Less heat than expected — but plenty of flavor!

It’s no secret, I’m a Burger King fan. After seeing the recent television commercials for BK’s new Angry Whopper, I was anxious to try it. The advertisements show people freaking out and getting angry from all the heat, but knowing that advertisements and reality are two totally separate things, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would the burger actually be that hot and spicy? Would it still taste like the Whopper I’ve known and loved for years? I visited two different Burger King stores to get an impression.

The Angry Whopper is available in regular (single), double, or triple meat. I ordered the regular burger, and was initially blown away by it. The number of ingredients was impressive, but what stood out first, and most, was the jalapenos. Not surprisingly, in order to keep BK’s fast-food assembly-line running quickly and smoothly, they use pickled jalapenos from a jar/can instead of fresh. That typically results in less heat, as was the case here, but even though they didn’t have the same impact as the fresh jalapenos used on a Five Guys cheeseburger, they still gave it a small kick.

Other standard ingredients / toppings on the Angry Whopper are pepper jack cheese, “angry” onions, “angry” sauce, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, all loaded inside a big toasted sesame seed bun. There is no doubt, Burger King packed a lot of stuff into a single sandwich. There were moments when it felt like TOO much.

This burger is not nearly as hot or spicy as you might expect, so don’t worry if you’re the type who can’t normally take the heat. The veggies and mayo balance and tone down the heat of the jalapenos, so you shouldn’t be overwhelmed, though at times the flavor of the onions and jalapenos are quite strong. The angry onions look like onion rings that have been cut into pieces. They are breaded and deep fried, same as their circular cousins, but despite being called “angry” I didn’t notice anything spicy or special about them. Basically they tasted like regular onion rings to me. That being said, it had been awhile since I had onion rings on a burger, so it was a nice treat. The pepper jack cheese didn’t do much for me. Frankly, I wouldn’t have even noticed it without looking at the innards of the sandwich to verify it was really there.

The beef patty, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise and bun are standard whopper items, and did not disappoint. The meat had the same great flame broiled taste BK is famous for. The bacon was OK, but with such a small amount, and with so many other ingredients fighting for my attention, it’s impact on the burger was limited. The problem might be solved by increasing the number of bacon strips, but that would almost certainly raise the burger’s price. BK’s angry sauce does not provide any extra heat, but has a good tangy flavor that I found to be unique and very enjoyable.

After visiting the other Burger King location, my love for the Angry Whopper wasn’t quite as strong. The second burger didn’t have as much angry sauce, and it also lacked the same level of (mild) heat and spiciness as the first one. I enjoyed eating it, but the second burger failed to impress as much as the first. Perhaps it was just an issue with that particular BK restaurant, but regardless of my slightly less satisfying experience there, I would order it again because it’s still a damn tasty burger.

Some people may find the Angry Whopper’s ingredient list a bit overwhelming, but I recommend you try it, especially if you’re already a fan of Burger King’s flame broiled beef. It doesn’t have the heat I was hoping for, but it’s got a nice little kick and a great overall flavor. This angry burger should put a happy smile on most faces.

Price: $3.79 / Website: BurgerKing.com

Fast Food Critic Score: B+

Click here for rating system details.

Nutrition Facts - Burger King, Angry Whopper (single meat).

Calories - 880
Calories from Fat - N/A
Total Fat - 55 grams
Carbs - 59 grams
Saturated Fat - 18 grams
Trans Fat - 2 grams
Cholesterol - 110 milligrams
Sodium - 1670 milligrams
Protein - 37 grams

I know what you’re thinking. “Hey, a FATBURGER review… wait, Turkey?”

Well, the standard Beef burgers get all the attention here on FFC, including our recent Cheap Cheeseburger Challenge and Classic Big Mac review, so I thought it’d be nice to switch gears and tackle something we’ve not yet attempted. I assure you this is only a tease, and the traditional Fatburger reviews are in the works. Until that time comes, you should know the Turkeyburger from Fatburger is a very pleasant surprise.

You’ve got to give credit to a place with a name like Fatburger for offering “skinny” alternatives. Yep, you can get fries fat or skinny (skinny = traditional / fat = steak fries). Ok, that’s not really what I meant by a skinny alternatives. The beef Fatburger can be ordered in a “Baby Fat” version, which is a nice choice for smaller appetites that can’t handle the generously sized normal Fatburger. Also available are a Veggieburger and this healthier-than-beef Turkeyburger. For anyone seeking a lower fat alternative to regular burgers that doesn’t disappoint in the taste department, you should try this. Open your mind to the idea that a good fast-food Turkeyburger really exists.

