Fast Food: Do You Want Fries With That?

[vavera4ka]

On ‎8‎/‎13‎/‎2016 at 3:47 PM, Kromm said:

 

Burger King Mac N' Cheetos? Believe it or not I like the idea (although I haven't tasted it yet). It's just deep fried macaroni. No reason that should be gross, even with cheeto dust sprinkled on top. So probably... GREAT.

I tried those, they were ok, not cheesy enough for me. What BK needs to sell with those is nacho cheese dip.

Now I heard BK is coming out with Whoperitto or smth like that lol I mean i'll try it, i'm still angry at McD's for removing Big Mac snack wrap from their menu. Love big macs, but they are humongous... snack wrap was perfect...

 

As for fries, my fav are at DQ (of all the places lol) and Smashburger... OMG Smashburger fries... food of gods, I tell ya!

[Petunia13]

Wtf is dis Burger King selling whopper burritos I saw it the other day on Facebook ad. What's next a McDonald's McGriddle pizza. It's sad that the crap is the most convenient and cheapest when people are have a couple bucks and hustling and in that state many don't give a shit hell I've been there. 

[DeLurker]

This may be a repeat whine o'mine, but I can't find a place that makes the carne asada like I could find all over So Cal.  There's plenty of tex-mex and probably authentic Mexican here (north of Houston), but not the carne asada I grew to love.  Probably closer to street food, but it is what I crave. 

[Blergh]

I usually don't like fast food or chains but I've got to admit I LOVE Noodles and Company- especially the pot stickers! I mean, those pot stickers are better than ANY local Chinese or Asian restaurant I've sampled in town and I've been to virtually every restaurant within driving distance that I think would have them!

[annzeepark914]

Back to onion rings--is The Brick served anymore?  Wasn't that the in thing years ago?  I only had it twice and I don't see it on menus any more.

[Lisin]

On 8/18/2016 at 1:36 PM, vavera4ka said:

As for fries, my fav are at DQ (of all the places lol)

Mine too. I started a whole Facebook controversy when I shared this opinion about a year ago. People still bring it up. They think McDonald's or Whataburger are the best but I think they're wrong... Or, the McDonald's part is wrong. Whataburger has great fries but I don't live in Texas anymore so I can't have them. 

[ParadoxLost]

Steak and Shake has optional seasoning for fries.  I tried salt and vinegar and I liked it.  But five hours later and my lips were still tingling.

[StatisticalOutlier]

On 8/30/2016 at 11:28 AM, Blergh said:

I usually don't like fast food or chains but I've got to admit I LOVE Noodles and Company- especially the pot stickers! I mean, those pot stickers are better than ANY local Chinese or Asian restaurant I've sampled in town and I've been to virtually every restaurant within driving distance that I think would have them!

Hint:  If you get a survey with your receipt, complete it and get a code for a free appetizer when you order an entree on your next visit.  It can be either the 3 or 6 piece potstickers (I get the 6, obviously).  However, as much as I like them, I'm a little more fond of the frozen ones by Ling Ling--I like their soy sauce better.  I used to think they were available only at Costco, but I've seen them at regular grocery stores, albeit not in a package of a thousand.  Bright yellow bag.

I'm mad that Noodles took the Indonesian Peanut Satay off the menu.  It's the first thing I ever ordered at a Noodles, eleven years ago, when I just saw one and went in.  I'm nostalgic that way, plus it was good, and made good leftovers.  But, no more.

I've gotten to where I try to get as many calories as I can in an order--more for my food dollar, and I'll take home leftovers.  The Alfredo MontAmore more than fits the bill (dieters, beware).  I also love whatever dressing it is they have on their green salad.

 

ETA:

Quote

Whataburger has great fries but I don't live in Texas anymore so I can't have them. 

They can be hit or miss for me, but when they're hit, they're fabulous, and the ketchup is unique (they sell it in grocery stores, along with their mustard).

They've spread from Arizona to Florida and Georgia, and all parts in between.  Unfortunately, I'm not there, and I hate it when I'm watching Fox Sports Southwest and they have Whataburger ads.  One thing I've always loved about it is they serve the full menu at all hours, so if you want to eat at 9:00 a.m., you're not limited to breakfast.  And your fries will be freshly made.

