new southeast Asian restaurant concept:

There will be the same "down the line" format as Chipotle (and Subway) where you move down the service station as they prepare your food to your specifications.

There will be the same focus on sustainably-raised food and promises "grilled and braised meats, a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, spicy sauces, and an array of garnishes."

The first location is set to open this summer in Washington, D.C.

Review: McDonald's - Jalapeno Cheddar McChicken

McDonald's Jalapeño Cheddar McChicken is a slightly different take on the storied McChicken sandwich which replaces the mayo with a slice of white Cheddar cheese and jalapeño salsa and costs $1.49. Inexplicably, the McDonald's I went to also had these at two for $3.50.

Review: Jack in the Box - Sourdough Jack

Jack in the Box's Sourdough Jack is a fairly simple affair as far as burgers go: a beef patty, bacon, tomatoes, Swiss-style cheese, Mayo-Onion sauce and ketchup sandwiched between two slices of sourdough bread. It's more or less a patty melt for $3.59.

Review: Pizza Hut - Meaty Recipe Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza

Pizza Hut's latest limited-time pizza, the Meaty Recipe Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza is a hand-tossed pizza (up to 3 toppings) with a crust stuffed with mozzarella cheese, bacon, pepperoni, and sausage for $12.99.

The Ultimate Stuffed Crust Pizza is also offered with a Pepperoni Recipe (also $12.99) pares down the stuffing to just cheese and pepperoni.

Review: Oscar Mayer - Oven Roasted Turkey Cracker Combo

In what appears to be a grown-up version of their Lunchables, Oscar Mayer's Cracker Combos feature a meal/snack of crackers, cheese, and deli meat. The Oven Roasted Turkey Cracker Combo contains over roasted turkey deli meat (cured with added smoke flavor), Philadelphia Reduced Fat Cream Cheese with Chives and Onions, LU Pain Rustique Flatbread Crackers and a mini Toblerone chocolate.

Retail price is around $2.99 but sale price can be as low as a buck.

Review: Kashi - TLC Oatmeal Raisin Flax Cookies

When I think of Kashi, I think healthy and wholesome. I don't know if that's true or not but that's what I think. So when I picked up a box of Kashi TLC Oatmeal Raisin Flax Cookies, I thought this should be interesting. Wholesome comes at a price as an 8.5-ounce box retails around $3.99 or about $2.50 to $3.00 on sale or about twice as much as a package of Chips Ahoy.

Frozen Friday: Stouffer's - Three Cheese & Ham Stuffed Melt with Creamy Tomato Bisque

Stouffer's Corner Bistro line offers their take on soup and a sandwich with their new Three Cheese & Ham Stuffed Melt with Creamy Tomato Bisque.  The frozen entrée features an herb-topped foccacia bread filled with ham and three cheeses plus a creamy tomato bisque for a retail of $3.99 or about $2.00 to $2.50 on sale.

Review: Fatburger - Chili Cheese Fat Fries

Besides Onion Rings and Fries, Fatburger also serves up Chili Cheese Fat Fries (Skinny Fries also available). Following the simple recipe of cheese, meat, and potatoes, the resultant dish will run you $4.79.

News: Baskin-Robbins - 31 Cent Scoop Night on April 27th

Baskin-Robbins is once again playing host to their 31 Cent Scoop Night this year on April 27, 2011. In its fifth year, 31 Cent Scoop Night is hosted in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) who will receive a $100,000 donation from the Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation.

When: Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 5pm to 10pm

Where: Participating Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide. You can find your nearest BR at :http://www.baskinrobbins.com/StoreLocator

Why: 31 cent scoops of Baskin-Robbins ice cream (limit three 2.5 oz scoops per person). Show support for America's Firefighters.

News: Taco Bell - New Cheesy Double Decker Taco

Taco Bell's newest limited-time "Why Pay More" value item is the Cheesy Double Decker Taco which is basically a Double Decker Taco but with nacho cheese sauce in addition to the bean layer to bind the flour tortilla to the Crunchy Taco.

