C'mon Dunkin'!

 

Dunkin' Donuts is looking to expand in North Carolina. Well if they are expanding there hopefully soon they'll open a few here in old So-Cal.  I actually got to have a Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee last week during a quick trip to Las Vegas...the good news, it tastes just like the stuff I brew at home.  Thank god for Costco!

Still a Dunkin' down here for us civilians would be awesome!

http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/dunkin-donuts-goes-hunt-nc-franchisees

AHOY CLASSIC TARTAR SAUCE!

Well for all you seafaring folks seeking out adventure Long John Silver's is bringing back their classic tartar sauce...huh?! That's OK, I didn't know they switched it to a  new recipe either.  But never fear...all is good in the seafaring world now!

http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/long-john-silvers-reintroduces-crowd-favorite

Hamburglar for the steal!

The Hamburglar goes for the steal:

Not that Hamburglar ... but another pair of wannabe Hamburglars tried to rob a Burger King in Stockton, CA.  Unfortunately for them, one employee in the back of the restaurant saw that the Hamburglars' kept the motor going in their getaway car.  He decided to hop outside and then drive off with their getaway car.

The suspects were apprehended and arrested thanks to that Burger King employee's quick thinking and action. Good job Burger King employee!

The Hamburglar is in no danger of losing his job at this time.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/05/burger-king-employee-foils-robbery-by-stealing-thieves-getaway-car/

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's Super Bacon Cheeseburger!

It's summer time and let the food and movie promotions begin!  Carl's Jr./Hardee's is introducing the Super Bacon Cheeseburger in conjunction with the Man of Steel movie coming out early next month.  Boasting 6 strips of bacon, you can definitely sign me up for this super burger.  Today they will start playing commercials advertising the burger and it is actually directed by Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel and stars Superman so check it out on your Memorial Day! 

Also for those collectors out there, they are offering 40 oz plastic collector cups featuring Man of Steel characters.  Get yours today...yummm...bacon!  Here's a coupon for $1 off!

Source http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/superman-gets-super-burger-carls-jr-hardees

Random Superman:

Commercial Break #2: The Muppets meet McDonald's!

One of the things I used to look forward to as a child, was the reveal of the latest Happy Meal toys.  Some of these commercials still live on in my memory and whenever I go to a thrift store and happen upon some of these toys, I'm brought back.

The Happy Meal toys that have stuck with me the most vividly were the following Muppet Babies plush toys that McDonald's was giving out in the 1980's.  I believe I had Piggy and Fozzie.  I think my brother had Kermit.  To E-Bay I go, to find these again!  I loved these things and they filled my time up with all kinds of imaginary play.

Yes I am 29 and yes I want these plush toys back...sue me!  Anyway they will make bad ass Christmas decorations in my apartment!

Here's a bonus commercial for a different set of Muppet Babies toys at McDonald's!

Ah...the good old days!

Burger King launches new McRip-off sandwich this summer!

Well now it's on.  

In the ongoing battle between good and evil: McDonald's vs. Burger King< BK has decided it's time to up the stakes and revealed plans for their own McRip-off McRib sandwich this summer. Take a look!

Yes! the battle has gone up a notch.  Now BK is trampling upon the hollowed ground of the all mighty McRib!  This cannot be tolerated!

I don't know if I'm the only one noticing but ever since the summer when BK decided that selling ribs in a foil wrap type paper was a good idea...they've been going through an identity crisis.  Oh don't remember the ribs?  Here's proof:

I haven't gone to Burger King in at least a year, but every time I see a commercial, coupon or pass by one, there seems to be a new gimmick that they are trying out.  Well here they go again.

 

The problem BK is that McDonald's has spent years building their McRib up into an event every year when they bring it out.  That's why it does big numbers every year.  I understand the desire of making your own, but really if you're a McRib person it's not like you are looking for another fast food rib sandwich, you're just waiting for your fall/winter tradition to just be part of the excitement of having a McRib.  Over the last few years, BK has been about short term gimmicks that do not build to such an "event" feel.  Good try BK hope it works for you.  I'll be waiting for the winter.

Is that a Waffle Cone on my Frosty? Or are you just happy to see me?

Wendy's announced this week that the Frosty is boldly going where many a yummy, frozen-licious treat has gone before...in a waffle cone.

I know, it took them long enough, right?!  But the fantastic Frosty can now call waffle cones their new home  away from their everyday tedious-yellow-cup home it's been stuck in since it was born. You can get vanilla or chocolate and the suggested price is $1.49.  Not a bad price especially during those hot summer days heading our way!  Worth a try says I.

New Quarter Pounders kill Angus Third Pounders!

