McDonald's Monopoly is back!

I'm still trying to catch up after Comic Con but McDonald's Monopoly is back.  I don't know about you, but I look forward to this every year...I only hope to score a free Big Mac.

Here's the items that you can get play pieces from:

Premium McWrap
Big Mac sandwich
Chicken McNuggets (10 piece and 20 piece)
Filet-O-Fish sandwich
Large Fries
Egg White Delight McMuffin sandwich
Sausage McMuffin with Egg
Oatmeal
Hash Browns
Medium and Large cold McCafé drinks
Medium Fountain Drinks
Medium or Large Iced McCafé
Blended McCafé
McCafé Smoothies
McCafé Shakes
Small , Medium, or Large McCafé Iced Coffee
Medium , Large, or Extra Large Minute Maid Premium Orange Juice

Get to eating!

Here's the article!

Rejoice! Dunkin' Donuts coming to So-Cal!!

After years of complaining and pining, it looks like Dunkin' Donuts is coming to Southern California!!!

A total of 45 locations are to be opened here in So-Cal with the first stand alone stores to be located in Los Angeles and Orange County to be opened in 2015!  AHH!  This is great news.  Now we can get fresh brewed Dunkin' Donuts coffee with a munchkin...DONUT!

Too bad it won't be early enough to enjoy these!  But I cannot wait! Here's the full article with details I cannot articulate because I'm too damn excited! 

WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!

Starbucks and Dannon Unite!

Holy Power Combine Batman!

Starbucks is partnering up with Dannon to make, "ready to eat Greek yogurt parfaits!" As you may know Starbucks already sells a couple of yogurt items at their counters but it looks like they are ramping up their efforts to get you to pair your oh so yummy Non-Fat Chai Tea Latte with a scrumdiddlyumptious greek yogurt parfait. 

No word if John Stamos will be showing up at your local Starbucks chucking Oikos products to you but that can't stop a lifetime Full House fan from hoping, right?! Have Mercy! 

Could this be coming to a Starbucks near you?!

Here's the article!

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.  

Fatburger invades a Walmart near you!

Get your "fat" on this coming summer because Fatburger is hitting the road and stopping at Walmart's across the nation in celebration of Walmart selling frozen Fatburger beef hamburger patties.  If you haven't visited a Fatburger, it's well worth a check out.  Yummy burgers and no skimping on anything.  Make sure you have a healthy appetite before stepping in though. 

 

If you don't have one near you, keep your ear to the ground and see if the Fatmobile stops by your local Walmart where they will be giving out free sample burgers and Coke Zero. 

Read Further Here

Put down your Subway and pick up a Bic Mac!

Well, thank you researchers!  After years of me saying that "you are no better getting Subway than McDonald's," and no one believing me, researchers at UCLA came to the same conclusion.  Take that Subway "healthy" people.  You are no better off than me and my Big Mac eating ways. HAAHAAHA!

 

To the results:

 

Researchers found that during their experiment, which you can read here, participants buying lunch at Subway would consume on average only 83 calories less than participants buying lunch at McDonald's.  Not a significant difference. 

 

On average researchers found that a sandwich at Subway ranks WAY higher in sodium content than an average sandwich at McDonald's.  Also, an average Subway sandwich has a higher calorie intake than an average McDonald's sandwich.

 

Of course, nutritionists caution that for a healthy diet you would want to avoid fast food.  Of course, I will not listen to that.  I say, moderation is always the best.  I'm a fast food junkie no if's, and's, or but's about it and always will be.  But it does feel really good to pass by Subway and snicker over my tasty Bic Mac. MUUUUHAHAHAHAHA!

Come here my pretty!

Living on a Pretzel Bun?! What?!

For several months now, Wendy's has been testing a Bacon Cheeseburger on a Pretzel bun in select markets.  Yum!  And now it appears it will be rolling out nationwide sooner than later.  Take a look at that beautiful burger footage:

Ummm...yes you can sign me up to your pretzel subscription!

You may recall that during the fall, Red Robin usually rolls out an Oktoberfest burger which also uses a wonderful pretzel bun.  Well it appears as though we may be able to have that pleasure everyday whenever Wendy's releases this bad boy of Burgerville to the general public.

I wait with bated breath!

Here's more info:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/31/wendys-pretzel-burger_n_3365879.html

http://www.philly.com/philly/food/20130530_Wendys_plans_pretzel_burger__.html

McDonald's Breakfast After Midnight Debuts

McDonald's is now serving breakfast after midnight!  Breathe easy now if you have a late night hankering for an Egg McMuffin.  No longer do you have to wait until later in the morning to shove this delicious delight down the old pie-hole.  After a couple of years of "market research," McDonald's is officially going live with their "Breakfast After Midnight Menu."  Here's a look at it:

Notice you get to choose between fries and hashbrowns! Hello! Dreams do come true!

In So-Cal we've been experiencing a "Breakfast after Midnight Menu" for the last few months but it looks like McDonald's is making this match-made-in-heaven official for the country.  They've also added items that our original, "market research" menu didn't have.  It was quite small so that is definitely a welcomed change.  However, where is my Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit!?  Oh well, nothing's perfect.

Next task McDonald's: Breakfast All Day!

Here's the original story!

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!

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

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