Review: Arby's Smokehouse Brisket Sandwich

Arby's new, limited-time Smokehouse Brisket Sandwich is the first brisket sandwich for the chain and features slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked Gouda cheese, crispy onions, barbecue sauce, and mayo on a toasted, bakery-style bun.

I paid $5.29 for one.

News: New KFC Go Cups Make It Easier to Eat in Your Car

KFC's latest value promotion is the new KFC Go Cup, which comes in five varieties each featuring an entree and potato wedges in an over-sized cup that conveniently fits in a standard automobile cup holder.

News: Papa John's - New Mega Chocolate Chip Cookie

Papa John's is now using their pizza ovens to bake giant chocolate chip cookies with the new Mega Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Review: Nabisco - Garlic Butter Ritz Crackers

Garlic Butter Ritz Crackers are naturally flavored for a taste of garlic butter paired with the crackers.

A 13.7-ounce box was $2 on sale.

News: Starbucks Tests New Evolution Fresh Smoothies

Starbucks is testing an upgraded version of their current smoothies using cold pressed and squeezed juices from their premium Evolution Fresh brand.

Around the World: KFC China Offers Beef?!

KFC China is offering a layered beef burger as one of their latest promotions. While chicken remains the mainstay of the menu, the new burger features six layers of thin-sliced tender beef, cheese, lettuce, and mushrooms.

The burger sells for 16 yuan (~$2.61 US) a piece.

Review: Nabisco - Candy Corn Oreo Cookies

Candy Corn Oreo cookies are Halloween-themed, seasonal Golden Oreos with a yellow and orange candy corn-flavored creme filling.

A 15.25-ounce package was $2.99 at Target, which is the only retail store you can find them.

Around the World: Burger King Japan - Big Bacon Whopper

Burger King Japan's limited-time, fall campaign, dubbed "King's Harvest 2013," features the Big Bacon Whopper and the BK Bolognese.

News: Panda Express - New Honey Sesame Chicken Breast

Panda Express is offering a new chicken entree, Honey Sesame Chicken Breast for a limited time and will be giving away free servings of it next Wednesday, October 2.

The dish features pieces of breaded chicken breast, string beans, and yellow bell peppers wok-tossed in a sweet honey sesame sauce and topped with sesame seeds.

Frozen Friday: Healthy Choice - Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

Healthy Choice's Crustless Chicken Pot Pie is inspired by a Top Chef Season 10 challenge winner according to the box and features "chicken tenderloins with carrots, corn, peas and dumplings in a pot pie sauce."

A 10.25-ounce box was $2.00 on sale.

News: Sonic - New Super Crunch Chicken Strips

Sonic has revamped their chicken strips with a new, crunchier version with a fairly descriptive name: new Super Crunch Chicken Strips. The strips replace the previous strips across the menu board.

The Sonic website promises "Crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside, these all-white meat chicken strips are packed with a super crunch."

News: McDonald's - New Steak Breakfast Sandwiches

McDonald's is slowly rolling out steak as the third meat option for their breakfast sandwiches (the other two being bacon and sausage). The steak comes chopped and seasoned in a formed patty and is an available option on any breakfast sandwich.

Review: Carl's Jr. - Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich

Carl's Jr.'s Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich is a test item and features two snickerdoodle cookies sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I bought one for $1.49.

News: Jack in the Box - New Late Night Munchie Meal

Jack in the Box caters to the late-night crowd with a new late night menu that's only available from 9pm to 5am anchored by the new Late Night Munchies Meal.

The meal features one of four new, late night-only entrees plus two Tacos, Halfsie fries (half seasoned curly fries and half regular fries), and a 20-ounce fountain beverage for $6.

News: Taco Bell - Two New Mountain Dew Freeze Flavors

Taco Bell has updated their ice-slush drink selection with two new Mountain Dew-flavored Freezes: "Mtn Dew Distortion Freeze" and "Mtn Dew Typhoon Freeze." They've joined the Baja Blast Freeze on the menu (Pina Colada and Pink Lemonade are out) and Taco Bell is marketing them as the "House of Dew."

