January 25, 2008
Burger King Flame Broiled Potato Snacks
You won’t find these at Burger King, but you might find them in the supermarket. In my case, I discovered them at my local Rite Aid. Intrigued by the Burger King logo on the bag, I figured I’d give them a try. These snacks are round, bite-size chips that I immediately found to be very delicious. I don’t know of any other chip quite like them. They’re made with potatoes and corn, giving them a flavor and texture you would expect by mating a potato chip with a tortilla chip. They have a very nice crunch and are thick enough that they would undoubtedly be great for dipping. I really like the “flame broiled” flavor. It’s similar to barbeque, but not as sweet, and has a great smoky taste. Amazingly, they really do taste like they could have been cooked over an open flame. Burger King Flame Broiled snacks have quickly jumped to near the top of my “favorite snack” list.
Phoood rating: 
January 20, 2008
Pizza Hut “Pizza Mia”
Pizza, like hamburgers and French fries, is one of the foods that define American cuisine. Its versatility has allowed various recipes and ingenious, not to mention delicious, creations (think California Pizza Kitchen's "BBQ Chicken Pizza). Even so, there remain several name brands that are practically symbols of this dish: Pizza Hut, Papa John's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Dominoes are just a few of the many. And it is upsetting to see these emblems of quality become shorthand for deception. Just released at Pizza Hut is a selection of pizzas titled "Pizza Mia," claiming to be made from "whole milk mozzarella cheese with a hint of cheddar, and vine-ripened California tomatoes." Its also unreasonably affordable: "just $5 every day when you order 3 or more 1-topping mediums!" Despite the hyperbolic diction and the succulent pictures, this line of pizzas lacks even the essentials: a fulfilling amount of cheese and topping, a flavorful crust, and a pleasing texture. In short, it is no less than blasphemy, an ungodly take on the American dish. Its is reminiscent of the five dollar pizzas sold by Little Caesars, which too are rather sparse, but the way Pizza Hut shamelessly promoted theirs leaves a bitter taste in anyone's mouth. Alas, it may be affordable, but so are promotional offers and pizzas elsewhere, and it is there you should find your deliciously cheap pizza.
Phoood rating: 
January 13, 2008
Jolly Rancher Fruit Chews
As a kid I was always too impatient for hard candy, so when Jolly Rancher put their original flavors into a chew with a Starburst-like consistency, I was immediately intrigued. The intense fruit flavor of traditional Jolly Ranchers has been transformed into soft chews allowing for quick consumption and satisfaction. From my first bite I was instantly hooked, so much in fact that later that day I came back to the store and bought two more twelve-piece packs. If you have always wished for the intense Jolly Rancher flavors in a soft chew, look no further than Jolly Rancher Fruit Chews. The seemingly simple name couldn’t be a better description of what the candy actually tastes like.
Phoood rating:
January 10, 2008
Carl’s Jr. Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Burrito
At first glance, the new Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Burrito available at Carl’s Jr. seems like it has a lot going for it. It is made with refried beans, scrambled eggs, shredded jack and cheddar cheeses, ranchero sauce, and crisp corn tortilla strips, all wrapped in a flour tortilla. The problem is that the two main components of the burrito – refried beans and scrambled eggs – are both bland and boring. The tortilla strips, which are a great idea, were nothing but soggy pieces of corn tortillas by the time I got to them. Honestly, I thought that the best part of the burrito was the ranchero sauce. It’s not a good thing when the condiment is the best part of the meal. If anyone from Carl’s Jr. asked, I’d tell them to replace the refried beans with hash browns and sausage and get rid of the tortilla strips. Then it would be a breakfast burrito worth buying. Fortunately, Carl’s Jr. has lots of other good stuff on their breakfsast menu, including the tasty Breakfast Burger.
Phoood rating: 
January 6, 2008
Starbucks Caramel Misto
$4.50 for a Venti Caramel Macchiato. This rich, creamy, velvety smooth drink made from espresso shots and steamed milk is arguably the best Starbucks has to offer. The price of this warming drink, however, is not; four and a half dollars for a drink is ridiculously overpriced, and the expenditure is dangerous for everyday patrons. I suggest to those found in this dilemma to try the Caramel Misto. It's not on the official Starbucks menu, but most Baristas (Starbucks' workers) will understand. Rather than using a shot of espresso, the Misto uses a shot of black coffee. Normally, this would make the drink flavorless, the milk overpowering the essence of the coffee, but since the coffee at Starbucks is bolder than others, the two drinks taste relatively the same. One can also ask for "double shot", which also makes the drink's coffee fragrance bolder. The best part is most stores will give this to you at a price of $2.50. This extensive coffee drinker can tell the difference, even when ordering a double shot, but for two dollars less, that's a minute sacrifice to make. (Note: Though most Baristas should understand your order, some employees may not actually know about the Misto. The prices may also vary, so checking with your Barista is highly recommended)
Phoood rating: 