Edited September 17, 2016 by StatisticalOutlier

[BooksRule]

There are several Whataburgers around my area, but none so close that I can usually visit without going a little out of my way.  I do like their fries, but I find the 'regular' Whataburger is too bland.  All I ever seem to taste is the lettuce and tomato.  However, any that have the double patties are pretty good.  I don't usually get anything larger than that, but I do remember having to fast once for a glucose tolerance test and not being able to eat anything from dinner the night before until after noon (when the test was finished).  I wasn't in any danger of starving (LOL) and really didn't need to be eating fast food, but I made a beeline for Whataburger when I left the doctor's office (conveniently located right down the street from the burger place) and got the triple patty burger, fries and a drink.  I don't think I had ever ordered a burger that big, but I ate every bite of it.  I think I even made yummy sounds.  

I haven't tried any of their 'special' burgers, such as the ones with BBQ sauce, 'sweet & spicy', etc.  Maybe next time I find myself near one.

Edited September 17, 2016 by BooksRule

[StatisticalOutlier]

33 minutes ago, BooksRule said:

There are several Whataburgers around my area, but none so close that I can usually visit without going a little out of my way.  I do like their fries, but I find the 'regular' Whataburger is too bland.  All I ever seem to taste is the lettuce and tomato.

I find their mustard to be overpowering, but I learned to order "easy mustard" and that makes it just right.  A Whataburger is also the only burger I like onions on, although I knock about half of them off (they're diced).  But I'm a super-taster and prefer things bland.

I just remembered that their sweet tea is the exact amount of sweetness I like.

And yeah, they can be slooooooooow.

[Lisin]

I've definitely ordered Whataburger's spicy ketchup from Amazon more than once. It's so good!

[annzeepark914]

Years ago (like back in the 80's and early 90's) I loved the tostados at Taco Bell.  I'd have them put guacamole and sour cream on top and they were delicious. I bought a tostado a few years ago at Taco Bell and it was not good.  Have they lowered the quality? Or, maybe it was just that one Taco Bell and they're still good?  Right now I could go for Bojangles wings but there are no Bojangles in northern Virginia (land of Popeye's...so greasy!)

[rcc]

Normally I don't eat fast food (McDonald's or Burger King especially) but did try a turkey gyro at Arby's the other day. Very tasty and the pita bread was hot and fresh.

[annzeepark914]

Good God!  There's a disgusting photo of fungus-infected toes at the bottom of this page where we're discussing food.  Blech.  Back to Arbys: I used to work near one and would get their chicken salad sandwich.  It was delicious (had grapes and walnuts in it, good seasoning in the mayo dressing, on whole wheat bread).  We don't have an Arby's around here so I wonder if they still offer that chicken salad sammy.

[rcc]

1 hour ago, annzeepark914 said:

Good God!  There's a disgusting photo of fungus-infected toes at the bottom of this page where we're discussing food.  Blech.  Back to Arbys: I used to work near one and would get their chicken salad sandwich.  It was delicious (had grapes and walnuts in it, good seasoning in the mayo dressing, on whole wheat bread).  We don't have an Arby's around here so I wonder if they still offer that chicken salad sammy.

That chicken salad sandwich sounds delicious to me. I'll have to order that next time I'm in that town where Arby's is. For fast food I think it's the best with Wendy's a very close second, but unfortunately there is no Wendy's around here.

Yes, that ad is disgusting. Either the ads slow up my computer or they disgust me. Oh well!

[MargeGunderson]

Gah, that ad! It's ruined my breakfast for the last 2 days.

I have a secret love of Arby's, even though I worked there in high school and summers in college. There are none in my area so I sometimes indulge when we visit my mother-in-law. There is one off the interstate and somehow it's always lunchtime when we're near it. I have to go with the classic beef and cheddar - I love that it comes in different sizes. I haven't had a Jamocha shake since college but I really loved them.

[BooksRule]

I didn't see anything on their Facebook or web page, but is Wendy's running a special (or having a Happy Hour) on their Frostys?  I just stopped by to get one as a last high calorie treat for the season and was only charged .90 for a medium one (regular price is $1.69 plus tax).  It was a nice surprise, but I was wondering if it was a usual thing or maybe a 'holiday special'.  (I didn't ask at the drive-thru in case it was a mistake, ha ha.)

[annzeepark914]

Another road trip report.  We went to Michigan for Christmas and on the way up and back stopped to eat at Panera's on the Ohio Turnpike.  Their food is good. Mr. P914 shared a tip with me.  Tell them it's "to go" or else you end up paying some kind of tax on it.  Then we took it over to that large eating area and had a good lunch and brief rest.  I haven't been on this turnpike or the PA turnpike in at least 10 years (usually fly up) so I was impressed with the new-ish rest/food areas.  And all the employees we encountered were friendly (just like on our trips to NYS & New England).  Both ways I got tunafish on a French baguette (half size).  It's delicious.

