Wheat Thins Artisan – Wisconsin Colby

I’m always on the lookout for new crackers on my supermarket shelves, especially cheese-flavored crackers. I recently found new Wheat Thins Artisan crackers in Wisconsin Colby flavor. They attempt to combine a Wheat Thin cracker with a cheese flavor, but don’t succeed very well. Perhaps in an attempt to make the cracker “artisan” (whatever that is), they went with a cracker that is a bit thicker and has a different texture than a regular Wheat Thin. As a result, it doesn’t have the same pleasant crunch that I’m used to from a Wheat Thin. And while the box says that Wisconsin Colby cheese is known for its “mild, gentle flavor,” the cheese flavor has a slightly bitter aftertaste that I wouldn’t call gentle. Wheat Thin Artisan crackers also come in Vermont White Cheddar flavor, but I’m not really inclined to try them after eating the Wisconsin Colby flavor.

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Carl's Jr. Crisp Burritos

We stopped at Carl’s Jr. to pick up some eats for the baby, but I wasn’t feeling incredibly hungry. As a result, instead of ordering my regular double western bacon, I figured I’d try out the Crisp Burrito meal, courtesy of Green Burrito’s alliance with Carl’s. One thing I should have obviously noticed is that these things could not be as remotely large as they are displayed, and they’re not. About two inches long and an inch in diameter, these little morsels should not be the main event in a meal, though they’d be an incredible side order. These south-of-the-border eggrolls are very simple and delicious, filled with a thinly ground, seasoned beef, cheese, and jalapeno mixture. Worry not, fellow jalapeno haters, they’re completely unnoticeable, and they give the burrito a little zest. I thought the guacamole came standard with them, so I didn’t ask directly for it and as a result, received none. I checked online, and apparently guacamole is only available for additional charge. I have no doubt though, that had I been granted a wee tublet of avocado dip, these mini-burritos would have been even more enjoyable than they already are.

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KFC Grilled Chicken

Kentucky Fried Chicken. Let me repeat that: Kentucky FRIED Chicken. Needless to say, I was a little perturbed when I heard KFC (nee Kentucky Fried Chicken, the fried chicken king) was going to start offering grilled chicken. It seemed like the move was simply a marketing ploy to broaden their potential customer base. Fried foods have never been too friendly on waist lines, and adding a grilled entree appeals to diet-conscious consumers. But is this addition of grilled chicken something more than just a way to reach new customers? Is it something that will have people coming back again and again, not because it is a healthier alternative but because it flat-out tastes good? I headed to my local Colonel's headquarters looking for an answer. I ordered a two-piece meal, one of the pieces being their original recipe classic and the other being the new grilled chicken. I ate the delicious original recipe first, all the while thinking: why would anyone come to KFC and get anything else? And then I bit into a piece of the new grilled chicken. I was immediately taken aback. It was so juicy and full of flavor that I needed another bite to confirm what I had just tasted. The second and third and so on until I was finished had confirmed my first taste. The grilled chicken really was that good. That juicy, full flavor piece left me wanting more. The new grilled chicken at KFC is not just a ho-hum offering of a backyard classic--they are Kentucky Fried Chicken, after all, and fried chicken is what put them on the map--but their grilled chicken will make me come back.

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Pepsi Throwback

Finally, the long-awaited Pepsi Throwback has arrived. The last decade has been about cost efficient change for soda companies. Unfortunately, taste is always compromised in the process. They’ve been adding high fructose corn syrup as the sweetener, but for the next few months, Pepsi will be going back to their old recipe that used cane sugar! First off, I was hoping the design of this throwback Pepsi was more original with the white blue and red waves paired with the old font. But that didn’t stop me from opening up the 20 fl oz bottle. The fumes that came out of the bottle had me reminiscing my past already. Who knew cane sugar had such as distinctive smell? Drinking the beverage was not too big of a surprise. The only difference I was able to recognize was the after-taste that followed my tongue down. It also seemed as though the drink was not as carbonated, which was a relief. So the real question, would I buy it again? Sure, the small differences are worth noticing and we may never be able to try this throw back ever again.

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Nissin Souper Meal - Chicken with Vegetable Medley

If there’s one thing I can really get behind, it’s instant ramen. Quick to make, fairly filling, cheap, and oh so tasty. I’ve been picking up bulk packages of Nissin Souper Meal (Chicken with Vegetable Medley), and found them to be rewarding in the extreme. First off, the size is incredible. These babies are probably the biggest ramen cups (or bowls rather) I’ve ever seen. It comes with a packet of dried vegetables and herbs as well as a packet of flavoring. Pour in the packets, toss in a generous amount of water, nuke for 5 minutes, and you’ve got your meal. The ramen noodles are a lot flatter and thinner in Souper Meals, which prevent the incredibly annoying under-cooked texture you sometimes get with Top Ramen or Cup Noodles. The vegetables are an excellent addition for the texture and for variety, but I can’t say they bring a whole lot to the party flavor-wise (excluding the herbs). There’s also an amusing little packet of liquid called “The Finishing Touch Flavoring” that you add once the bowl is cooked, and interestingly enough, REALLY makes a difference in the taste for the better. I’ve only tried this one flavor so far, but as many times as I sit down to it, I don’t get sick of it. Two thumbs up, 10/10, whatever you wanna call it, this is some tasty ramen.

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Coke Freestyle Fountain Dispenser

If you think about it, fountain drinks dispensers haven’t really changed much over the years. They’ve been pretty much the same as long as I can remember. Get ready for a change, because the future of fountain drinks is coming soon from Coke. The Coke Freestyle fountain dispenser will offer up to 120 types of different drinks, including waters, juices, and teas, some of which have never been sold in the U.S. It uses higher-concentrate ingredients that allow the machine to dispense so many varieties while only occupying as much space as current dispensers. I can’t wait until the Freestyle comes to my area because it is new and high tech, but honestly, I’ll probably just get a Diet Coke every time. The machines will be tested in Atlanta and Orange County, California in 2009. The rest of the country won’t see them until at least 2010.