Fast Food: Do You Want Fries With That?

[auntlada]

The last time I ate at a Taco Bell was about 20 years ago when it took about 45 minutes to get our food during a not particularly rush time, and the manager was rude about it when she explained (after I complained) that she had new people working on the shift and they didn't know how to do everything. I know it's not fair to hold it against all Taco Bells, but I'm not going to one again. (I don't really feel I'm missing a whole lot. If we want cheap, bad pseudo Mexican food, we go to Taco Mayo.)

[mansonlamps]

So today I tried Pie Five, a new "fast casual" chain in my area. They were having their pre grand opening free pizza day. Despite the storms and hail we experienced all day, there was quite a crowd at lunchtime, after all, free pizza, duh. The concept: fresh hot pizza with your choice of ingredients in about five minutes. You select crust, sauce, toppings as you go through the ordering line or choose one of their combos. They put it through their conveyor belt oven and a couple of minutes later you are delivered your fresh, hot pizza to order.

Now I am in Chicago burbs, so pizza snob area for sure (it is no Lou Malnati's). But for what they are trying to do here I give it a big thumbs up. Friendly staff, fresh ingredients, lots of variety, and all pizzas are just $6.99. No sharing, everybody gets exactly the pizza they want. And they are decent sized. Didn't get salad or dessert so can't comment there but they looked pretty good I have to say. All in all I'd go back and will probably make this an occasional visit in my lunchtime rotation. Wow I feel like I just wrote a Yelp review!

[auntlada]

Good to know. We're getting one here, although we probably won't try it until summer when the students are gone.

[potatoradio]

"I think about the only place I have ever been that lived up to all its praise is Sweetwaters Donuts in Kalamazoo."

Oh, big shout out to Sweetwaters!! I so want one of their filled powder concoctions right now. We visit MI during the summer and nobody understands why, yes, we will drive 45 minutes to get doughnuts at 3 am.

Here in Minnesota, we can't get a doughnut chain to save our lives. Krispy Kreme opened several years ago and, my god, you'd have thought the President was coming here to live with all the news hoopla. But...totally didn't live up to it. And closed.

Kind of like when I moved here and everyone talked up "the lakes." After growing up swimming in the Great Lakes, I found myself a sudden lake snob when introduced to the #cough# mud holes #cough# slightly smaller bodies of water called lakes here. And none of them had a Small town Tastee Freeze or a proper dairy bar.

Ah, nuances of the Midwest. :)

[DeLurker]

Had to look up Pie Five after reading about it here.  Turns out I have one about 12 miles away (Houston area) and the concept sounds like something my kids would enjoy.  I suspect we'll be trying it pretty soon.

[GaT]

Restaurants like Pie Five are the new thing, there's a number of them. I have On Fire Pizza near me which is basically the same thing, inexpensive, getting exactly the pizza you want, quick cooking.

[harrie]

Now I am in Chicago burbs, so pizza snob area for sure (it is no Lou Malnati's). But for what they are trying to do here I give it a big thumbs up. 

 

I live outside of New Haven, another pizza elitist capital (and I totally buy into it). Pie Five does sound intriguing, but I note that they haven't entered New York, New Jersey, or CT - all of which claim to be places where you get "real pizza, not that (fill in the blank) stuff."  If I get the opportunity in my travels, I might give them a try; the concept sounds interesting.    

 

 

 

 

 

"I think about the only place I have ever been that lived up to all its praise is Sweetwaters Donuts in Kalamazoo."

 

 

Sweetwaters has gone on to my must-try list for if I ever get back to Michigan.   Last year we drove four hours to Portland, Maine to try Holy Donuts, which were interesting-flavored  and very good, but also huge and filling.  We brought a cooler and loaded up on fresh fish and lobsters, too, though, so it wasn't purely a donut trip.  

