Back to work and school means back to the ‘Mains’ beat. No fewer than 9 new Mains this week! But no notable Sides or Beverages. We do have a some interesting snacks, though. And one scrumptious-sounding Novelty item – from Malaysia!
Popeye’s tailgate Bundle for 2: Probably more than you can eat…
The rundown…
A mind-boggling selection: From ‘Special Reserve’ Peanuts to an inside-out Patty Melt!
Mains
Mega-Snack: Walmart’s Game Day ‘baskets’
There are two versions, each priced at $50, and rated designed to feed 8. Which is a pretty good deal, at $6.25 per person. And you get a load of food: The Watch Party Basket includes, “pizza, wings, chips and dips, soda, and more…”The Tailgate Basket comes with: hot dogs and buns, ketchup and mustard, sweet pickle relish, Bush’s Baked Beans, Lay’s chips, and Dr. Pepper. The thoughtful $19 Cleanup Basket has all the disposable plates, cups and cutlery you’ll need, plus large trash bags to gather them all up when you’re done.
Popeye’s floats $25 Wings Tailgate Bundle
As if they were coordinating… Popeye’s has announced a new Wings Tailgate Bundle. But unlike the Walmart ‘baskets’ (below), this one is fully prepared and ready to eat. And it feeds just 2 – but in high tailgate style. The deal includes 24 wings — either boneless or bone-in — three regular sides, and four cup-sized dips. Available only for in-store pick-up, at participating Popeye’s locations.
Hormel explores Korea with Gochujang SPAM
Yes, really. The folks who spring a new flavour of their flagship SPAM brand on us just about every month are at it again. This time, though, it’s something truly creative – and exotic…
Gochujang SPAM marries a medley of Asian notes in its new spicy-sweet ‘Korean BBQ’ version. They don’t say how long it’s going to be around. So get a can, while you can…
Domino’s fights shrinkflation with larger ‘deal’ pie
It’s called the ‘Moreflation’ deal and its a limited-time upgrade for Domino’s continuing $6.99 mix-and-match 2-topping medium pizza offer. The upgrade is a boost from a medium pizza to a large. Pretty good value, based on the expanded crust area and extra toppings. One catch: You have to order online, through the app or the website.
Chipotle brings back Smoked Brisket
The revived Tex-Mex chain has brought back it’s fan-fave Smoked Brisket, again for a limited time. It’s available in a number of different dishes.
The brisket is rubbed with serrano and chipotle peppers, seared like Fajitas on a traditional ‘plancha’ (flat top) griddle, then chopped and mixed with a smoky, savoury sauce.
Papa Murphy’s adds new Shredded Pepperoni pie
This innovative topping option headlines Papa’s new Everyday Value menu, which features a selection of large pizzas for $7.99 each ($8.99 in Canada; $9.99 Alaska). PM’s VP Brand & Innovation, Tracey Ayres, explains: “Shredded pepperoni not only enhances the flavor experience but also improves the pizza-making process. The topping is measured in cups, which allows for faster and more consistent preparation.”
Five Guys flips ‘inside-out’ Patty Melt
The thing looks vaguely unsettling: An inside-out toaster burger bun, each half topped with melted slice of American (processed) cheese. And in the middle, a signature Five Guys beef patty.
You can add bacon or a second patty for a small extra charge. Of course, you can specify condiments and toppings of you choice.
McDonald’s teases back Bagel Sandwiches
They’re back, and folks are taking to social media – again – to celebrate. McD’s beloved are available only in selected markets. “Our fans’ love for McDonald’s breakfast runs deep, and we love to see the passion they have for some of their favorite menu items,” a McD’s USA statement reads. Such a tease!
Black Truffle Burger and Fries back at Shake Shack
The Shack is once again offering its luxe Black Truffle specialties. This time the high-end sauce is available on three special sandwiches:
The ‘classic’ Black Truffle Burger, plus a new Black Truffle ‘Shroom and a new Black Truffle Shack Stack. And don’t forget your Black Truffle Parmesan Fries – with the black truffle sauce on top.
Snacks and Desserts
Arby’s pays homage to Fall with Pumpkin Pie Turnover
Never one to just blindly follow the pack, Arby’s is getting on the annual Fall pumpkin bandwagon with a new, cream cheese icing-drizzled Pumpkin Pie Turnover. You can also enjoy their returning cherry and apple turnovers. For a limited time, at all locations…
Planters goes luxe with ‘Special Reserve’ Peanuts
In a stunt usually reserved for Brandy or Bourbon, Mr. Peanut is offering ‘Special Reserve Peanuts’, grown on limited acreage in Virginia. They’re larger than than a standard peanut. And they’re also, “hand-cooked,” and seasoned for a, “balanced flavor profile of salt, crunch, and creaminess.”
Available exclusively online at their own store page while supplies last. This collector’s edition box will cost $19.06 – the same year the Planters brand was founded.
Wendy’s reprises its classic Vanilla Frosty
The original is back now through October 7, filling a gap between the summer-special Triple Berry Frosty and a big Wendy’s x SpongeBob Squarepants promotion. The SBSP promo will feature a new Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty. Talk about a contrast!
Novelties
Domino’s brings blueberries into he fold – in Maylasia!
I couldn’t confirm whether they grow blueberries is in Malaysia. But they apparently love them! Ergo, Domino’s is launching a new folded-pizza-crust dessert…
… featuring a ‘sweet and savory’ blueberry filling, with cream cheese and biscuit crumbs. And once again I have to ask… Why don’t they offer this scrumptious-sounding sweet bite in the home market?
And that’s the skinny…
… On what’s going to be amazing and amusing us all, as some of us add more ‘insulation’ in reaction to progressively colder weather over the days and weeks to come… See you back here in 7 for the next chilling edition of fast Food Week!
~ Maggie J.