Our office had Pollo Asado Soft Tacos from the Taco Factory today for Cinco De Mayo. The Chicken is marinated in Lemon Spices and Charbroiled. It has a very good flavor, but some of the pieces had too much gristle. Overall, the Tacos were enjoyed by most — 7 out of 8.
Taco Factory DIRECT: http://www.tacofactoryinc.com/
Gravy Fries aka Fries with Gravy is what these are. In connection with Nibbles of Tidbits’ Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Post, I was told “you’ve got to try The Hat’s Gravy Fries too” which is what’s pictured. I’m not sure why I expected more than just Gravy on Fries, since that’s its name — I think it’s my thoughts of Italian Sunday Gravy, which sometimes includes everything but the kitchen sink. And seeing that they’re exactly as titled, they’re just okay. We prefer Chili Cheese Fries, as you’ll see HERE: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1110
The Hat: http://www.thehat.com/
Yesterday Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) offered a FREE New Grilled Chicken Drumstick to ALL (above). And today El Pollo Loco (EPL) offered the public a FREE Drumstick (below) and Wing. I was curious to try KFC’s new product so we went for the free Drumstick, and we already knew the taste of EPL’s Drumstick, but paid for this one for true comparison.
But let’s just get right down to it, there’s no comparison — El Pollo Loco’s genuinely Grilled Chicken is hard to beat. It’s got a lot of great flavor and it’s cooked on the better grill. Isn’t it obvious from the photos above? KFC’s Drumstick wasn’t bad — It was just bland and nothing special whatsoever. I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way for it, but I would for EPL’s Drumstick.
This OFFICIAL comparison reminded me how good EPL’s Chicken actually is. Can another well-known fast food chain just jump in and expect much with just okay? I think not. I like Kentucky’s “Fried” Chicken much better than this Drumstick — KFC should stick with its Original Recipe and Extra Crispy, and come up with something better for this CHICKEN WAR. El Pollo Loco is the WINNER.
Related Links:
Have you heard of The Veggie Grill? It’s a small chain that I heard was good — So a couple of us tried it today for lunch and liked it. I’m not in love yet, but the food was fresh, the restaurant was clean and the service was extra friendly and helpful.
We visited The Veggie Grill at The Irvine Spectrum. It’s a semi fast food type of place, whereas you order and pay at the counter, then they deliver your food on real plates with silverware. This first visit we both tried the same, a Baja Fiesta Salad and Bean Me Up Chili for the Soup & Salad Combo. They also offer a few interesting Veggie Sandwiches and Burgers we’ll need to try next time.
The Veggie Grill: http://www.veggiegrill.com/
We started at it like a WISH BONE — Then a few of us shared this Pretzel as an appetizer. We liked the taste of the Pepperoni and sweet flavor of the Pretzel Dough, but neglected to order a side of Marinara Sauce, which we think to be necessary for full enjoyment of Auntie Anne’s New Pepperoni Pretzel. There’s an extra charge for a DIP, but you’ve gotta have the Sauce with this one — That was the consensus here. P.S. Did you know that Sunday, April 26th is National Pretzel Day?
Auntie Anne’s INFO: http://www.auntieannes.com/
Have you seen ALL the Chili Cheese Fries on Nibbles of Tidbits? We’ve reviewed a lot more than the ones pictured here. These are super good, but unfortunately not easily available to most, unless you live or work in Irvine. They’re made by Peter’s Cafe, a small Cafe located on the ground floor of the Daimler Chrysler Building on Irvine Center Drive. If you’re around the area, they’re worth trying — I think it’s the Oil they use that makes them so tasty. If you’re not local, please see our Chili Cheese Fries link which includes photos and reviews of Chili Cheese Fries offered my many restaurant chains across the nation.
Chili Cheese Fries Comparison (Photos & Reviews):
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1110
Peter’s Cafe: (949) 753-0855
Four of us recently shared one of Carl’s Jr.’s New Kentucky Bourbon Burgers and the consensus is that it’s pretty good. We all liked it. One said the Bourbon Sauce might be too sweet for him, but the rest of us thought it complemented the Burger nicely. We especially like the Crispy Onion Straws, Pepper Jack Cheese and Bacon. All together it’s a really good combination. Pictured here is the Six Dollar Burger option — Apparently it comes in three sizes, a Single, Double, or Six Dollar Burger variation.
Carl’s did a good job on this menu item and the restaurant (Irvine Center Drive) did a good job preparing this Burger. My main hope for all fast food restaurants is to maintain the consistency of respectable products. All should look as heavily advertised, except for the dripping Sauce — I’m not a fan of that.