 

We had the same phenomenon with Krispy Kreme donuts here (in CT).  People lined up for the store openings, but within a couple of years, the stores were shuttered.  I had some KK when I lived in South Carolina for a year, and I didn't like them at all. For me, it is not a good thing that a donut doesn't fill you up, causing you to end up eating 15 of them and not even notice.  So I wonder if it's a regional preference thing - in the Northeast, Dunkin Donuts rules (well, technically, the local shop usually rules but in the absence of a convenient bakery, DD is often the next stop), and maybe we just like a heartier product.  Or not, just a thought.

[EllieH]

 

Thanks a lot, people, for talking about Pie Five. You made me pull up their web site. Now I want to go there, but alas, the only Texas locations are in the DFW Metroplex or Houston area. I'm in Austin. *sob*

 

Road trip!  Either option is only ~3 hours away!  And today would be a lovely day for it, the bluebonnets are all blooming.

[harrie]

EllieH, a few years ago, I'd do it, but since becoming caregiver for my parents and sister, even day trips are out. It made me sad not being able to make the trip to Dallas last month to see the Stars and Sabres, and I haven't been to the Kimbell since 2012. Oh well, priorities change.

 

Another lover of Lindy Ruff is out there?   (Or Ted Nolan?)

Edited April 11, 2015 by harrie

[mansonlamps]

EllieH, a few years ago, I'd do it, but since becoming caregiver for my parents and sister, even day trips are out. It made me sad not being able to make the trip to Dallas last month to see the Stars and Sabres, and I haven't been to the Kimbell since 2012. Oh well, priorities change.

Having been a caretaker for many years for my father than aunt than mother, my heart goes out to you. Your priorities are in the right place for sure.

And not to take anything away from Pie Five, but I would definitely not make a six hour round trip for it, no matter how cheap gas is these days! I'm sure one of the fast casual pizza chains will land in Austin sooner rather than later.

Edited April 12, 2015 by mansonlamps

[annzeepark914]

Does anyone like Bojangles?

I do! I do!  But since moving from NC to No. VA, I make do with Popeye's (which is pretty good but not as great as Bo's).  When Bojangles first came to the Raleigh area, they were running those commercials with someone speaking in a Cajun-style accent.  I loved the wings and dirty rice.

 

Also, back in the day, I'd go to Chik-Fil-A and get their Chik-n-Que on a hamburger roll.  It was delicious!  Like pulled pork in a bbq sauce but it was chicken and there would be a pickle slice in it too.  I once wrote to the company asking them to bring this item back but never heard from them.  

[Betweenyouandme]

Cheddar-Bo biscuit!

[UYI]

 

Shit, I used to eat Denny's while drunk

 

I'm ashamed to say that, since I've never really cared to drink that much, not only have I never been drunk (I'm 26, too, so..yeah, lame), I have also been to Denny's completely sober, and by my own free will. 

 

I guess I could concede that I liked it as a kid, but still. *hangs head in shame*

 

What can I say? I'm a sucker for good chicken strips, fries and honey mustard, no matter what the restaurant. I can forgive a lot for that. 

[InDueTime]

I've recently been seeing ads for Rally's/Checkers. I'll probably never eat at them since neither is in my state.

[UYI]

For what it's worth, I've always liked Checkers (which is their name here in Maryland, in Virginia it's Rally's); they have great fries and I like their chicken strips. 

[mansonlamps]

I've recently been seeing ads for Rally's/Checkers. I'll probably never eat at them since neither is in my state.

Hey, me too. It's Sonic all over again.

[Betweenyouandme]

Has anyone tried the ghost pepper fries at Wendy's?

I want cheesy fries with no ghost pepper!

[mansonlamps]

I never heard of the fries at Wendy's, but I've had the ghost pepper wings at Popeye's and they were quite good. I thought it was just the name for the wings though, I didn't realize ghost pepper was an actual thing.