Review: McDonald's - Pumpkin Spice Latte

McDonald's new, limited-time Pumpkin Spice Latte is made with a choice of steamed whole or nonfat milk, espresso, and pumpkin spice-flavored syrup.

A 12-ounce small was $2.29.

News: Dunkin' Donuts - National Coffee Day Deals

National Coffee Day is coming up this Sunday, September 29 and Dunkin' Donuts will be celebrating with a trio of deals including free coffee, discounted coffee beans, and discounted K-Cups for Keurig home-brew coffee machines.

On the day of, Dunkin' will be giving out free small hot or iced coffee redeemable only via the "My Offers" tab of their mobile app. This offer is only good on Sunday.

News: Popeyes - Dip'n Chick'n Back for a Limited Time

Dip'n Chick'n is back at Popeyes for a limited time and bringing a new sauce in Cajun Chili Garlic.

Dip'n Chick'n is similar to the chain's chicken tenders except the chicken is cut into scoop-shaped, bite-sized pieces to better pick up sauce.

Review: Burger King - Satisfries

Burger King's new Satisfries are crinkle-cut fries with a light batter that absorbs less oil during frying and results in less fat and calories than typical fries.

I bought a large order for $2.39 (compared to $2.09 for a large order of regular French fries at my local BK).

News: El Pollo Loco - New Puffy Shell Tacos

New at El Pollo Loco for a limited time, Puffy Shell Chicken Tacos feature thick flour tortillas that are cooked to develop a "super-crisp" crust while remaining soft and airy within.

News: Burger King - New Satisfries

Burger King is offering new lower-fat, lower-calorie crinkle-cut French fries in their restaurants and calling them "Satisfries."

The company is touting that the new fry option, which features a tagline of "Big Taste. Less Fat," contains 40% less fat and 30% less calories than a similarly weighted serving of McDonald's fries.  The Satisfries are an additional option and do not replace Burger King's regular fries.

Review: Starbucks - Sage and Butternut Squash Croissant

Starbucks' Sage and Butternut Squash Croissant is part of their new La Boulange line of bakery goods and features a "flaky savory pastry with butternut squash, sage, and crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds."

It came warm and cost $3.45.

News: Krispy Kreme - Free Coffee on September 29

September 29 is National Coffee Day and Krispy Kreme will be celebrating by offering free 12-ounce cups of hot brewed coffee at participating Krispy Kreme US and Canada locations.

News: McDonald's Franchisee Tests Chicken and Waffles

A Southern California McDonald's franchisee is testing a "McD's Style Chicken & Waffles" combo at at least one location in Fullerton, CA, according to Foodbeast.

The "McD's" designation makes sense as the dish isn't chicken and waffles per se, but rather fried chicken and McGriddle pancakes. The combo appears to come with three Mighty Wings, two McGriddle pancakes, and hotcake syrup on the side for $3.99 and is available for purchase all day long.

Review: Pumpkin Spice M&M's Candy

Pumpkin Spice M&M's are pumpkin spice-flavored chocolate M&M's. They're new and only available at Target for a limited time.

A 9.90-ounce bag was $2.50 on sale.

News: 7-Eleven - New Better-for-you Snack Options

7-Eleven is getting into the fancy snacks market with a selection of gourmet, organic, and better-for-you snacks under their "7-Select" snack brand as well as the addition of several better-for-you brands to their snack aisle.

The new 7-Select snacks come mostly in 7-ounce containers with a price ranging from $2.49 to $3.99. The selection includes:

News: Krispy Kreme - Peach Pie for Grocery Stores

Krispy Kreme is offering Glazed Peach Pies and new Blueberry Krispy Juniors in retail packages for a limited time at participating grocery, mass merchants, and convenience stores.

The Glazed Peach Pie comes in individual servings with peach filling in a glazed turnover-style crust.

Review: Nestle Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars

Nestle Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars come in three flavors: Caramel & Coconut (better known as Samoas), Peanut Butter Creme (better known as Tagalongs), and Thin Mints.

I picked up one of each flavor on sale at 88 cents a pop.