The price is very nice at 89 cents which is roughly the same as buying a Crunchy Taco (compared to $1.29 for a Double Decker).

Review: McDonald's - Quarter Pounder with Cheese

McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese was once their meatiest burger and features a quarter pound beef patty, two slices of American cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles slices, and slivered onions. The Quarter Pounder is slightly more expensive than a Big Mac ($2.79) at $2.89.

News: Popeyes - New Garlic Butter Shrimp

While Popeyes usually serves up some shrimp this time of year, they're throwing a little wrench in their normal equation with new, limited-time Garlic Butter Shrimp which is essentially their normal deep-fried, popcorn shrimp tossed in garlic butter and served with Cajun fries and a biscuit for $3.99.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - New Hearty Snacks

Dunkin' Donuts is currently promoting their new "Hearty Snacks." Hearty Snacks are new and existing menu items they have designated as being "convenient, affordable and delicious" for between meal snacking.

The new featured items are Stuffed Breadsticks while existing items also incorporated in the menu are Warm Apple Pie, Cheddar Cheese and Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Twists.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ new Stuffed Breadsticks are available in two varieties, Cheeseburger and Pepperoni and Cheese. They're oven-toasted and made with pizza-style dough. Pepperoni and Cheese features pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce whereas Cheeseburger includes ground beef, mustard, and cheese. Each breadstick carries a suggested retail price of $1.59.

Similar to McDonald's, the Warm Apple Pie is a flaky, portable pie baked with real apples and topped with cinnamon sugar. Warm Apple Pie carries a suggested retail price of $1.29.

Suggested retail price for the Bagel Twists stands at $1.39.

News: Baskin-Robbins - Firehouse #31 - April 2011 Flavor of the Month

Baskin-Robbins featured flavor for April 2011 is Firehouse #31 in honor of fire fighters and is a blend of vanilla and red cinnamon ice cream mixed with red hot candy pieces and" a crunchy atomic fireball ribbon laced throughout."

Basically it's a blend of spicy, sweet and cold.

Firehouse #31 ice cream is available nationwide during the month of April by the scoop (in a cup or cone), in a sundae or in hand-packed pints, quarts and half-gallons.

Review: Taco Bell - Gordita Supreme

Before there was the Chalupa, there was the Gordita which is essentially a Taco Bell Taco except with a pillowy flatbread instead of a taco shell. The Gordita Supreme mirrors the Taco Supreme with seasoned beef, diced tomatoes, their typical three-cheese blend, sour cream, and shredded lettuce. They're also available with chicken or steak.

Price is 60 cents more than a Taco Supreme at $1.89.

Review: Burger King - BK Single Stacker

Burger King's new BK Single Stacker replaces the Buck Double on the BK Value Menu for $1. I guess a slice of bacon is cheaper than an extra beef patty. Each Stacker comes with a single beef patty, a slice of cheese, two half slices of bacon and BK Stacker sauce. BK Stackers are also available with a double or triple patty.

Review: Jack in the Box - Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger

When I typically think of a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, I typically think of Wendy's value-menu burger but Jack in the Box also serves a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger. With the same name no less. It's a different burger though with bacon, American cheese, mayo-onion sauce, and ketchup.

Jack's Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger is also a value-menu item with a neat price tag of $1.

Review: Nong Shim - Onion Rings

Nong Shim is a Korean brand probably best known for making instant noodles but they also make snack foods including Onion Rings. Okay, much like Funyuns, technically they're onion-flavored rings. A 3.17-ounce bag usually costs any where from $1 to $1.50 in the Los Angeles area.

Frozen Friday: Totino's - Party Pizza

Totino's Party Pizza is the budget option for a quick frozen pizza. The most common varieties are Cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, and Combination (Pepperoni and Sausage). I usually go for the Pepperoni (the classic) or the Combination (for variety) and picked them up on sale for around $1 (they retail for $1.99).