[chessiegal]

1 hour ago, annzeepark914 said:

Another road trip report.  We went to Michigan for Christmas and on the way up and back stopped to eat at Panera's on the Ohio Turnpike.  Their food is good. Mr. P914 shared a tip with me.  Tell them it's "to go" or else you end up paying some kind of tax on it.  Then we took it over to that large eating area and had a good lunch and brief rest.  I haven't been on this turnpike or the PA turnpike in at least 10 years (usually fly up) so I was impressed with the new-ish rest/food areas.  And all the employees we encountered were friendly (just like on our trips to NYS & New England).  Both ways I got tunafish on a French baguette (half size).  It's delicious.

Tax thing must be a state thing. I live in MD and pay the same at Panera whether it is eat in or to go. And I eat at Panera a lot. Love their food.

[StatisticalOutlier]

Sales tax is a state thing, and couldn't be more convoluted if it tried.  Many years ago I worked for the Texas agency that collects sales tax, and the five-doughnut six-doughnut rule back then was infamous:  up to five doughnuts was taxable, but six or more was not taxable.  Meals were taxable, but groceries were not, and someone decided that five doughnuts could be a meal, but six or more was too much for a meal.  They clearly never met me at Krispy Kreme when the HOT light was on.

[Quof]

Even more amusing when crossing the border into Canada. There is no sales tax or duty payable on "groceries".  When I lived near the border, friends and I would make a quick run to the US on the weekend because groceries were cheaper and there were brands we couldn't buy at home.   Once the border guard asked what we had bought, we answered "groceries".  He checked the receipts and the bags and said "Soda, that's not groceries.  Potato chips, that's not groceries Chocolate bars....." My friend said "You clearly have never been behind me in line at the supermarket."  Yeah, we had to go inside to pay tax and duty on the non-groceries. 

[BooksRule]

Quote

They clearly never met me at Krispy Kreme when the HOT light was on.

Hee!  I have to speed up (or get in the far lane of traffic) when I get close to the Krispy Kreme in my neck of the woods, because otherwise it would be so tempting to stop.  I rarely go (because it's kind of out of the way for me--thank goodness!), but I am always compelled to look over to see if the sign is lit up when I pass by.  (I usually stop by when they are running a special--buy one dozen get another dozen either free or cheap--and then I take them to work.  Minus one or two by the time they make it back to the break room, of course). 

[StatisticalOutlier]

I'll note that I don't think the HOT sign means what it used to.  Recently the HOT sign was on but the doughnuts weren't actually moving on the conveyor belt, so I paused, but then said I wanted hot doughnuts.  I can't remember for sure, but they did something like run some that were sitting there through the hot icing.  It is NOT the same and my eating plan is to eat only what I absolutely love, and for KK doughnuts, it's hot and fresh out of the fryer. 

[callie lee 29]

When I was in college there was a Krispy Kreme half a block North with the HOT light always on (college students!). Since I commuted every day back to my hometown (and worked full time, went to school full time and volunteered) I frequently ate in my car via vending machines. About once a week I would splurge and go get 1 dozen hot doughnuts. And an extra 8-9 (didn't necessarily need to be spankin hot). I would eat the ones out of the box and replace them with the others so my mother wouldn't know I just ate appx 10 doughnuts on a 45 mile drive!

Where I live all restaurant food is taxed, dine in or take out, fast food or fancy. 

[BooksRule]

I remember a few years ago, we had a Krispy Kreme right along the beach front--it had been there for years and was very 'retro'-looking, and authentic--right down to the scuffed stools at the counter.  It was the only place (as far as I know) that was open 24 hours.  Nowadays, you can go to a local casino or Waffle House (or some fast food places) if you want food in the middle of the night, but back then there weren't many choices.  My best friend and I would sometimes go to the Krispy Kreme at around 2am just to get a couple of hot doughnuts and coffee (for me )and milk (for her).  Good times!  (I was sad the day that place was torn down.  They built a new one a few miles north, but it isn't the same.  I think a Hooter's was built where the original KK was located).  

Quote

I'll note that I don't think the HOT sign means what it used to.  Recently the HOT sign was on but the doughnuts weren't actually moving on the conveyor belt, so I paused, but then said I wanted hot doughnuts.  I can't remember for sure, but they did something like run some that were sitting there through the hot icing.  It is NOT the same and my eating plan is to eat only what I absolutely love, and for KK doughnuts, it's hot and fresh out of the fryer. 

Yes.  If I see the sign flashing and go in to buy doughnuts that conveyor belt had better be moving out some doughnuts.  

Sigh.  Now I want doughnuts.  I'm glad I'm in my night clothes and the nearest Krispy Kreme is about 10 miles away!