Carl’s DIRECT: http://www.carlsjr.com/
WHO?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl’s_Jr.
Steak Sandwich: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1519
Crispy Burritos: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2978
My favorite isn’t The Works Plate, which is pictured here. The most satisfying combination and best value for me at The Flame Broiler Restaurant is the “Chicken Veggie Bowl” with all White Meat*, easy Rice, Green Onions and 2 small containers of Magic Sauce. All together it makes up a yummy well rounded lunch or dinner. It’s the usual, but wanted to try their Beef, and a Plate in lieu of a Bowl. Plates are roughly $2 more than its Bowl counterpart.
After this visit I learned it’s unnecessary to order a Plate, since the Salad it comes with is minimal and gets warm next to everything else (not a fan of that), and the other difference between a Plate and Bowl is the addition of a half Orange — HOWEVER, the Plate appears to have more meat (exact % unknown), which I’m sure appeals to many. A fair portion of meat is served with the Bowls and Plates. After more testing, I’ll be sticken with the White Meat Chicken while still kickin’, and I ain’t dk’in — That’s inappropriate I know, but so, got to go. Ciao.
* There’s an extra charge for all White Meat Chicken. 🙁
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I think I’ve had these before — Not from Carl’s or The Green Burrito, but when I was in elementary school. They taste like Burrito Day back when. And they also taste like those Mini Tacos in the frozen food’s section of the grocery store, plus a food sample I once received at Costco on a Saturday afternoon.
In other words, the flavor combination is reminiscent of foods gone by. And I actually liked Carl’s Crisp Burrito’s flavor and texture. I received a coupon to try a 3-Pack, but two are enough. Three were a bit heavy, but they do hit a tasty note I’ve enjoyed before. Next time I’d need a side of Sour Cream and Hot Sauce.
Wendy’s “Premium Fish Fillet” Sandwich is made with Panko Breadcrumbs and Cod, which made me want to try it. The meat was white, but a bit flavorless, and the Panko didn’t make it as light and crisp as I hoped. The Bun was good, it didn’t disintegrate as fast as other Wendy’s Buns do (too much air). I’d like Pickles on this Sandwich if I have it again. The Cheese was $0.40 extra. Overall it’s an okay value. Related Link: http://www.wendys.com/
BK Burger Shots from Burger King aren’t those cute little Sliders we’re all liking these days, but instead it’s just one giant perforated Burger, HA. We tried a 6 Pack of Burger Shots and had to pull them apart to get one. You can tell these were made quickly. They taste just like a Whopper, but without the Lettuce and Tomato I’d prefer to have. This was $4.09 — I’d rather have a Whopper for a buck. Since Burger King’s website is a bit confusing and time consuming, only one related page is linked below.
Burger King: http://www.bk.com/#menu=2,91,-1
I’m not sure why I wanted to try this, since I have a phobia of eating hidden Chicken from a Fast Food Restaurant, HA. I think it was the “Platter” aspect about it. Plus I didn’t know it had Chicken, even though it’s in the product name — Go figure. I was hungry and mostly curious. I only ate the edges so I can’t comment on the meat, but the Enchilada Sauce isn’t bad. I don’t think it’s new. I’d prefer it with Beans and Cheese, as a wet Burrito. And I like Taco Bell’s Chips, but not the Salsa that’s served with this platter. To wrap up my occasional snootiness, I prefer not to have the Sour Cream warm and melted after being encompassed under the giant cover. On the side is a must, always. This Spicy Chicken Enchilada Platter costs $4.99.
Related Links:
Where’s my extra CHEESE Del Taco? That’s what a few of us want to know. Del Taco charges $0.39 for extra Cheese on their regular $0.59 Taco. The cost of extra Cheese is more than half the price of the Taco. And since we pay that much for the extra Cheese, WE WANT IT. We’re not just interested in paying more for the Taco. Can you PLEASE start giving us what we paid for? Corporate needs to communicate this to all restaurants — ADD THE EXTRA CHEESE when a customer requests and pays for it!
Related Link: http://www.deltaco.com/
I’ve read that Burger King has started selling FLAME, a new cologne for men — It’s supposed to smell like a Flame Broiled Hamburger. HA. I’ve got to get my hands on a bottle. I need a couple joke gifts and this cologne would be perfect.
I called a few local Burger King Restaurants and most didn’t know what the heck I was talking about — It was fun trying to explain it. Another fine example of good corporate communication (not) and advertisement without infrastructure. I checked online and they appear to be sold out, unless I can get it WHERE??? What up BK?
