Posts Tagged ‘beef’

Review: Taco Bell Cheesy Double Beef Burrito

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008

Cheesy Double Beef BurritoPrice: $0.89

Availability: participating Bells

Location: 3511 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60659 (map); phone: (773) 588-9712

Rating: 3 out of 5 – acceptable

It’s interesting that when I finally got around to reviewing something from Taco Bell, there’s a new salmonella scare surrounding raw tomatoes that’s got chains around the country pulling fresh tomatoes off their menus. Taco Bell is, of course, not immune to the dangers of bad marketing (nor unfeeling as to its customers’ health), so it was fortuitous that I already wanted to check out a menu item that included no diced tomatoes whatsoever. (The additional Fire Sauce I sprinkled on later presumably uses fully cooked tomatoes in its formula.)

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Review: Burger King Loaded Steakhouse Burger

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

Loaded Steakhouse BurgerPrice: $4.49; paid – $2.50 per

Promotion: coupon; buy 1, get 1 free (only discounted $3.99)

Location: 3141 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 (map); phone: (773) 254-9124

Rating: 3 out of 5 – acceptable

Eaten: 4 blocks away

There have been times when I’ve felt obligated to try something new, whether prompted by lowly poster or towering billboard. And then there have been those times when I was lured to sample something I wouldn’t otherwise by mysteriously procured coupon or limited-time offer. But it’s rare when my takeout proclivities are pushed over the edge by a popular webcomic. As much as possible, I prefer that my destination dining not be swayed by the musings of colorful characters (whatever the medium), but it’s hard not to feel compelled when a new menu item’s ominously referred to as “a kind of epitaph for my nation.” [The comic... for your perusal.] How could I not feel the call of duty to report on this beast myself?

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Review: Burger King Cheeseburger

Thursday, April 3rd, 2008

BK CheeseburgerPrice: $1.19; paid – $0.69

Promotion: 69-cent Tuesdays

Location: 2401-2407 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago, IL 60608 (map); phone: (312) 243-5293

Rating: 4 out of 5 – good

In these days of super-sized sandwiches, it’s hard not to look down on the humble cheeseburger of yore with its diminutive contents and singular patty. Slimming down from the standard Whopper, even the official description of the regular Burger King Cheeseburger plays up its modest adornments: “A masterpiece of simplicity — one flame-broiled beef patty topped with melted American cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard all on a toasted sesame seed bun….” What should be emphasized is its excellent balance of tastes — melding into a burger greater than the sum of its parts — that deserves notice above its Happy Meal rivals, especially when confronted with local discounts (as during the weekly promo noted above).

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Review: Wendy’s Baconator

Wednesday, March 5th, 2008

Baconator wholePrice: $4.39

Location: 3700 W. Touhy Ave., Skokie, IL 60076 (map); phone: (847) 673-1991

Rating: 3 out of 5 – acceptable

The Baconator is an impressive achievement in protein and carbs; I actually missed having any hint of a solid veggie in the form of a pickle slice. And how does Wendy’s describe its self-describing new sandwich? “Six strips of hickory smoked bacon piled high atop two 1/4 lb. patties of fresh, never frozen, beef. Complete with two slices of American cheese, mayo and ketchup for a mountain of mouth-watering taste.” What it certainly is is a mountain of mass, clocking in at a stomach-filling 840 calories. Yes, I was hungry.

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