[DeLurker]

I just went and looked up what those Ghost Pepper Fries were at the Wendy's site.  They had a customize tab for figuring out how many calories/nutritional breakdown with each of the components so I am guessing you would be able to order just cheesy fries. 

 

I'm a wuss when it comes to spicy food usually, so I'll split the cheesy fries with you BYaM!

 

 

I didn't realize ghost pepper was an actual thing

Sounds like something out of Scooby-Doo.

[harrie]

Ghost peppers are real.  And they're real hot!  We grow them but seldom cook with them.  The hub brings the peppers to work and hands them out to some of his co-workers.  Usually they bring them home to cook with, but sometimes they'll just pop one like candy.  

[ikmccall]

You can order just the cheesy fries at Wendy's.  The woman in line in front of me last week ordered them.

[auntlada]

If I'm going to spend calories in cheese fries, I'm not getting them at Wendy's (and I love Wendy's). I'm going to Eskimo Joe's and getting sweet peppered bacon cheese fries with ranch dressing for dipping.

Edited April 20, 2015 by auntlada

[BW Manilowe]

The Ghost Pepper French Fries at Wendy's appear to be what will end up as 1 of those Limited Time Only menu items. At least I think so. And, yes, you can still get plain or cheese only fries.

They also have a Ghost Pepper Sandwich (I think it just comes in a chicken option, not chicken or a burger). I think I read both the sandwich & fries have, among other things, jalapeños & a ghost pepper sauce on them. I think along with melted cheese/a cheese sauce of some type.

[Betweenyouandme]

I very likely won't try them then. I don't think I'm supposed to have nacho sauce when pregnant bc it's been sitting around. Only hard cheese that's been melted right before being served.

[BW Manilowe]

I very likely won't try them then. I don't think I'm supposed to have nacho sauce when pregnant bc it's been sitting around. Only hard cheese that's been melted right before being served.

I can't copy & paste the description of the Ghost Pepper Fries directly from the Wendy's site, 'cause the page is white print on a red background. But it's basically what I already said: their natural-cut fries with diced jalapeños, ghost pepper sauce & warm cheddar cheese sauce.

[joanne3482]

I'm ashamed to say that, since I've never really cared to drink that much, not only have I never been drunk (I'm 26, too, so..yeah, lame), I have also been to Denny's completely sober, and by my own free will.

I guess I could concede that I liked it as a kid, but still. *hangs head in shame*

 

I like Denny's. For awhile they were doing a 'create your own skillet' thing where I could pick exactly what I wanted in the skillet. As someone who doesn't eat eggs, the fact that I could do double meat instead for the same price made me happy. 

 

I like Pie 5 pizza too because they have a GF crust option. 

[BooksRule]

My perfect fast food meal would be:

Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Wendy's (or possibly one of the double-meat burgers from Whataburger)

French fries from MacDonald's

Sweet ice tea with lemon from McAlister's Deli

Chocolate-covered cream-filled doughnut from Krispy Kreme

 

For chicken fingers I like Raising Cane's.  I always liked KFC now and then, but there's not one very close to me, so I go rarely.  About once every couple of months, I splurge (calorie-wise, that is) on a foot long chili cheese dog with a side of tater tots from Sonic.  I do like a burger combo from Steak and Shake, but the only one within 70 miles of me is in a local casino and I don't care to park in a parking garage, and push my way through a casino to get there.

 

Thanks for the information on Pie Five.  We're getting one in our local Hard Rock casino and I wondered what their pizza was like.

[auntlada]

Sweet ice tea with lemon from McAlister's Deli

 

When someone asks if I want lemon in my tea, I always want to say what my Papaw said: If I wanted lemonade, I'd order it. (I love McAlister's sweet tea, though, and was glad they came to our town because everyone else added sweet tea after McAlister's opened.)

[mbaywife123]

Went to Wendy's at lunch today and had a sour cream and chive baked (steamed?) pototoe and small chili with cheese and onions. Just right, hit the spot!