Related Links:
http://www.firemeetsdesire.com/
http://www.burgerking.com/bkglobal/
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/16/burger-kings-flame-broiled-mens-body-spray/
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/12/19/confirmed-new-burger-king-cologne-smells-like-gasoline/
I live near two “The Flame Broiler” restaurants and finally tried one (off Harbor/Wilson) for the first time. Here’s the Chicken Veggie Bowl with MAGIC Sauce (a Teriyaki-type variation). The Chicken flavor was excellent, but next time I’ll request all white meat. I heard a few others order it while I was eating. It’s about $1.25 extra. I like dark meat, but there were too many connectors included in the bowl — It’ll be easier to enjoy the white meat. The Vegetables were fresh and the Sauce had the perfect sweetness. I wanna go back and have another.
More Flame Broiler Food & INFO
Flame Broiler DIRECT: http://www.flamebroilerusa.com/
I was recently offered the opportunity to try Carl’s Jr.’s New Charbroiled Steak Sandwich. It’s always fun to try something new, but to be honest I usually don’t eat Steak or Chicken from fast food joints. It’s a mental problem I have (HA) and I can be a bit of a food snob about some things. I’m fearful of chewy/tough Beef or Chicken with cartilage attached. I’ve had plenty of Hamburgers and Ground Beef from fast food restaurants, but never a Chicken or Steak Taco, Burrito, Sandwich, etc.
HOWEVER, I have enjoyed an occasional Chicken Breast Sandwich and do especially like Carl’s Jr.’s Charbroiled Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich. And today was another exception, since I tried my first fast food Steak. Although the picture isn’t as good as the advertisement, Carl’s Steak Sandwich isn’t bad. The Steak (100% Sirloin) wasn’t chewy or tough and the flavor was acceptable. I think the Onion Rings add a lot to the Sandwich, just like the Western Bacon Cheeseburger, the Burger I like best at Carl’s Jr.
Related Link:
Pastrami on a Hot Dog Bun is currently being sold at Wienerschnitzel formerly known as Der Wienerschnitzel — For some reason I’ve been wanting to cook Pastrami, so I tried this Sandwich for a quick fix. And now I really want to make my own. It didn’t taste bad at all, but I want to freely bite into a Pastrami Sandwich knowing there’s no fat chunks in it. Is it just me?
Related Links:
http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/
Tommy Pastrami’s NY Blackened Pastrami Sandwich (above). http://www.tommypastraminydeli.com/home.asp
OR
The Hat’s “World Famous” Pastrami Sandwich (below)? http://www.thehat.com/index.htm
Both Sandwiches are good yet different from each other. I liked the look of Tommy Pastrami’s Pastrami. The meat was lean and athetically pleasing. The Hat’s Pastrami was fattier, and I most often prefer a leaner meat — However, it’s not all over with that observation.
The Hat’s Pastrami was more flavorful and juicy. In comparison, Tommy’s Pastrami was unexpectedly bland/dry, but tasted good with Mustard. Between these two Sandwiches, I may wear The Hat for a while. Whose Pastrami do you like better? I know there’s a lot more Pastrami Sandwiches out there, but do you have an opinion on these two?
Related Link: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1110
Where’s your favorite place to get Chili Cheese Fries? We’ve been trying a few around town and would love to know whose Chili Cheese Fries you like BEST. Some are extra good and some are just okay. We describe a few, but want you to be the judge too. Each photograph will have a brief description and related restaurant link directly below it. And we’ll be adding more Chili Cheese Fries photos and observations, so keep checking back.
The Hat’s Chili Cheese Fries with Pickles & Tomatoes – You get a lot of them. It’s heavy.
Tommy Pastrami’s Chili Cheese Fries – It’s got nice Steak Fries, but the Chili is a bit Tomato-Paste tasting. It has big chunks of Beef in it, which is ok, but generally not preferred in a CCF.
Carl’s Junior’s Chili Cheese Fries – They’re not bad.
Fatburger’s Chili Cheese Fries – For some reason I expected more, but they were good. Fatburger offers a choice of Skinny Fries or Fat Fries. Pictured here are the Skinny Fries.
SONIC Drive-In’s Chili Cheese Fries – I haven’t tried these yet, but others like them.
Orange County Fair’s Chili Cheese Fries – You can only get them during the OC Fair.
Wienerschnitzel’s Chili Cheese Fries – Unfortunately they’re not one of my top picks. I’d have to go with Carl’s Jr.’s Chili Cheese Fries before these (above).
Pink’s Chili Cheese Fries – Very good. Second favorite to Original Tommy’s Chili Cheese Fries.
Del Taco’s Chili Cheese Fries – I’d pick them over Carl’s Jr. ones, since the Fries are better.