Neat! Kit Kat Has Fans Taking a Break for Nexus Tablets

Taking advantage of the partnership between Kit Kat and Google, which saw Google naming their latest version of Android, "Kit Kat," Kit Kat held a promotion in Amsterdam where participants would receive a free tablet computer by taking a break (playing on the "gimme a break" Kit Kat slogan).

Specifically, they put up ads around the cities featuring a special red bench with text stating that anyone "having a break" at a designated time on September 14 would receive a free Nexus 7 tablet.

Frozen Friday: Safeway Select - Chicken Tikka Masala

The Safeway Select Chicken Tikka Masala frozen dinner consists of white meat chicken in a tomato and yogurt masala sauce with a basmati and rice blend and green beans and carrots.

A 9-ounce box was $1.99.

News: McDonald's Tests Clubhouse Quarter Pounder in South Florida

McDonald's is testing a 'Clubhouse Quarter Pounder' in South Florida. The burger features the requisite quarter pound beef patty, a new soft artisan roll, caramelized grilled onions, thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, white cheddar, leaf lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a "unique special sauce."

Around the World: KFC Malaysia Offered Chili Snow Crab Sauce

How does Chili Snow Crab sauce and fried chicken sound? KFC Malaysia just recently wrapped up a Seafood Symphony Combo in celebration of the fasting month of Ramadan.

The combo included Shrimp Stars, two pieces of Hot & Spicy chicken, a side (or two), chili snow crab sauce (based on the popular regional chili crab dish) for dipping, and a fountain drink.

Review: Arby's - Jr. Bacon Cheddar Melt

Arby's Jr. Bacon Cheddar Melt features pepper bacon, thinly-sliced roast beef, and warm cheddar cheese sauce on a junior sesame seed bun.

It's part of their new Snack 'N Save value menu and I bought one for $1.89.

News: Quiznos - New Bourbon Steak Sub

Quiznos' latest is the new, limited-time Bourbon Steak Sub. The sandwich features Black Angus steak, melted mozzarella, bacon, crispy fried onions, and Quiznos original bourbon sauce on an Italian white baguette.

Quiznos' Executive Chef, Nick Graff, describes the sauce as being made with a bourbon "that when reduced, resulted in a traditional oak barrel flavor profile with a vanilla overtone." The bourbon is combined "with a savory ponzu sauce, garlic, and mustard."

News: Bruegger's - New Chimi-Cheddar Egg Sandwich Anchors Fall 2013 Menu

Bruegger's is offering a new Chimi-Cheddar Egg Sandwich as part of their fall menu. Also, since it is fall and all, everyone's favorite squash, pumpkin, is also back for a limited time with Pumpkin Bagels and Pumpkin Cream Cheese.

The Chimi-Cheddar Egg Sandwich features an Argentinian chimichurri sauce to add extra flavor to the standard egg, bacon, and cheddar bagel sandwich.

Review: Carl's Jr. - Buffalo Blue Cheese Burger

Carl's Jr.'s Buffalo Blue Cheese Burger takes a bit of buffalo wings and adds it to a burger, and features Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce, blue cheese crumbles, Swiss cheese, mayo, red onion, tomato, lettuce, and a charbroiled beef patty on a toasted sesame seed bun.

The premium Six Dollar Burger version comes with a Black Angus beef patty at $5.19, but I received this one courtesy of Carl's Jr.

News: Arby's - New Smokehouse Brisket Sandwich

As I mentioned back in July, the new Smokehouse Brisket sandwich is now available at Arby's for a limited time. The key feature of the sandwich is brisket that has been smoked with hickory for "at least 13 hours."

The sandwich comes with slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked Gouda cheese, crispy onions, barbecue sauce and mayo on a toasted, bakery-style bun.

News: McDonald's Tests Family Meal

McDonald's is testing a football-themed family-style meal out in Kansas City, Missouri. Dubbed the "Blitz Box," the meal leverages a partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs and NFL (McDonald's is an official sponsor of the league) and is set to run through the end of football season (i.e. late January - early February).

News: Red Robin - Oktoberfest Returns

Oktoberfest is once again being celebrated at Red Robin and with it returns the Oktoberfest Burger. Featuring Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, tangy beer mustard, sauteed onions, and lettuce on a toasted pretzel bun, the burger anchors a limited-time Oktoberfest menu that also includes a pumpkin pie (the ubiquitous flavor of the fall, of course) shake.