The Turkeyburger is billed as “One lean, mean 1/3 lb turkey patty grilled and built the way your heart desires, served up on a whole wheat bun.” For review purposes I went with the works. Just give me whatever traditionally comes with this sandwich. I’m a novice when it comes to Turkey Burgers, so I trust their experience to pick the best toppings. At Fatburger restaurants your food is always made fresh to order, and you should prepare for a litany of “TURKEYBURGER!” as the staff shouts out loud.

Standard condiments on the Turkeyburger were shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles and mayo. Something not so standard was the sweet pickle relish. While the lettuce/tomato/pickle were nothing out of the ordinary (fresh enough and decent tasting) the pickle relish stood out. And I could swear there was a hint of cinnamon. Whatever it was had a unique flavor that I’m not accustomed to with other pickle relish. If I ever took a blind taste test, I would be able to distinguish a Fatburger product solely on that relish. It really stands out in a crowd of otherwise typical toppings.

Just looking at the turkey patty, one might anticipate a breaded crunchy texture, but that’s not the case. The grilled turkey is tender and moist. It doesn’t try to disguise itself as a hamburger, and I never felt the natural flavor of the turkey was being masked by anything. It’s delicious and hearty, yet still light. I was expecting it would be dry or bland, but it wasn’t. As for the bun, Fatburger’s beef and chicken items use a regular toasted bun, but the Turkeyburger uses a soft whole wheat bun, once again taking into consideration the healthier dining option that’s being chosen. All of the ingredients work well together and create a satisfying experience. This turkey burger made a believer out of me. Tasty and better-for-you alternatives are out there.

My main gripes with the Turkeyburger are ingredients / toppings that are portioned unevenly or inconsistent (too much, too little) and the burger preparation quality can be hit or miss. Also, a price of $4.49 for the sandwich alone, and $8.19 for the combo are fairly steep. The bottom line question is would I order this again, and the answer is a resounding yes! Some will say it’s sacrilegious to order a Turkey burger at a joint that boasts being “The Last Great Hamburger Stand”, but I say the Burger Gods need to make room, because as Turkeyburgers go… this one is close to heaven.

Price: $4.49 / Website: Fatburger.com

Fast Food Critic Score: B+

Click here for rating system details.

Nutrition Facts - Fatburger, Turkeyburger (no cheese).

Calories - 480
Calories from Fat - N/A
Total Fat - 21 grams
Carbs - 50 grams
Saturated Fat - 4.5 grams
Trans Fat - 0 grams
Cholesterol - 80 milligrams
Sodium - 1270 milligrams
Protein - 26 grams

A fast-food classic that’s still going strong after 40 years.

1968 was the year Time magazine says “Changed The World”. From the Vietnam War to the Civil Rights Movement and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. From Richard Nixon being elected President, to NASA’s first manned Apollo space mission and Elvis Presley’s comeback concert. Major news events, both good and bad.

There’s something else that happened in 1968, and it didn’t make a lot of headlines. It was the introduction of a new hamburger from McDonald’s that featured double meat patties, a 3-piece bun with center section, and a special sauce. One of the earliest franchise owners named Jim Delligatti created the sandwich for McDonald’s stores that he operated in Pennsylvania. The response from his customers was so positive, McDonald’s added his creation to it’s nationwide menu. And so, the Big Mac was born. Today, 40 years later, it’s arguably the most famous hamburger in the world.

However, if you’re like me, the Big Mac probably wasn’t a burger you purchased a lot during 2008. There’s just too many other options to pick from, and most everyone knows what a Big Mac tastes like. Right? Well, after recently discovering someone close to me had never eaten one before… I had to get over the shock first, and then take them to McDonald’s as soon as possible to try it. I was hoping we might find one of the newer remodeled McDonald’s but it was a typical highway rest-stop version. It had been awhile since I had eaten a Big Mac myself, so I bought one too.

I’m happy to report the burger and overall experience was great. The special sauce was creamy, distributed evenly, and as intended was the perfect complimentary flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. I had forgotten how satisfying the Big Mac really is. Growing up, it was my staple burger. Once in a blue moon, I would attempt eating two of them (keep in mind I was just a kid and eating 2 would be quite an accomplishment), but I’d only be able to handle one. The Big Mac is still the same as when I was a kid, and most of you probably remember the ingredients by singing that famous old song that’s still floating around in your head… “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.”

The beef patties are much thinner and smaller than a burger like Five Guys, but two of them combined with the rest of the toppings make a decent size sandwich. The meat in the Big Mac is not the most flavorful in the fast-food world, but it’s still pretty tasty, seasoned with only salt and pepper when cooked. It’s “100% pure beef” supplied by Lopez Foods based in Oklahoma. Lopez Foods handles the processing of the raw fresh beef, shapes the patties, freezes and packs them, then ships them off to McDonald’s restaurants. On average a beef patty is cooked and served within 1 week after that initial processing/freezing, according to company sources.

