Tag: Fast Food

REVIEW: Sonic Pickle Juice Snow Cone Slush

Mark 12 Comments

Sonic Pickle Juice Snow Cone Slush

Pickles.

They’re just one of those things that are inherently funny. They don’t even have to do anything; just the fact that they exist is amusing. (Kind of like cats, noses, and octopuses.)

One thing (out of many) that makes them funny is their polarizing qualities. Pickle is one of the food fads du jour, but plenty of people can’t stand them.

I like pickles, but I’m no fanatic (I like to get pickle products mostly to gross out my pickle-hating friends). I think the cukes’ silliness is the main reason they’re having their heyday. Because of this, I think Sonic’s new Pickle Juice Snow Cone Slush is primarily a marketing gimmick to make people laugh.

I don’t eat in my car, so I went to a Sonic with a dining area. When I walked in, I said to the cashier, “Can I get a…” and she finished my sentence: “Pickle slush?” She thought I chose small because I wasn’t a risk taker, but the fact is that I just can’t eat that much slushiness.

I told her I was trying it for this review, and she asked if I was going to put in a pickle spear, instead of a decorative umbrella. I was disappointed when she said they didn’t actually offer pickle spears with the drink. What a missed opportunity, Sonic!

Sonic Pickle Juice Snow Cone Slush 2

When I took my first sip, I thought, “Yep. That’s totally pickle juice.” It’s exactly what you would expect to find in a jar of dill pickles—a tart, acidic flavor.

But by my second sip, I thought, “Yep. That’s totally a Sonic slush.” See, even though dill pickles are a savory food, this is still a sugary slush. I have had shaved ice that had pickle juice flavoring, and it was just like pure pickle juice, not sweet at all. But Sonic’s version is just as sweet (or almost as sweet) as their other flavors. I’ve heard of serious athletes using pickle juice as a recovery drink, but this slush is no health food.

Personally, I enjoyed it, and I liked it more than I probably would have if it weren’t sweet. The dill and the sweetness didn’t clash as much as you might expect. It was refreshing.

Sonic Pickle Juice Snow Cone Slush 3

I got a cheeseburger with my slush, and since there were no actual pickles in the slush, I transferred a couple of pickle slices to the drink. But I don’t recommend it; the sweetness didn’t match the real pickles, and I don’t like chewing cold things.

I can’t help wondering who this is for. If you don’t like pickles or pickle juice, then you won’t like it. And if you love pickle juice, you will be disappointed that it’s so sugary. I guess it’s for people who are somewhat apathetic about pickles, who like sweet slushes, and who enjoy trying weird foods.

I might get it again, but only because of its utter weirdness. It’s not any better than the other Sonic flavors.

(Nutrition Facts – Not listed on Sonic’s website, but a small Slush without any flavoring contains: 180 calories, 0 calories from fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, 30 grams of sodium, 48 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 48 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.)

Purchased Price: $1.49
Size: Small
Rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: Sweet and refreshing. Dill flavor doesn’t clash with the slush as much as you might expect. Pickles are hilarious.
Cons: Not a health food. Doesn’t come with pickles. Who is it for, exactly?

QUICK REVIEW: Krispy Kreme Blueberry Glaze Doughnut

Sean 1 Comment

Krispy Kreme Blueberry Glaze Doughnut

What is it?

The apparent runner-up to Krispy Kreme’s glaze-voting-contest-winner lemon – The Blueberry Glaze Doughnut. Once again KK’s iconic glaze conveyor belt of sickly sweet dreams gets transformed from the original wash of sugary vanilla to a brand new and seasonally appropriate blueberry.

How is it?

Out of the box, the doughnut carries the distinct aroma of one of my other favorite breakfast carb bombs – a blueberry bagel. Unlike a blueberry bagel, which always smells sweeter and more potent than the flavor it actually delivers, this doughnut comes through in a major way. The bright berry notes work perfectly with the doughy yeast base for a combination that is truly great and much tastier than it looks.

Krispy Kreme Blueberry Glaze Doughnut 2

The blueberry glaze is sweet yet sharp and highlights the golden fried exterior in a way that is often masked by the best-in-its-class original. It’s a gentle flavor that isn’t too over the top yet very present with the perfect ratio of fresh to decadent with the slightly tart blueberry helping to temper the sweeter OG recipe.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Krispy Kreme is known for its super fresh Hot Light doughnuts, but since these are only made once early in the day and I couldn’t make it until later, I had to recreate that magic at home with the microwave. Popping this berry boy into the micro for 6-8 seconds heightens the sweetness and creates a melty soft texture that’s everything conveyor dreams are made of.

Conclusion:

Krispy Kreme Blueberry Glaze Doughnut 3

It’s a damn good thing that KK decided to bring out this non-winning glaze for a week-long run because as good as the lemon was, this one is even better. It’s a more notable change to the original while still keeping everything that makes the OG so classic. The blueberry is the berry that’s made for breakfast, performing equally well in pancakes, muffins, oatmeal, and, you’d better believe, doughnuts.

Purchased Price: $1.69
Size: N/A
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 200 calories, 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 120 milligrams of cholesterol, 90 milligrams of sodium, 24 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein.

QUICK REVIEW: Starbucks Ultra Caramel Frappuccino

Tiffany 1 Comment

Starbucks Ultra Caramel Frappuccino

What is it?

Starbucks’ new Ultra Caramel Frappuccino launched with the Triple Mocha Frappuccino to kick off Frappuccino season. I straight up asked the barista what the difference was between the Ultra Caramel and original version. Not really selling it – he stated that it was a different caramel and whipped cream.

But it was so much more than that –- the caramel is a new dark caramel sauce, the new whipped cream is infused with cold brew (!!!), and it’s created in layers so that all the good stuff is distributed nicely throughout the drink.

