That’s Homey advertising roast guinea pig, steak and pizza.

Joan Perry strikes again — this time from the country of Peru, and the Machu Picchu “Gringo Feliz” Restaurant Pizzeria. If you look closely to the right of the banner sign, you will see a train car and entrance steps. The place is located only feet from the track.

No, it’s not the title for Playboy’s next feature spread. Not yet. It’s just my way of honoring these hard-working women in a casual weekend post. During the short life of FFC some of my favorite exchanges have come with the ladies who handle public relations and media for the large chains. There are men doing the same jobs, but so far all the reps (except one) I’ve met has been female. These friendly ladies have the news, press releases and product information I expected, but they also (sometimes) tempt me with free food.

Friendly Women and Free Food — I knew there was a reason I started this web site!

Seriously though, despite my appreciation for their kind offers, I have not accepted any. The offers are made innocently, but I fear that feasting on freebies might have an effect on my judgement (if only subconsciously) especially if I’m reviewing that item, or other items from the same company. So I will continue to reject such offers, because I feel more comfortable doing reviews when I pay for the food with my own money.

But I want to say Thank You to these women for being fine representatives of their companies, while still managing to be REAL people, funny and interesting. For any new visitors to the site who might be working in the same field, please feel free to contact me at anytime. I don’t want your freebies but I love press releases and new product announcements, and I’m always interested in chatting about food.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s visiting the site today.

On this pleasant Sunday morning I would like to present everyone with a short video showing the light box I’ve built for my fast-food photography. It’s simple but effective.

I suppose it’s normal to worry about saying something to upset people when you are starting a new site. After putting your heart and soul into it, you want everyone to enjoy what you have created. However, the reality of the situation is no matter what you say or do, there will always be somebody who disagrees. When doing product reviews, placing scores on items, the pressure can be intense because of the loyal fan-base and employees from each chain watching on. When you are new at doing it, trying to make your mark on the fast food world, that spotlight has a way of making you feel like a tiny ant, who was unlucky enough to crawl past a curious kid with a giant magnifying glass on a bright sunny day. We all know what happens to the poor ant.

With the helpful feedback of a couple friends (one old, one new) I’ve realized that I have been too conservative at times. I’ve been playing it too safe. One example is my review of the Burger King Loaded Steakhouse Burger.

I had originally set a score of only 2.5 stars out of 5, and even used the term “rip-off” to describe it’s value at the $5 price point. But after sleeping on it, I woke up the next morning and changed my review to 3 stars, and removed the rip-off comment and replaced it with a more polite “I want my money back”. I worried that I was too harsh, or that I might have over-reacted. After all, it was the lowest score I had given yet.

But I realize now, I should have trusted my first instinct. There is no reason to be afraid. I was not slamming Burger King, or trying to hurt them. I was simply attempting to give my honest opinion about this one particular product.

The fact is — It’s hard to be a nice-guy when giving a bad-review.

This weekend, I will be a critic of my own work, going over every review that I’ve written so far, and making sure I expressed myself in the way I had originally intended. I might even update a few scores by dropping a half-star, or increasing a half-star.

The site is new — I’m new — and the ’system’ is still being developed. This is a perfect time to make such adjustments, and look within myself to become a better writer and reviewer. At barely 2 months old, FFC has come a long way fast, but now it’s time to learn from mistakes and build towards a better future. I hope that anybody who might read this post, or has ever visited my site, will bear with me as I experience these growing pains. I’m dedicated to making Fast Food Critic the best it can be, but I know there’s going to be some detours and bumps in the road as we travel along.

My sincere thanks to my old friend RJ, and my new friend DD (Geezer).

Perhaps you would like a Hamburger with your Haircut?

This great shot of the K & K Barbershop Kafe in North Charleston, SC. comes from the same photographer who captured the Custom McDonald’s car parked at KFC. I got a chance to talk to her yesterday, and look around her site. She’s a really nice lady, in addition to being a good photographer. Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Joan Perry.