[Petunia13]

Wendy's is my favorite fast food restaurant.

[Qoass]

I discovered this morning that McDonald's sausage burrito has gone up in price from $1 to $1.19.  With tax, that's just enough to make me think twice about going there for a breakfast that will provide no value beyond a huge hit of salt.

 

Quick tip: if you want to quit a bad habit, become a cheapskate!

[Sandman87]

There's an NPR.org article from last month about some changes McDonald's is making, and this bit of corporate doublespeak from the CEO was hilarious:

"We will also seek to modernize and be more progressive around our social purpose in order to deepen our relationship with the communities on the issues that matter to them."

Micky-D's has a social purpose? News to me. Also, it mentions that they're going to reformulate their food, so too bad if you happen to like their food the way it is.

Link: http://www.npr.org/2015/05/04/404236476/mcdonalds-plans-to-rebrand-itself-as-a-progressive-burger-company

[DeLurker]

Why is Chick Filet (or however it is spelled) so popular?

 

The food is decent, but there is a drive through line that is so long it blocks traffic at every single one in my area.

[auntlada]

I can't speak for everyone else, but I just really like their chicken sandwiches. And it doesn't speak for the drive-through traffic, but we also go there because they have a playground, so my son loves them. It's the only place here that has a playground except for maybe one of the McDonald's, but I won't eat McDonald's. I really dislike the food.

[mansonlamps]

Yeah Chick Fil A's chicken sandwiches blow away the competition's sandwiches if you are just comparing fast food places. I'm sure some of the new Fast Casual places may have have something comparable or better for a price. Plus our Chik Fil A is spotless and the service is stellar. They do a horrible breakfast business at my location though, don't know how it pays to keep it open during those hours.

[BW Manilowe]

Why is Chick Filet (or however it is spelled) so popular?

The food is decent, but there is a drive through line that is so long it blocks traffic at every single one in my area.

It's spelled Chick-Fil-A (everybody else had the spelling, but not the punctuation in the name).

I like the "original" fried sandwich, with *no* pickles; the soups (besides Chicken Noodle, they've had Chicken Tortilla in the colder weather months the last couple of years or so); the fruit cups; the milkshakes; the Ice Dream (their version of soft serve ice cream); & the Frosted Lemonade (Lemonade mixed with Ice Dream), which was a recent featured drink.

I actually also like their waffle fries, although they honestly don't travel well--they get cold (colder than regular cut fries) by the time you get the food home if you do takeout & don't live really close by.

I've also tried their chicken biscuit, hash brown "coins" & their Chicken Minis (chicken nuggets sandwiched in small, honey buttered rolls) during breakfast hours & liked those.

I think they have good food & relatively fast service, despite long lines that might be at your location. They also seem to have friendly servers.

Admittedly, I wasn't happy with the kerfuffle they got into awhile back involving the gay community--I think they stated they wouldn't hire openly gay people. But I respect their right to their opinion, & that they choose to close all stores in the chain on Sundays because of the founding family's religious, Christian beliefs.

[Betweenyouandme]

The chicken minis are really yummy with added pepper jack cheese, in my opinion.

[mbaywife123]

No Chick-Fil-A's in my area but it sounds tasty. If I want any chicken stuff I usually go to KFC. Our local one is really clean with fast and friendly service (they put a free side or dessert in at random as a perk!)

[Grommet]

My office is very close to a Wendy's so that's my weekly treat after spending my lunch hour visiting my dad in the nursing home. Spicy chicken sammich and medium fries make me less sad.

Krispy kreme came here (upstate N.Y.) and was huge for about a year, then - poof, gone. Dunkin rules, I guess, though I think their donuts are mediocre. If any of you are ever in Albany, try Cider Bellies - fabulous.

[spaceytraci1208]

Is it me, or is Burger King losing lately? The "new" items they've been advertising the last year or so seem so lame. Hot ham & cheese sandwich? Extra-long cheeseburger? Now they're trying to convince folks to eat their alleged pulled pork...

