It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Living on a Bun: Comic Con Edition!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Comic Con is just around the bend and I cannot wait.  I’ve been going to Comic Con since 2005 and have been a faithful attendee every year since then.  Comic Con is full of fun, sweat, people, hard work, body order, sun, more sweat and HUNGER!  After just a couple of hours going up and down the convention floor, you can get you extremely hungry.  So what is a Comic Con attendee to do? EAT!  But what to eat!

Throughout the San Diego Convention Center there are food carts full of food that is overpriced and low on flavor.  Instead of grabbing the $10 cardboard mini-pizza from the cart outside of Hall H, I have some cheap and flavorful options for fellow attendees.  These are quick, close, cheap and fantastic choices you can make while enjoying the greatness that is Downtown San Diego. 

Chef Vader also has his recommendations! I love this time of the year!

These are in no particular order.

Sarku Japan at Horton Plaza http://www.yelp.com/biz/sarku-japan-san-diego-3

Sarku is a chain that you can find in malls across the nation.  This is a great stop if you need something huge, cheap and quick.  I usually get the chicken teriyaki which gives you a HUGE helping of beef or chicken, a helping of veggies and some fresh steamed rice.  It all comes in a styrofoam container good for travel if you are just taking a quick break between Comic Con panels.  You can easily bring this in with you and enjoy a yummy meal for just a bit over $6.  Not bad at all.  And this Sarku, always has a person handing out samples if you want to sample before purchasing.

Phil’s BBQ http://www.yelp.com/biz/phils-bbq-san-diego-2

Phil’s BBQ is by far the BEST BBQ I have ever had at a restaurant.  This is in San Diego but a bit away from the convention center but this would be a great wrap to your Comic Con experience or even a great start before you head out to Preview night.  They give you huge portions with low prices.  I suggest anything on the menu but the BBQ Broham and El Toro sandwiches are great choices on the cheaper end of the spectrum.  Also their ribs are the best.  This is a very famous restaurant in San Diego and has been featured on numerous shows including The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives.

http://www.philsbbq.net/

This is the Broham.  Pulled Pork of the Gods!

Lolita’s http://www.yelp.com/biz/lolitas-mexican-san-diego

This was a find from 2012’s Comic Con!  Not only is it a quick walk across the street from the Convention Center but the combo meals that they offer don’t go over $7.  One of those combos features 2 burritos (chicken or beef) and beans and rice.  You can’t beat that.  The food is very tasty.  It’s the best Mexican food I’ve had in the Downtown area.   They do get very crowded during Comic Con time so it may be difficult to get a seat but you can always get food to go and enjoy it at the Convention Center.  I love their shredded beef and chicken tacos, their burritos are a decent size (especially based on the price they charge) and I just discovered their carnitas plate.  The best carnitas I’ve had, no fat and plenty to go around if you wanna split with your buddy.  I’ll be going here twice this year, just like last year.  I LOVE LOLITAS!

http://lolitasmexicanfood.com/

CARNITAS!!!  Also get some Carne Asada Fries while you are there!

The Kebab Shop http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-kebab-shop-san-diego#query:kabob%20shop

Another find from last year’s Comic Con!  THE KEBAB SHOP!  I’ve gone to The Kebab Shop throughout the year since discovering it and every time I go in, I get the chicken shawarma sandwich.  IT IS HUGE!  The chicken is well seasoned.  The sandwich is loaded with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers and yummy tzatziki and hot sauce.  My boyfriend has gotten the kebab plates and loves those as well.  They have doner.  I can’t say I’ve had it because I’m stuck on the sandwich but one look at those pictures on their Yelp page, you’ll be Map Questing your route ASAP.  The other reason why this place is great is the cheap prices and again it’s a quick walk from the Convention Center!

This is the Chicken Shawarma Sandwich.  The bun is toasty yet soft and is perfect.

Hodad’s http://www.yelp.com/biz/hodads-san-diego-4

In the mood for a burger?! Stop and walk yourself to Broadway and go to Hodad’s! Take a look at this:

Yeah.  Go. Now.  I need say no more. http://hodadies.com

There are so many more great choices down here in SD but these are the one’s you have to check out and are nearby (exception Phil’s).  Now have a good Comic Con and enjoy the delicious eats at Downtown San Diego.  

Happy Doughnut Day!

Today is National Doughnut Day.  Are you looking for a place to celebrate?  Let me put forward the most wonderful Doughnut shop I know, Peterson's in Escondido, CA.  One look at their Yelp page and you will be in love.

Since I found out about this wonderful family owned shop, I have refused to eat doughnuts anywhere else.  I have loved everything I have gotten there.  From cheese rolls, frosted donuts with sprinkles, zebras, maple bacon log, buttermilk, glazed, toasted coconut chocolate and the most fantastical Butter Log! Ah...you can NOT go wrong.

The best part....they are open 24-hrs!  Yes!  So get to it now and celebrate!

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.

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

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