Do you have a funny or unusual fast food photo? We would love to see it, and maybe use it on the FFC website. Contact: editor@fastfoodcritic.com

The folks at Arby’s want YOU in their next television commercial. Here’s the scoop - ATLANTA (May 2008) – Do you dream of Beef ‘n Cheddars and Jamocha Shakes? Do thoughts of eating another greasy burger make you break out in a cold sweat? Then you just might have what it takes to be the next member of the Arby’s Rescue Brigade and win a role in an upcoming Arby’s commercial.

Led by Captain John Maddox, the Arby’s Rescue Brigade is a group of dedicated Arby’s enthusiasts whose sole mission is to save the world from ordinary fast food. The Brigade travels across the country in a boldly designed Rescue Mobile, showing up on the scene when someone is eating a bland, unsatisfying fast food meal.

“We’re searching high and low across the continental United States for that one special talent who can join forces with us to fight the good fight and prevent others from falling victim to ordinary fast food” said John Maddox, Captain of the Arby’s Rescue Brigade. “Show us what you’ve got America.”

Submit your video entries at www.arbysrescuebrigade.com to become the next Arby’s Rescue Brigade member. You could win a role in an upcoming Arby’s commercial and free Arby’s food for a year. The video contest runs now through June 30, 2008. For additional rules and regulations, please visit ArbysRescueBrigade.com

Editor’s Note: I wonder if food critic’s are eligible. I’ve always felt I could be a TV Star. Imagine combining Food and TV into one job. Two of the greatest things in life.

I remember trying KFC Snackers a couple years ago, and it seems like they have gotten bigger since then. I could be wrong about that, but either way — I was happy to see the size of the current version, that was delivered to me via the drive-thru.

They only cost 99 cents, and they’re called “Snackers”. Even the name is warning me it’s only a “snack” and not a full-size sandwich. I was expecting only 2 or 3 bites, but after two good size mouthfuls, the sandwich was barely half eaten. That made me happy. There’s nothing better than finding a real bargain, especially when it’s edible.

These little sandwiches are indeed are bargain, not just because they are larger than expected, but because they actually have a nice piece of chicken inside, and they taste good. The chicken strip was just as tender and flavorful as any other chicken item on their menu. It’s a natural hunk of meat too, with character, texture and the occasional flaw. Better than some pressed and formed glob made of chicken mush. It’s not a breast filet though, instead KFC calls it “all white meat”. That’s fine. There’s lots of good white meat on chicken besides the breast. For that matter, there’s a lot of good dark meat too, but most people are obsessed with breasts. (no joke intended)

I had two different flavors: Fiery Buffalo and Ultimate Cheese. The only difference in the two sandwiches is the sauce. They both use the same chicken, lettuce and bun. There’s not much lettuce but it’s crisp, fresh and torn into large pieces, as opposed to shredded. The bun is lightly toasted, rectangle shaped like a dinner roll, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. There’s really nothing special about the bun, but it tastes fine, it’s the perfect size and it’s better than I expected on such a cheap sandwich.

Fiery Buffalo - My lips had not fully closed from the first bite and my taste-buds were already popping from the flavor. They dip the chicken strip in Fiery Buffalo sauce and it’s completely coated. It was mildly hot for the first couple bites, and then my mouth adjusted and things finished smooth. It’s a lively sauce, and gives this little sandwich a nice size punch. If you like hot and spicy wings, you’re going to like this sandwich.

Ultimate Cheese - Instead of dipping the entire strip in Fiery Buffalo sauce they pour on a cheese sauce. They say it’s a blend of Cheddar and Swiss, and it was fairly cheesy tasting, but there wasn’t much of it. I’m not a big fan of cheese “sauce” or liquid-cheese in general, but this was OK. You get a lot more sauce (and flavor) on the other version. I’m bewildered and amused by the “Ultimate” tag. It’s a tiny bit of cheese on a small 99 cent sandwich. There’s nothing ‘ultimate’ about it — but it’s still good.

The KFC Snackers are tasty, cheap and filling. Those looking for a light meal or snack will be satisfied, and those with a bigger appetite can pick-up 2 or 3, because the low 99 cent price makes them affordable even for the most budget minded. With items like this from KFC, and the Double Decker Taco from Taco Bell, the parent company of both (Yum! Brands Inc.) should be feeling pretty confident with their dollar menu(s).