Review: Starbucks - Chocolate Chai Tea Latte

Starbucks' new, limited-time Chocolate Chai Tea Latte features a blend of spices, black tea, cocoa, and steamed milk.

I ordered a 12-ounce "Tall" size for $3.65.

Around the World: Pizza Hut UK - New Cheeseburger Pizza

Pizza Hut UK just recently introduced the new, limited-time Cheeseburger Pizza Crust, which is a sunflower-like pizza with petal-like crust pockets with beef patties baked in and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

And, for those who believe a pizza isn't complete without ketchup, ketchup dip is included on the side.

News: Cinnabon - New Salted Caramel Center of the Roll and Chillatta

Cinnabon is bucking the popular pumpkin-focused theme and going with second runner up salted caramel this fall in introducing the new Salted Caramel Center of the Roll and Salted Caramel Chilatta.

The new Salted Caramel Center of the Roll features warm, bite-sized pieces of a classic Cinnabon roll covered in salted caramel. The suggested retail price comes in at $3.49.

News: Carvel - New Heath and Reese's Sundae Dashers

Carvel ice cream shops are offering two new flavors of their Sundae Dashers for a limited time.

So named because they're sundaes meant for on-the-go eating, Sundae Dasher are currently available in three flavors: new Heath and Reese's plus Oreo.

The Heath Sundae Dasher is made with soft serve with multiple layers of Health milk chocolate toffee bar pieces, drizzled with caramel sauce, and topped with whipped cream.

Review: McDonald's - Pralines & Cream McFlurry

McDonald's new, limited-time Pralines & Cream McFlurry features hot caramel topping and praline (candied) pecan pieces blended with McDonald's vanilla soft serve.

I bought a snack-sized cup for $1.89.

News: Culver's - New Salted Caramel Pumpkin Concrete Mixer

Culver's latest frozen dessert combines two of fall's favorite flavors, salted caramel and pumpkin, to produce the new Salted Caramel Pumpkin Concrete Mixer.

The flavor features salted caramel ribbons and spiced pumpkin puree blended with Culver's Vanilla Fresh Frozen Custard.

Also available for a limited time are returning Pumpkin Spice Shake, Pumpkin Cheesecake Concrete Mixer, and Pumpkin Pecan Concrete Mixer.

News: Denny's - New Build Your Own Omelette Menu

"Build Your Own" has been the theme for Denny's limited-time menus lately. First, there was "Build Your Own Burger," then "Build Your Own Pancakes," and now "Build Your Own Omelette."

The menu is available all day and starts at $5.99. Regardless of how you build your omelette, it comes with a side of hash browns or grits plus a choice of toast, biscuit, or English muffin.

News: Einstein Bros. - 2013 Fall Pumpkin-Themed Menu

Einstein Bros. Bagels (or Noah's New York Bagels depending on your location) are offering a selection of pumpkin-flavored items for a limited time.

The line up includes a variety of pumpkin bagels and baked goods, pumpkin cream cheese Shmear, Autumn Roast Coffee and seasonal specialty coffee drinks.

Review: Lay's - Cheesy Garlic Bread Potato Chips

Lay's Cheesy Garlic Bread-flavored potato chips was the winner of the "Do Us a Flavor" contest and is being sold for a limited time.

I picked up a 9.5-ounce bag on sale for $2.50.

News: Moe's - Free Queso Day

Moe's Southwest Grill will be offering free 6-ounce cups of Moe's Famous Queso all day at participating locations on Thursday, September 19, 2013.

They call the deal: "Free Queso Day."

News: Krispy Kreme - Free Donuts on Talk Like a Pirate Day

Krispy Kreme will once again be celebrating International Talk Like a Pirate Day on Thursday, September 19, by offering a free Original Glazed donut to guests who arrive that day and talk (or at least try and talk) like a pirate. 

For additional pirate booty in the form of a dozen free Original Glazed donuts, you'll have to don full pirate attire on the day and show up at a participating Krispy Kreme store. Specifically, your pirate costume must include three or more of the following items (no weapons are allowed):