REVIEW: Sonic Sweet ‘n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger

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Sonic Sweet n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger

In the midst of one boring burger after another from various chains around the country, we as a collected people desperately needed a wholly edible celebration of meat and cheese to bring us out of our dull fast-food doldrums. And, thank God, it was our good friends at Sonic and their new Sweet ‘n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger to do it.

The latest creation to come out of Oklahoma City’s favorite fast food corporation, this delightful cheeseburger is a flavorful mélange of things that, honestly, should not work. But here, they come together in delicious harmony to make what I classify as a near-perfect burger, one that should appease the taste buds of even the hardest-hearted burger-eaters of them all. Fries, sadly, not included.

Sonic Sweet n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger 2

It features a Sonic pure beef patty paraded about with the blissful fanfare of smokehouse cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, grilled onions, shredded lettuce, and a large quantity of honey mustard. They’re all deliciously served on a toasted “bakery quality” brioche bun.

The smokehouse cheddar cheese is the first thing to be tasted, even beyond the largesse of the meat. It’s a relieving flavor that, when mixed with the proud honey mustard, gives a tongue-biting zing that is usually not featured on too many mainstream burgers these days. The follow-up of crispy bacon gently tempers that with the right amount of fat and salt.

If you’re so inclined, there is also a slider variation of this marvelous burger, perfect for those that have big tastes but very little pocket change.

Sonic Sweet n Tangy Bacon Cheeseburger 3

But, still, if you’ve got the gut and gumption, just go for this five buck version and gently eat away those taste-destroying burger blues.

Purchased Price: $4.99
Size: N/A
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: Not available at publication time.

REVIEW: Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak

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Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak

What is Panda Express’ Black Pepper Angus Steak?

The premium entree with a premium price features Angus steak with baby broccoli, onions, red bell peppers, and mushrooms in a savory black pepper sauce.

I got it as part of the $20 Family Meal online promotion that Panda Express is offering, which is $25 here on this rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

I also got it delivered through DoorDash, tipped the Dasher $5, and, because it’s a premium entree, the Black Pepper Angus Steak added another $4.50. So it was less of a deal for me. But if you do takeout, this $20 deal is THE BEST (even at $25), and I think it should stick around for longer than April 17.

Did you hear, um, read me, Panda Express!

How is it?

I’ve consumed a lot of different black pepper-flavored products over the years, and every single one of them had a bold black pepper flavor, which is what I was expecting with this. So I’m surprised by the mild usage of the seasoning in the sauce.

Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak Meat

While chewing on forkfuls of tender Angus steak pieces, veggies, and savory sauce, there was one word I couldn’t get out of my head: pizza.

Yes, that’s an odd word to put in a Panda Express review and the taste isn’t always there. Maybe it’s my subconscious telling me I should eat pizza instead of Panda. I dunno. But the combination of the savory sauce and tender Angus steak pieces starts off a little peppery and then it morphs into a flavor that’s like the Italian sausage on a pizza. Also, I feel the crunchy bell peppers and onions maybe help push the flavor in my mind.

Look, the whole pizza thing is weird, but despite that, I love it. It’s my new favorite Panda Express Angus steak entree, and I hope it sticks around.

Did you hear, um, read me, Panda Express!

Is there anything else you need to know?

Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak Baby Broccoli

I didn’t know baby broccoli was a thing. Baby carrots? Yes. Baby corn? Yes. Baby bok choy? Yes. Also, while I’m on a baby vegetable tangent, I think Brussels sprouts should be renamed to baby cabbages.

The baby broccoli’s size varies from infant to toddler. The thin infant ones are adorable, but the thicker ones look as if some watercress walked into the wok somehow.

Conclusion:

Although its flavor reminds me of Italian sausage and pizza, I think Panda Express’ Black Pepper Angus Steak that doesn’t taste like it has a lot of black pepper is worth the premium price.

Purchased Price: $25 (as part of special $25 Family Meal deal)
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (5.10 oz) 180 calories, 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 750 milligrams of sodium, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 6 grams of sugar, and 19 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Jack in the Box Popcorn Chicken

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Jack in the Box Popcorn Chicken

What is Jack in the Box’s Popcorn Chicken?

Well, it’s popcorn chicken from Jack in the Box. They’re bite-sized, breaded pieces of 100% all-white meat chicken that’s available in Classic and Spicy flavors. Every order comes with your choice of dipping sauce, and it comes in a container with a fun design that I’ll be adding to my fast food packaging collection that my son will inherit someday and promptly throw away.

How is it?

Jack in the Box Spicy Popcorn Chicken

My order of Spicy Popcorn Chicken looks either spicy or burnt, but after eating a few, it’s definitely the former.

Jack in the Box Spicy Popcorn Chicken Dipped

Its flavor reminds me of Jack’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich, but more intense and, maybe, slightly more heat. It tastes fine sans sauce, but I preferred to dip them into the ranch and honey mustard sauces I asked for.

Jack in the Box Classic Popcorn Chicken

But if I decided to order Jack’s Popcorn Chicken again, I’d go with the Classic one. Both varieties are good, but my taste buds seem to be drawn more to the golden brown ones.

Jack in the Box Classic Popcorn Chicken Juicy

Its breading is seasoned enough that I ended up mostly eating it without a dipping sauce. The chicken was surprisingly juicy with the meatier pieces, although the ones I ate at the bottom of the container weren’t as much.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Both varieties have a pleasant crunchy exterior that I wish Jack’s Chicken Nuggets had.