[HunterHunted]

On Tuesday, January 03, 2017 at 7:02 PM, annzeepark914 said:

Another road trip report.  We went to Michigan for Christmas and on the way up and back stopped to eat at Panera's on the Ohio Turnpike.  Their food is good. Mr. P914 shared a tip with me.  Tell them it's "to go" or else you end up paying some kind of tax on it.  Then we took it over to that large eating area and had a good lunch and brief rest.  I haven't been on this turnpike or the PA turnpike in at least 10 years (usually fly up) so I was impressed with the new-ish rest/food areas.  And all the employees we encountered were friendly (just like on our trips to NYS & New England).  Both ways I got tunafish on a French baguette (half size).  It's delicious.

The eat in tax is an Ohio thing. I went to college there.

[annzeepark914]

Oh boy...Krispy Kreme.  My first year living in Raleigh I was out late with friends and we hit the downtown Raleigh store.  Being in jovial moods after an evening of imbibin' & dancin' we got a big kick out of watching the doughnuts riding up and down a tiny escalator-like conveyor belt.  Many years later, I ended up working for NC government in the downtown area.  Once a week you could count on seeing huge doughnut boxes in every department.  But they were so delicious when they were hot (I only ate the glazed--they just about melted when you bit into them--so wonderful with a cup of coffee).

[DeLurker]

Krispy Kreme look and smell great, but always seem a little undercooked for my liking.  Clearly in the minority on that.

For whatever oddball reason, I remembered Taco Viva today.  They were a chain in the same vein as Taco Bell, but somehow to teenage DeLurker Taco Viva was sooooo much superior to Taco Bell. 

[AimingforYoko]

'Better than Taco Bell' is not a high bar. Nobody ate Taco Bell because it was good, we ate it because it was cheap. That said, I could eat the shit out of a chilito.

[spiderpig]

There was a blurb on one of the online news sites (CNN?) discussing the mystique of the Jack in the Box taco.  Apparently their nationwide sales equal those of Big Macs - over half a billion a year.  People stated they originally found them gross, but oddly enough craved more - even though they described the beef filling as mush or cat food.

Anybody ever had one?

[Lisin]

I've become addicted to Panera's "Rapid Pick Up" orders via their app. It's so convenient, you order and pay with your phone and then when you get to the store you park in a special place and walk in and right by the door is your bag of food. Which alone is awesome. What's even more exciting for me is the complete customization you can do on almost all of the items. I almost never order real menu items anymore. I pick a salad and then customize it to have all the stuff I like. Which can add price and get expensive if you add a bunch of stuff but still. It's so good! Hmmm... now I want Panera for lunch! 

 

12 hours ago, spiderpig said:

There was a blurb on one of the online news sites (CNN?) discussing the mystique of the Jack in the Box taco.  Apparently their nationwide sales equal those of Big Macs - over half a billion a year.  People stated they originally found them gross, but oddly enough craved more - even though they described the beef filling as mush or cat food.

Anybody ever had one?

I have. They're not good. The cheese is a slice of American cheese... and they're also just gross... but then again, the Jack in the Box in my hometown was right next to a Taco Bell, which is also bad, but marginally better than Jack in the Box so we always went there if we wanted tacos. BUT Jack in the Box was open 24 hours and back then (god... 20 years ago) nothing else was, so that was much of the mystique for Jack in the Box. It was a drive thru that was open. 

[NewDigs]

51 minutes ago, Lisin said:

BUT Jack in the Box was open 24 hours and back then (god... 20 years ago) nothing else was, so that was much of the mystique for Jack in the Box. It was a drive thru that was open. 

And a lot of things tasted better at 2:00am. iykwim

I did not know about Panera's "Rapid Pick Up". I have bemoaned the lack of a drive-thru at the one I drive by regularly and this could belay some of my sniveling. Thanks! 

[larapu2000]

I've never had Jack in the Box tacos, but McDonald's breakfast burritos use a slice of American cheese, and there's just something about it that is satisfying when you're drunk or hungover.  

I also love Panera's Rapid Pick Up!  I travel for work a lot and eat Panera constantly.  I think I've eaten the Thai Chopped Chicken Salad a million times and I'm still not sick of it.  

[annzeepark914]

On 1/6/2017 at 2:43 PM, NewDigs said:

And a lot of things tasted better at 2:00am. iykwim

 

Thanks for the chuckle!  I was just reminiscing the other day about diner breakfasts at 1:00 AM after an evening of dancing and imbibing (wow...this was back in the old days).

[mansonlamps]

Jack in the Box tacos are awesome.  At 2AM after you've been drinking.  I haven't had them any other way, so can't speak to how they would be, say, for lunch while sober.