So McDonald's just announced that it will have 3 brand new Quarter Pounders.  I am SO up for that challenge but this challenge comes with a built in loss.  These Quarter Pounders will cost us the loss of the AngusThird Pounder burgers.  :0(

Let us observe a moment of silence for our loss.

I love the Angus Third Pounders but with McDonald's wanting to pump up the value of their menu choices, the $4-5 price point is just a bit much.  The dressed up Quarter Pounders will feature two styles that have been used in the Angus Third Pounders (Bacon & Cheese and Deluxe) and the third will feature a Habanaro Ranch creation. Ooh la la!

 

So much like the Big and Tasty, the Arch Deluxe and the McBLT, we lose another premium McDonald's burger.  But the good thing is we get more Quarter Pounders!

 

Rest in Peace Angus Third Pounders!

Value Menu Wars

So I came across this article talking about Wendy’s trying to compete with McDonald’s value menu gimmick.  McDonald’s has seen major profits with the American consumer by highlighting their awesome Dollar Menu.  With additions such as the Spicy McChicken sandwich and my personal favorite the Grilled Onion Cheddar Burger, McDonald’s has been looking for ways to cash-in with the value conscious consumer.  The interesting thing is that McDonald’s actually saw a loss in its profits in Europe and Asia.  McDonald’s is now trying to figure out how to compete in the “value menu” wars across the world figuring out what those demographics find to be valuable and what choices would be worth the purchase for those consumers around the world, especially those two continents.

Well Wendy’s rolled out their revamped value menu called Right Price, Right Size Menu. These items are around $1 -$2.  I took a look at their menu and it looks pretty decent.  It’s been awhile since the last time I went because ever since they introduced their new burgers, Wendy’s just wasn’t the same for me…look I love French fries but they do NOT require “Sea Salt” on them.  I may give this a shot, but I just love spending a buck on something.  The fact that some of these items are more than a dollar kinda messes that whole $1 mentality I have.

Back to my favy, McD’s, from time to time I explore the different McDonald’s websites belonging to different countries.  Ask anybody and they’ve probably seen me do it.  Since McDonald’s seems to be having an issue with their European and Asian consumers, I took a look a couple of their respective "value menus."  It’s pretty interesting stuff to look at. 

The UK has the Saver Menu which includes a Mayo Chicken sandwich, a side salad, a Double Cheeseburger and a bunch of McFlurry’s.  In Japan, there is the Value Picks menu which includes desserts, a double cheeseburger and a chicken or fish sandwich.  There’s definitely less to choose from on those two value menus and it’s probably a really smart idea for McDonald’s to step up its value menus in those areas.

So good job McDonald’s and Wendy’s!  Keep the prices down and choices up!

And by the way McDonald’s: Can the US get one of these? Please!

Here's a commercial for the UK's Saver Menu

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Burger King Burger Bundles

From time to time, my mind pops up the most random crap.  It's rainy outside and I'm tired...so....I think of Burger King...I think of their old Burger Bundles.  What?! You don't remember Burger Bundles?!  How about Burger Buddies?!  No?! Well, then I present to you Living on a Bun's very first commercial break roll it:

When these debuted, I was the perfect age and size for these fantastic mini burgers.  A couple years ago BK brought back their mini burgers but now dubbed BK Burger Shots because they're street now...whatever!

Here's a bonus Breakfast Buddies commercial and why yes that is Evander Holyfield!

Burger Bundles and Burger Buddies will live on in my heart and this commercial break!  Back when Burger King knew what they were doing!

Here's some wonderful wrapper footage!

Unfreshing Believable!

 Unfreshing believable, indeed!

Well, be still my heart!  How do you make Del Taco even better for someone watching their "eating out" fund? Or for the person who doesn't wanna cook today?  Del Taco has a new $1 and under menu!  Yes!  I've been going to Del Taco for years.  It's just a great place to stop and fill up on food and on the cheap.  To be honest, it's one of my favorite cheap eats.  Well it's getting even better.  I found out about this news on QSR Magazine  and I went straight to my local Del Taco and ogled all the cheap choices I could make:  a .50¢ mini quesadilla, a .59¢ taco, a .75¢ jacked up bean cheese and rice value burrito, a .75¢ mini BACON quesadilla, a $1 chicken taco and many other choices.  Perhaps my only issue was limiting myself on what to order.  My boyfriend, Nick and I exclusively ordered from that menu for a grand total of $5!  That's unheard of!

In addition to their Buck and Under Menu,  I took a look at their New Tastes Menu and the chili fry burrito looks tasty so that will be a future selection.  I love their chili cheese fries so I can imagine that this burrito is going to be mighty tasty! Nice upgrade Del Taco.  