The Popcorn Chicken is available a la carte or as part of a combo box with double the chicken, small fries, and a small drink. The box has a suggested price of $4.99, but I bought it a la carte for $5.99 (the combo sells for $7.99 here on this rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean).

Don’t be like me and order it separately. Get the box. It’s worth it since it comes with double the chicken. The container may have a fun design, but it’s on the smallish side.

Conclusion:

I enjoyed Jack in the Box’s Popcorn Chicken more than its nuggets, which I find to be subpar when compared with McDonald’s and Wendy’s offerings. So give it a try, but get the combo box.

Purchased Price: $5.99 each*
Size: N/A
Rating: 7 out of 10 (Classic), 7 out of 10 (Spicy)
Nutrition Facts: Classic – 260 calories, 9 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 1120 milligrams of sodium, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 17 grams of protein. Spicy – 260 calories, 1 gram of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, 3 grams of trans fat**, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 1290 milligrams of sodium, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 18 grams of protein.

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.

**I’m pretty sure the fat numbers for the Spicy one, taken from Jack in the Box’s website prior to publication, are incorrect.

REVIEW: Taco Bell Triplelupa

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Taco Bell Triplelupa

The lord God Almighty, sitting on his golden throne in all of his wisdom and glory, gave us the ultimately confusing gift of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Running a close second, however, is Taco Bell’s latest (and less confounding) present to humanity, the graciously heaven-sent Triplelupa.

A righteous blessing of three flavor favorites, the Triplelupa is a trio of small Chalupas connected into one, each tear-away pocket containing a taste sensation that we’ve all come to know and love over these many years: trademarked nacho cheese, creamy chipotle sauce, and, last but certainly not least, a glorious combination of the two.

Taco Bell Triplelupa Innards

With the Chalupa being arguably the finest offering on Taco Bell’s menu, the Triplelupa is an embarrassment of riches that anyone should be thankful for. It starts with the custom fried outer shell that’s thick yet soft with a hidden crunch that always makes this precious snack into a bountiful meal.

Taco Bell Triplelupa Nacho

But, as you can guess, the filling is truly where it’s at, starting with its world-famous nacho cheese. As expected, the yellow queso combines well with the seasoned meat, lettuce, tomato, and three-cheese blend, crafting near-perfection in two or three bites for this first section.

Taco Bell Triplelupa Chipotle

Additionally, the second nosh with the chipotle sauce does a sanctified job of sending my soul to sing with the angels. The creamy kick of the pepper-infused condiment gives this middle portion a well-deserved morning mass to my tastebuds.

Taco Bell Triplelupa Both

That being said, it’s in this third and final helping where the grand plan of Taco Bell’s Mexican majesty shows itself to scores of hungry patrons just waiting for a sign of extreme essence. Like a miracle, the combined efforts of both the nacho cheese and the chipotle sauce create an unheard and unseen testament to the Triplelupa, crafting a liquid blanket that makes everything feel at peace.

It’s such a delightful combination, I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that I licked the leftover refuse from the wrapper, recycling the lettuce and sauces that spilled out like a human compactor. If it wasn’t raining down so hard right now, I would have desperately walked back to my Taco Bell to order another one of these Triplelupas – maybe two — for my own triumvirate of taste.

Per usual, this thinking outside the bun mentality that birthed the Triplelupa is a tour de sauce, a reckoning and a revelation of Biblical proportions. I urge you and everyone you know to pay your taco tithe of $3.69 and follow the way of this edible trinity. Get thee to a Bell!

Purchased Price: $3.69
Size: N/A
Rating: 10 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 610 calories, 35 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 1110 milligrams of sodium, 52 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of fiber, 5 grams of sugar, and 22 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Starbucks Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink

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Starbucks Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink

I’ve consumed two Starbucks Iced Pineapple Matcha Drinks so far, and I’m considering picking up a third.

That might make you think I’m giving this new spring beverage from the coffee chain my seal of approval, if I had one. But even if I did, I wouldn’t give this drink one. I’ve had two because, after the first one, I wasn’t sure how I truly felt about it. Even after the second, I’m still confused.

The beverage features flavors that I enjoy separately — matcha green tea, pineapple, ginger, and coconutmilk, all of which are shaken with ice. But when they come together in a #5 plastic Starbucks cup, I can’t help but think its flavor is weird.

Now that sounds bad, but I have to admit, I think my taste buds like that weirdness. Why do they? I don’t know.

Starbucks Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink Top

Starbucks’ Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before. The matcha and pineapple are the most notable flavors competing for your taste buds, and to be honest, they are strange cupfellows. I’ve never come across the combination before among the dozens of matcha-flavored products I’ve had over the years.

The coconutmilk enhances the flavor of the pineapple, giving the whole drink a pina colada undertone. As for the ginger, it’s light and not noticeable with every sip. I’m not sure why it’s there.

While I liked the beverage, my wife didn’t, and I feel its flavor is unusual enough that many others besides her will not enjoy it. Even if you love matcha, which my wife does, it doesn’t mean you’ll fall in love with this.

With that said, if a mashup between a matcha latte and a virgin pina colada sounds intriguing to you, then give Starbucks’ Iced Pineapple Matcha Drink a try.

Purchased Price: $5.55
Size: Grande
Rating: 6 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 170 calories, 5 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 115 milligrams of sodium, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 27 grams of sugar, 2 grams of protein, and 80 milligrams of caffeine.

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