EZ Take Out Burger’s Chili Cheese Fries – I liked them, especially the French Fries. Their Hamburgers are similar to In-N-Out’s Burgers, but dare I say I like EZ Take Out’s Fries better. And Chili Cheese Fries don’t appear to be an option at In-N-Out Burger.
Johnny Rocket’s Chili Cheese Fries – They’re acceptable. Nothing to rave about, nor rag on. On a separate note, their Hamburgers are very good.
Original Tommy’s Chili Cheese Fries – They still stand as my favorite over all those pictured.
Wendy’s Chili Cheese Fries — It’s made with Chili that should be served in a bowl with a side of Buttered Crackers, but instead it’s dumped over French Fries and topped with Cheese. I don’t think so. They’re not recommended.
Jack in the Box Loaded Chili Cheese Wedges — Good with the Onions picked out.
Portillo’s Chili Cheese Fries — Portillo’s Chili has a really good flavor that goes well with their crinkled-cut French Fries and a little melted Cheese. We’d have them again.
Santa Fe Cafe Chili Cheese Fries — They’re best had on their outdoor patio with a Pitcher of Beer.
MORE TO COME.
I heard Carm’s Coneys on 17th Street in Costa Mesa is really good. I hadn’t even seen it, since it’s sandwiched among many other small restaurants and businesses. Its owner was born in Brooklyn, NY.
I stopped in tonight and tried The Original Coney said to be one of their most popular Dogs and is made with all white Veal. You get a choice between a New England Roll or Bun. Upon recommendation I had the New England Roll and Carm’s Award Winning Chili. I liked it — It’s different tasting. They say if you bite into a Dog you don’t like, they’ll give you something else.
The place is really cute and it had a lot of people inside. Apparently I’m the only one out of the Famous NY Dog’s loop. I found the service super friendly, helpful and happy. I’ll go back and try a few more things. I’ve got my eye on the Zweigle (Red or White Hot), Bratwurst, Salt Potatoes and Sweet Potato Fries.
And I’ll also try the Chili Cheese Fries, since I’m putting together a post all about Chili Cheese Fries. Carm’s Coneys first opened in Newport Beach in 1985, closed in 1991 to pursue other interests, and is now re-open with an expanded menu in Costa Mesa. It’s a nice little place with good food and service.
UPDATE (11/30/08): The location is now occupied by Jimmy’s Burger Joint, which officially opened yesterday. Jimmy is/was a partner of Carm’s and says Carm is looking for a new location to re-open. I’m advised that the Chicago Dog is one of the things to try at Jimmy’s Burger Joint — I guess I’ll need to do that sometime.
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I finally tried one of Carl’s Jr.’s Six Dollar Burgers – The Guacamole Bacon Burger, which sells for about $5.00. I’m not impressed. It tastes more like a $3.00 Burger, and frankly I like their less expensive Burgers better. It certainly doesn’t taste like a restaurant Burger, but more like a fast food Burger, which it is. Don’t be fooled by their advertising. It’s priced too high and doesn’t deliver what it boasts. This Burger is smaller and less attractive than the one currently featured on Carl’s Jr.’s website. If you haven’t tried it yet, be warned, it’s not worth the money and isn’t what it claims to be.
Related Link:
Here’s a good looking Burger in real life – http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=270
This is a Chicken & Cheese from Philly’s Best, and they’re grilling Steak below. Both the Steak & Cheese and Chicken & Cheese Sandwiches are made with White American Cheese, unless otherwise requested — They offer Wiz too, if you’ve got to have it. And of course grilled Onions, Peppers and Mushrooms can be added.
The Steak and Chicken Sandwiches are equally awesome. I like to eat them with Pickles and Peppers. They have two different kinds of Pickles and I like them both, and I’m particular about my Pickles. I’ve been to the Irvine and Huntington Beach locations, but ‘Philly’s Best – Authentic Cheesesteak and Hoagie Shop’ now has over twenty restaurant locations.
Related Link:
I think Pick Up Stix does a pretty good job. These pictures are from a pop in at the Westcliff location in Newport Beach, California. TIP: Try not to hit it when the nearby High School is releasing students.
Pick Up Stix is featuring Crispy Honey Chicken, Rice and a Salad for $4.99 — It’s in a Coupon Packet I received in the mail, but you don’t need the coupon to get it. Since it sounded good and I pass by one, I got that Special to go. I liked the Honey Chicken, but the Salad tasted bagged and was wilted. I did ask that it be packed on the side, but they overlooked that request. The Dressing for the Salad isn’t terrific either — I ended up using my home favorite Sesame Dressing. Overall, I do like Pick Up Stix, but need to be selective with a couple items.
Related Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pick_Up_Stix
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