By the way, if you are dieting, these new selections are the perfect portion size.  I'm dieting and I love quesadillas.  My diet does not like quesadillas but Del Taco provided the perfect compromise and I was able to enjoy a quesadilla without ruining my diet for the day.  Keep in mind this is a value menu and the size of food will obviously reflect that.  Except when it comes to the 1/2 lb bean and cheese burrito at $1! Yes!

I don't feel like cooking today...Del Taco anyone!?

Also, I came across another news item on QSR Magazine about Taco Bell trying to up their value menu as well.  Their offerings, at this point, don't seem to have the same variety in price range and settle around $1...I will be frank I have a Del Taco bias and would go to Del Taco first before even considering a trip to Taco Bell but to each his own.  

Good job Del Taco!  Also if it has been awhile, go inside your local Del Taco they have been renovating the stores one at a time and some even have one of those cool Coca-Cola Freestyle machines where you can get a multitude of different soda mixes!

 Links:

 http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/new-menus-ads-usher-del-tacos-next-growth-phase

http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/offering-value-isnt-enough-taco-bell-wants-redefine-it

All Aboard the Yummy Express! Woo Woo!

One of the things I love the most is trying new restaurants.  When I moved to the city of Escondido, only a mere 30 minutes away from San Diego (BONUS!) the first place my boyfriend and I hit was Yelp.  Yelp is a great website where people post their reviews of different businesses….we use it almost exclusively for food finds.

When we moved to Escondido, we noticed this very small Chinese food place named Yummy Express; tucked between a Vons and a Mexican food place.  Upon further investigation, on the all mighty Yelp, we found that Yummy Express had a score of 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  Seeing as it was only a 1 dollar sign restaurant and it was so nearby, we took the plunge and we’ve never looked back since.

Maybe I should back up a bit.  I’ve never really been a huge fan of Chinese food. It’s not so much the food but the effects the food has on me.  So I was a little leery about jumping in to this new Chinese food joint.  My boyfriend loves Chinese food but out of courtesy of my unpleasant after-effects, he allowed me to relegate Chinese food visits to once or twice a year.  Well it was about that time of the year and after finding this place, we made the leap.

Yummy Express is by far the best Chinese food I’ve ever eaten.  Not only is EVERYTHING freshly prepared in the kitchen by the wife and husband team that owns the restaurant but Yummy Express does not skimp on portions.  You know how when you go to, for example Panda Express and they use that larger portion of your Styrofoam container for rice and the smaller portion for you entrée…well Yummy Express does the opposite.  When you get a combo, the entrée you order is in the larger portion of that container and the rice (fried or steamed) is in the smaller portion.  On top of that, everything is topped off and is brimming over the container.  You also get a cream cheese wonton and a spring roll with every combo.  All that for around $6-$7.  More than enough for the hungriest appetite.

This past Monday I went to Yummy Express and got the Orange Peel chicken combo with fried rice.  This was the first time I ordered the Orange Peel chicken and it was fantastic.  The best I’ve ever had and I dare say it’s my favorite entrée thus far.  I will say that I make that declaration every time I go there but it was great.  Not over-fried at all.  It was crunchy; yet juicy, with actual orange peel in the gooey, sticky, fragrant sauce.  The fried rice is different than I have had before.  It’s more soy sauce based.  It has a good taste that complements all entrees and doesn’t take away from the main event.  I love their wontons.  It’s so crunchy and airy.  The spring roll; great again. 

Because I’ve never had a miss at Yummy Express, this Monday also marked the first time I’ve ordered their vegetable lo Mein.  Oh MY LANTA!!  This was awesome beyond words.  First off, in true Yummy style, the container was busting out with lo mein.  The noodles were perfectly cooked.  I'm a carb addict so on a gluteness (new word!) day like Monday; this will be a great addition to any entree they serve.  Or you can make a meal of it by itself; you could probably make two meals out of it in fact and for around $6. 

Also another entrée that I would highly recommend is their honey chicken.  It's very similar to the orange peel chicken except sweeter and mild.  It pairs very well with their steamed rice. I’ve had that three times and have not regretted once.

If you’re looking for a high quality, low priced and big portion dining experience, Yummy Express is where you need to be.  If you find yourself in Escondido and have a hankering for Chinese; stop what you're doing and go to Yummy Express.

Go Now-

Yummy Express

2335 E Valley Pkwy. - E
Escondido, CA 92027

Btw, I totally wanted to include pictures but guess what…I was way too busy enjoying my food to stop and take a picture…I guess that’s all the proof you need to show how good this food is.

Seriously…now….go!

Bun Rating:

4 1/2 buns out of 5