How is it?

Delicious!

When I was in middle school, I used to drink a Venti Caramel Frappuccino with extra caramel every single summer day. A little bit gross, I know. So, the Ultra Caramel is like the upgraded adult version. I enjoy the smokier dark caramel sauce and the additional caffeine and coffee flavor from the cold brew whipped cream. The blended coffee is a good backdrop, but a bit icy per usual.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Starbucks Ultra Caramel Frappuccino 2

Starbucks needs to package this delicious cold brew whipped cream and sell it, please. But, you can add this topping to any drink for 50 cents extra. Also, Ultra is not replacing the original Caramel or Mocha flavors. But, the Ultra version will run you $0.80 more (than the original) for a Tall, $0.50 more for a Grande and Venti.

Conclusion:

Hello Frappuccino season! The new Ultra Caramel is a great way to kick it off.

Purchased Price: $4.75
Size: Tall (12 fl oz.)
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 350 calories, 17 grams of fat, 11 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 grams of trans fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 200 milligrams of sodium, 47 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 44 grams of sugar, 4 grams of protein, and 70 milligrams of caffeine..

QUICK REVIEW: White Castle Impossible Slider

Vin 8 Comments

White Castle Impossible Slider 1

What is it?

The White Castle Impossible Slider is an abomination of science!

Nah, it’s actually pretty ground-breaking. We’re talking about a plant-based (wheat, coconut oil, and potato protein) “burger” that somehow manages to mimic beef. Has the future arrived?

How is it?

It’s interesting.

The flavor is too smoky and reminds me of bad BBQ. I could have been convinced this was mushroom-based, so I guess this is that “umami” flavor I still don’t quite understand. The lingering flavor I kept thinking of was “fake bacon.” Kinda like the powder you’d get on those Potato Skin chips.

White Castle Impossible Slider 2

White Castle Impossible Slider 4

The patty is really just clumps –- kinda like a pulled beef. I can’t tell if it succeeds texture-wise, but it’s not like a regular veggie burger or tofu, it toes the line between those. It is definitely “meat-adjacent.”

I can’t explain it. It’s somehow spongy and crumbly, but also moist and meaty. It’s like the Impossible Foods folks invented a new form of matter. It still tastes “fake,” but not as fake. Make sense?

These sliders come with smoked cheddar and fire-roasted onions, which are a slight spin on the usual White Castle toppings you’re used to.

Is there anything else I need to know?

White Castle Impossible Slider

I’d say they are about 1.5 times the size of a normal slider, and they grill ’em fresh for you on order.

The thing that kinda bugs me is for a plant-based alternative to meat, they aren’t even that healthy. I feel like that kinda defeats the entire purpose. Who are these for? What Vegetarian is regularly going to hit up White Castle anyway?

White Castle Impossible Slider 5

Impossible Sliders are only available in Chicago, New York, and New Jersey right now, but don’t get too upset, you’re not missing anything life-changing.

Conclusion:

While I didn’t enjoy the taste all that much and the nutrition numbers make this a one-time novelty purchase, I do think it’s on to something. Impossible Burgers could very well be the future, but they haven’t quite cracked it yet.

I had a regular cheeseburger slider too, and there was no contest which was better.

Purchased Price: $1.99
Size: N/A
Rating: 4 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 300 calories, 150 calories from fat, 17 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 10 milligrams of cholesterol, 870 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 18 grams of protein..

QUICK REVIEW: Burger King Sourdough Chicken Club

James 3 Comments

Burger King Sourdough Chicken Club

What is it?

You kids remember a couple of weeks back when we reviewed BK’s Sourdough King? Well, this newfangled Sourdough Chicken Club is pretty much the same basic concept, except with a few obvious (and not so obvious) tweaks.

Burger King Sourdough Chicken Club 2

Essentially, it’s a big, crispy chicken patty (topped with melted cheddar) with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and bacon wedged between two pieces of sourdough toast … hence, the name “Sourdough Chicken Club,” I suppose.

How is it?

This is a MUCH better offering than the aforementioned beef Sourdough King, for several reasons. First things first, the sourdough toast set-up just seems to compliment chicken patties better than beef patties (as any Zaxby’s enthusiast, naturally, will be quick to tell you.)

Burger King Sourdough Chicken Club 3

Secondly, BK wisely eschewed the onions and “special sauce” for a more traditional BLT-and-mayonnaise assortment, which not only creates a less messy sandwich but a more harmonious-tasting one. This is a hearty, extremely filling fast food offering, and one that tastes surprisingly fresh, to boot.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Burger King Sourdough Chicken Club 4

Of course, this being a super-sized BK sandwich, the item is pretty salty, and although it’s nowhere near as sloppy as its all-beef predecessor, it is still fairly greasy. The shredded lettuce might be a deal breaker for some of the more finicky fast food aficionados out there, and for those of you on a budget, take note: at almost $6, this isn’t exactly a value-priced pick-up we’re talking about here.

Conclusion:

I went into the Sourdough Chicken Club with pretty low expectations and can safely say I was pleasantly surprised by the results. The chicken patty is juicy and crispy, the bacon is almost perfectly seasoned and all the ingredients gel incredibly well together.

It’s not a perfect pseudo-deli-style chicken sandwich, but for what it is it’s not too shabby. And like I said earlier, this thing WILL sate your appetite in a hurry — just something to think about before you order an Oreo pie and extra-large fries to accompany the meal.

Purchased Price: $5.79
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 840 calories, 51 grams of fat, 12 grams of saturated fat, 1 grams of trans fat, 95 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,760 milligrams of sodium, 62 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 7 grams of sugar, and 32 grams of protein.