The bun of the Big Mac has 3 pieces, and the center bread splits the burger into two sections, each with it’s own beef patty and toppings. The top of the bun is coated with sesame seeds, and all the pieces are lightly toasted. It’s a good bun, and even though it has 3 parts you never feel overwhelmed by having too much bread.

The exact recipe for McDonald’s “Special Sauce”, or “Big Mac Sauce” as it’s called today, remains a secret, but it’s basically a version of Thousand Island dressing. The creamy sauce gives the Big Mac it’s unique trademark flavor, and it’s surprisingly a great match with beef, just as with the included shredded lettuce. I mentioned earlier the sauce is distributed evenly, and that’s because of a special kitchen tool which controls the amount released by employees when they assemble the burgers.

As for other toppings, the shredded lettuce was fresh, and the pickles and onions tasted fine. With only 1 slice of cheese (American), you might think they skimped on this burger, but that’s not the case. It’s all part of the plan, and everything is in balance. Each ingredient makes a solid contribution, blending together to create a winning combination of flavors. There’s nothing to add or cut. Just order a Big Mac, and eat it the way it was intended. You won’t need extra cheese or anything else.

It’s true McDonald’s still pre-cooks many of their menu items, and they often stand in warming trays until being served, but the reality is those items don’t usually sit for more than a couple minutes, and getting old/cold/stale food is rare. Of course, as with any fast-food chain your experience will vary from location to location.

In the end, the Big Mac is a great burger. That’s right, I said it. After finishing our meal, the ’someone close to me’ concluded it was a great burger too. They even claimed to enjoy it more than the Whopper from BK, which I take issue with… however I admit I’ll be revisiting the Big Mac more often. Maybe next time I can finally eat two of them. If you haven’t had one in a while, I suggest you try it again. There’s a reason this burger has been successful for so long, and assuming your local McDonald’s doesn’t suffer from poor management, I think you might agree. The ‘whole’ Big Mac is greater than the sum of it’s parts, thanks to a well balanced combination of ingredients.

Price: $3.69 / Website: McDonalds.com

Fast Food Critic Score: A-

Click here for rating system details.

Nutrition Facts - McDonald’s Big Mac.

Calories - 540
Calories from Fat - 260
Total Fat - 29 grams
Carbs - 45 grams
Saturated Fat - 10 grams
Trans Fat - 1.5 grams
Cholesterol - 75 milligrams
Sodium - 1040 milligrams
Protein - 25 grams

Who’s cheap cheeseburger is better? McDonald’s, Burger King or Wendy’s?

This marks the 100th review on FastFoodCritic.com and we decided to do something different. Instead of one person nitpicking a single item, all three editors worked to find which of these 5 commonly available value-priced cheeseburgers is better.

The Goal: Find the best budget cheeseburger among the industry’s 3 largest chains. Burgers judged on a combination of taste and value. 1 winner, 1 runner-up.

The competition:

McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger
McDonald’s McDouble
Burger King Whopper Jr. w/Cheese
Wendy’s Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger
Wendy’s Double Stack

We wanted to stay as close to $1 as possible. Due to the crazy economy, the prices on some of these items are literally changing before our eyes. In one case, last week’s 99-cent burger is up to $1.29 (even $1.39) this week in many locations. We’ve done our best to quote and explain current prices (and ranges) for each contender.

Let’s look at them individually, starting with McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger.

Double Cheeseburger from McDonald’s, $1.19 / $1.29 — Sadly, the legendary 99-cent burger is no longer 99-cents. Everything else remains the same except the price. Two small beef patties, two slices of American cheese, pickles, onions, mustard and ketchup. At the old price, it was undeniably an excellent bargain, and it had to be considered a front runner for this competition. But the new price increase might complicate things, especially in a menu segment where cost is top priority.

McWhat? The new 99-cent “McDouble” is a McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger with only 1 slice of cheese, instead of 2. With rising ingredient costs and the sinking economy, McDonald’s could no longer afford to sell the Double Cheeseburger for 99-cents, so the McDouble was born to take it’s place, and the Double Cheeseburger increased in price. That extra slice of cheese will now cost you 20- to 30-cents extra. This probably comes as surprising and disappointing news to many people. If the price change hasn’t gone into effect at your local McDonald’s, it will soon.

Whopper Jr. w/Cheese from Burger King, $1.20 / $1.25 — Single small beef patty, one slice American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mayonnaise. The price on the small version of BK’s whopper is stable, at least for now. You can also order it without the cheese, usually 21 to 26 cents cheaper than above.