Fast Food Critic Score:4.5 stars out of 5.

Nutrition Facts - KFC, Snacker Sandwich, Fiery Buffalo.

Calories - 260
Calories from Fat - 80
Total Fat - 8 grams
Carbs - 31 grams
Saturated Fat - 1.5 grams
Trans Fat - 0 grams
Cholesterol - 25 milligrams
Sodium - 860 milligrams

Nutrition Facts - KFC, Snacker Sandwich, Ultimate Cheese.

Calories - 280
Calories from Fat - 100
Total Fat - 11 grams
Carbs - 30 grams
Saturated Fat - 2.5 grams
Trans Fat - 0.5 grams
Cholesterol - 25 milligrams
Sodium - 780 milligrams

The nice folks at Dunkin Donuts have contacted me about a new promotion featuring Free Iced-Coffee. Here’s the details: “Dunkin’s Donuts, the world’s largest coffee and baked goods chain, is celebrating FREE ICED COFFEE DAY from 10a.m. to 10p.m. on Thursday, May 15th. Customers can walk into any participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant throughout the country and receive a free 16 oz. cup of Dunkin’ Donuts’ premium regular, Berry Berry Iced Coffee, which combines the seasonal tastes of blueberry and raspberry with Dunkin’ Donuts’ award-winning coffee, or many other delicious flavors.

On Free Iced Coffee Day, Dunkin’ Donuts is honoring those who serve by donating $80,000 to the National Police Athletic League (NPAL) to support its Youth Leadership Program. The NPAL program supports more than 2 million underprivileged youth through education, sports and leadership opportunities, and stresses community service and peer leadership in more than 350 chapters across the country.”

Editor’s Note: For those not paying attention, this is the same day that McDonald’s is giving away Free Chicken Sandwiches, so if you time things correctly you can easily have two freebies in one day. God Bless America!

After eating my delicious Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwich and waffle fries, I found myself craving something sweet. I know they serve some great shakes but I was in the mood for a different dessert, like chocolate cake or cookies. It appeared I was out of luck.

Then I remembered – they have a Fudge Nut Brownie on the menu at Chick-Fil-A.

So I spent the extra $1.10 and grabbed one as I left. The drive home is short, but it was difficult because the little see-thru container was sitting next to me, with the brownie inside looking back asking to be eaten. I wanted to wait until getting home so I could capture some review photos. It’s hard to get a good close-up shot inside the car.

Taking the sharp corner by my house I heard the little container go sliding out of the seat and onto to floor, followed by a couple books and cd’s. I assumed my brownie was smashed, but it was just fine. At this moment I truly appreciated the hard-ish shell plastic container that protected my dessert. It would have been crushed, or at least rolling around bare on the dusty floorboard had it come in a paper bag or wrapping.

As I took my brownie out of the plastic package a walnut fell off the top, and I quickly grabbed it and popped it into my mouth with tasty nutty satisfaction. They used big chunks of whole walnuts instead of ‘crushed’ bits. The brownie is small to normal size (as brownies go) but it has some pretty hefty nuts on top. They tasted great, much better than lower grade walnuts you find on pre-packaged treats at the supermarket.

The fudge icing was thick and wonderfully sweet without being too overpowering, and the brownie was soft and moist inside. Despite being small, it was heavy and dense, more so than something like a Little Debbie snack. It gave me the feeling it was made by hand, as opposed to being mass produced by the millions in a factory. It wasn’t quite home-made quality, but it was better than I expected, and only cost a buck.

The Fudge Nut Brownie from Chick-Fil-A ended up being a pleasant surprise. It was large enough and rich enough to satisfy my sweet chocolate craving, but small and cheap enough that it didn’t hurt my wallet or waistline. The walnuts are excellent.

Fast Food Critic Score:4 out of 5 stars.

Nutrition Facts - Chick-Fil-A, Fudge Nut Brownie.

Calories - 330
Calories from Fat - 140
Total Fat - 15 grams
Carbs - 45 grams
Saturated Fat - 3.5 grams
Trans Fat - 2.5 grams
Cholesterol - 20 milligrams
Sodium - 210 milligrams