Food moment: Wendy's new macaroni and cheese (and other things).

Mmmmm...you know when it's real(ly unhealthy)! (Courtesy of the Huffington Post/Wendy's).

Wendy's has been heavily advertising its new "signature sides" -- chili cheese fries (they ripped off of Skyline!), baked sweet potatoes (no me gustan) and macaroni and cheese, a food which I enjoy but can only get at KFC these days. Some Burger King and Arby's locations have Kraft mac, but it's like those small microwavable bowls that are low on taste and high on convenience -- I don't ever ask for them.

I was thinking about it all day and decided to give it a try. I think I got a slightly outdated version of the mac and cheese -- the manager didn't have enough of the stock up front to serve me, so he put some fresher stuff on top, and topped it with cheddar cheese.

Still, I rate it higher than KFC's rather bland version, as well as whatever microwaved Kraft specials you get at Arby's or BK. So I suppose it's my number one fast food MNC choice. For something in a paper bowl served to me out of a small trough, it was tasty.

Many fast food restaurants seem to be making a change this summer -- Burger King rolled out new salads, chicken strips and wraps, and cold smoothies and frappes. To make your new choices even worse for you, they added two new dipping sauces (King Kung Pao and Roasted Jalapeno BBQ) and new dressings (Apple Cider Vinaigrette, Avocado Ranch, Citrus Caesar Vinaigrette and Lite Honey Balsamic -- made by Ken's). Having worked for BK, I have sampled most of these items. They're good, yeah, but not really different from what you would find across the way.

Some of these items and ideas look like they belong under golden arches! (Courtesy of BK)

This summer, I hear tell BK will be trying two new types of barbecue toppings (to put on Whoppers or the Tendercrisp and Tendergrill chicken sandwiches), sweet potato fries, regular and berry lemonade and the BACON SUNDAE. I am looking forward to the bacon sundae, obviously, and maybe the lemonade...but really, is there anything there that's out of the ordinary? Even Denny's has done the bacon sundae.


Arby's is also advertising a new Pecan Chicken Salad and a new Orange Cream Shake -- their Market Fresh sandwiches are expensive, but a little different from your regular fast food options. They always have a different twist on fast food.


As for McDonald's...well, I heard they are trying some banana blueberry oatmeal (bleargh), and have rolled out a fancy new drink...

What's that green thing? (Courtesy of CouponGeek)

That's right...it's an Icee!


Oh, what? It's made with real fruit juice? And...more than just berries and cherries?


Hm.


Of course, McDonald's doesn't really need to shake things up this summer. They've got enough money to last them a loooong time.