[DeLurker]

My office is very close to a Wendy's so that's my weekly treat after spending my lunch hour visiting my dad in the nursing home. Spicy chicken sammich and medium fries make me less sad.

 

Understandable that you need something to fortify you after the visits.  I'd probably have to add a frosty.

 

And now you made me think of my Dad when I was a kid.  If I was somewhere with him (rare), he would get us a treat - usually ice cream.  He would always order me a medium or a large which Mom never did.  After finishing his. he would very graciously help me clean up the dripping ice cream as it started to melt and run down the cone (by licking it of course).  And when I was full and could not finish (always), he would be willing to finish it for me too.  I was probably in college before I figured out his endgame.

[UYI]

Maryland's very first Steak N Shake just opened earlier this month in Millersville, near Baltimore. I'm about an hour and a half/two hours south of DC and Baltimore (still closer to DC, though), and don't think I'll near that area anytime soon*, but if I ever get the chance I'll HAVE to go there! I've been to SNS in both Ohio and Indiana, and wondered if we would EVER get one. And now we finally have!

 

*Technically, there is one in Fredericksburg, VA, which would probably be about the same distance away from here, but I'm talking about home state pride. That's more important to me. ;)

Edited June 29, 2015 by UYI

[DeLurker]

Just saw a commercial for Cap'n Crunch Delights at Taco Bell.    I got queasy even by watching the commercial!

[mansonlamps]

Just saw a commercial for Cap'n Crunch Delights at Taco Bell.    I got queasy even by watching the commercial!

OMG those make the "gourmet" croissant dogs at Sonic look like health food. Bleecch.

[sunshinelover]

Yuck, those Cap'n Crunch cinnabons were the last new thing I tried before quitting Taco Bell.  Not good.  

 

My TV plays non-stop ads for the new brown sugar bacon at Arby's and it's had my mouth watering.  I finally went and tried some.  I got a BLT and it was a very basic BLT-lettuce, tomato, bacon, mayo.  It was good but the bacon was way too sweet!   You could look at a piece and actually see big clumps of sugar on it.  I don't know if they're supposed to be like that or my local Arby's just messed it up.  Hopefully the latter.

[BooksRule]

Is it me, or is Burger King losing lately? The "new" items they've been advertising the last year or so seem so lame. Hot ham & cheese sandwich?

 

I used to love those ham and melted cheese sandwiches from Burger King when they first came out years ago.  I had totally forgotten about them until I saw that they were being brought back.  However, my tastes must have changed, because I really don't have any urge to go buy one (maybe if I get a coupon I'll give it another try for old times' sake).

[mansonlamps]

I honestly rarely go to Burger King but when I do the only thing I ever get is a whopper or whopper junior depending on how hungry I am. Ever. None of their other menu items, new or old, ever sound good to me.

[UYI]

I love their chicken fries. 

[StatisticalOutlier]

People were talking about Pie Five here.  I've never been to one, but I've been to Pizzeria Locale, the chain that Chipotle is starting.  Actually, I read an interesting article about the cloak-and-dagger stuff that went on when opening the first location, to disguise the connection to Chipotle.

 

Anyway, it was fine, taste-wise, and I like the format.  I'm thrilled that "quick service" restaurants have proliferated because I have almost no patience any more for bad service from a waitstaff and would really rather just do it my damn self.  Picking my own table, no waiting for drink refills, no waiting for the check.

[QuelleC]

What I don't like about fast food other than I can't afford it, is that the rules keep changing if you can't go often.  Which line do you stand in, they forgot to give me a cup at McD last week (after months of being away) and were annoyed I asked about menu changes.  I don't mind doing things myself but I'm wondering what happened is they saved money from being so understaffed back in the day that customers got unhappy, then they shifted the service to the customers to save even more money and called those service people in at part time unexpectedly,  I could tell you some of those stories.