[auntlada]

We got a Jack in the Box several years ago. I was excited because I remembered eating at one once or twice and remembered the food being pretty good. It was not. I have to remind myself all the time that the food is not as good as I remember it.

[Qoass]

So true, @auntlada.  About once a year I have a fast food burger and vow never to be fooled again.

And then I do it again.

[callie lee 29]

I do like my fast food (Big Macs and Whoppers! and Taco Bell!!), but Jack in the Box doesn't hold up to my childhood memories either.  I treid it again about a year ago after almost 30 years. It did not live up to the memories. Very sad. 

[UYI]

Last weekend I went to Taco Bell for the first time in awhile, and got one of my favorite things there, the 5 Layer Beefy Burrito (it had been a long day, so I actually go two). But the white cheese sauce was gone, and now there are TINY ONIONS in them. Gross! No more 5 Layer Beefy Burritos for me, I'll just stick to the tacos. I was crushed. :( 

[DeLurker]

@UYI - you can ask them to leave them out.

[rcc]

Anyone here get a free bottle of Big Mac sauce from McDonald's?

They were publicizing the new bigger Big Mac.

[UYI]

2 hours ago, DeLurker said:

@UYI - you can ask them to leave them out.

Perhaps, but I was just very confused. They had always been made without them before, so finding out that they are on them now (unless you ask) was pretty jarring. 

[DeLurker]

Yeah, those unpleasant and unannounced changes are a shock to the system.  It almost feels like being betrayed, which is totally silly because it is just a burrito or donut or ...I still haven't gotten over that I can no longer find a Dunkin Donut that still makes the chocolate cake donut rolled in white coconut flakes.

[WendyCR72]

5 hours ago, rcc said:

Anyone here get a free bottle of Big Mac sauce from McDonald's?

They were publicizing the new bigger Big Mac.

Bottles are now on eBay, too (naturally!). But - due to the limited nature with the numbered bottles, etc. - the prices are outrageous! One is even asking $10,000 for one bottle!

And even the "affordable" bottles (for buy it now) starts between $80 and $100, and goes from there.

The auction prices start cheap enough...but the bidding kills that quick.

[scriggle]

Really? $10,000 for something that is basically thousand island dressing? Insane.

[mansonlamps]

1 hour ago, scriggle said:

Really? $10,000 for something that is basically thousand island dressing? Insane.

Not to mention, why would anyone need to make a Big Mac at home when there's a McDonald's on every corner?

[InDueTime]

On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 4:17 PM, rcc said:

Anyone here get a free bottle of Big Mac sauce from McDonald's?

They were publicizing the new bigger Big Mac.

On Friday, January 27, 2017 at 10:02 PM, WendyCR72 said:

Bottles are now on eBay, too (naturally!). But - due to the limited nature with the numbered bottles, etc. - the prices are outrageous! One is even asking $10,000 for one bottle!

And even the "affordable" bottles (for buy it now) starts between $80 and $100, and goes from there.

The auction prices start cheap enough...but the bidding kills that quick.

Yeah, I read about that two days ago. No thanks. Never mind the Big Mac sauce, McDonald's needs to bottle their Hot Mustard and put that in stores (at a reasonable price, of course).

[vavera4ka]

On ‎1‎/‎28‎/‎2017 at 3:50 PM, mansonlamps said:

Not to mention, why would anyone need to make a Big Mac at home when there's a McDonald's on every corner?

I remember when working in McD's we used to mix dehydrated onions into BM sauce and use it as a dip for fries and chicken stuff... BEST. DIP. EVER.

not for 10K though.... not even for $80 LOL

[mansonlamps]

On 2/1/2017 at 9:28 AM, vavera4ka said:

I remember when working in McD's we used to mix dehydrated onions into BM sauce and use it as a dip for fries and chicken stuff... BEST. DIP. EVER.

not for 10K though.... not even for $80 LOL

Huh, I worked there and we never thought of that one.   I did sneak many a nugget wrapped in American cheese for a snack though.

Has anyone tried the new sizes of Big Macs?  The big Mac Jr. was my go to lunch when I worked there and could make my own stuff.  But I guess now the burger is larger.

[spiderpig]

I very much appreciate fine dining, but I never get a sudden late-night urge to go out for seared scallops, wood-fired quail and creme brulee.

On the other hand...

Apart from the obvious heavy hitters (McD, BK, KFC, JitB, Wendy's etc.) does anyone have opinions on the following:

Sonic
Nation's
Wienerschnitzel
The Habit*

*may be more fast-casual than FF.  It's new to my neighborhood.