Junior Bacon Cheeseburger from Wendy’s, $.99 / $1.39 — One small beef patty, one slice American cheese, one slice bacon (cut in half), lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise. The two burgers from Wendy’s are $1.39 each in some locations, so there’s no guarantee they’re only 99-cents in your city/town. The extra 40-cents can make a big difference in your eating plans when choosing from items in this low price range.

Double Stack from Wendy’s, $.99 / $1.39 — Two small beef patties, one slice of American cheese, pickles, onions, mustard and ketchup. Same basic ingredients as the McDouble, except the onions are ring sliced instead of minced. Again, the rather large price range on Wendy’s burgers teases our taste buds and wallets.

The beef patties on all the burgers are very small and thin, with Burger King’s being slightly thicker and heavier than McDonald’s and Wendy’s individual patties. On the other hand, both of those have 2 patties on their burgers versus the single patty on the Whopper Jr., so ultimately they have more beef than BK. Still, the Whopper Jr. has the largest serving size overall, at 170 grams, because it’s bun is bigger and it has more cheese, lettuce and toppings than the others. At first glance, it’s not unusual to think they forgot to put the meat on some of these little burgers because the buns and cheese cover up and hide the small beef patties. By appearance alone, you could easily confuse which patty came from which company, if not for the shape.

The buns from McDonald’s and Wendy’s are plain, very similar in size and texture, while Burger King’s bun is a bit larger and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

NOTE: We each ate the five cheeseburgers and wrote down our thoughts separately, without any conversation or messages with each other. Nobody knew what the others had said until the information and votes were gathered to publish this review.

AND THE WINNER IS… continue reading…

The next review will be #100. A real milestone for this humble little site. All three FFC editors will be participating in number 100, sitting down with five of the industry’s cheapest cheeseburgers and picking the best burger for a buck. Thank you to all the readers who visited us in 2008. It’s a good feeling to know that you enjoy and support what we’re doing here. We look forward to bringing you the next 100 in 2009.

Arby’s *New* Egg Rolls… They’re Mini. They’re Southwest. They’re Mediocre.

I really enjoy cheap eats at fast food places. Sure I’ll get a sandwich/drink combo meal that costs 7-8 dollars from time to time, but I’d rather take that money and try a bunch of different items costing a buck each. When I pulled into the drive thru of Arby’s to purchase their new Southwest Mini Egg Rolls, I was surprised to see the small order (4 pieces) cost $2.99. I thought they would be cheaper, $2 at the most. The extra dollar might not seem like much, but since these are part of their “Sides and Sidekickers” menu, and most people will also be purchasing a sandwich or other main course, the numbers really start to add up. The cashier told me I would love these egg rolls. She said they were great. Unfortunately, after trying them for myself, I did not agree.

I took the first egg roll out of the bag… it was sweaty with grease, but it had a nice looking shell. It reminded me of my late nights in college, ordering Chinese food at 3 am, and it tasted just like the egg roll shells from those late nights. Arby’s website describes the contents as “100% natural chicken” and while the small pieces inside may be 100% natural, they don’t come across as high quality chicken meat, but more like the stuff found in $1 frozen burritos from the grocery store. Not impressed.

Besides the unsatisfying chicken, ingredients include bell peppers, corn, black beans, jalapeno peppers, southwest seasoning and a blend of Monterey jack and cheddar cheese. The beans and corn both had good flavor and texture, however the cheese ’sauce’ was disappointing. It wasn’t very cheesy, didn’t have much flavor, and was nothing like a mix of real shredded cheese. The rolls do have a small spicy kick, but it’s not much. You certainly won’t be overwhelmed with heat or spiciness. For the most part, I struggled to even notice the bell peppers and jalapenos in most bites.

The egg rolls are served with a container of Chile-Lime Ranch sauce, which sounds a lot more interesting than it tastes. I couldn’t detect any lime flavor, and it seems just a hint of chile seasoning was added to a regular Ranch sauce. If Arby’s increased the amount of chile and lime flavors to adjust the balance of ingredients, this might be a great dipping sauce, but right now… it’s just another ranch with a deluxe name.

With so many different ingredients and flavors, there’s quite a lot going on inside such a small snack. Each roll is only two small bites or one big mouthful. They’re not very filling, and a 4-piece order barely touched my hunger. There is room for improvement with these egg rolls in the future, but right now the main problem is price. If they are going to taste like a frozen dollar burrito, they should be priced accordingly. If they contained some solid chunks of better chicken, and real shredded cheese instead of cheese-sauce, they would probably be worth every penny of the asking price.

They get a C because the price is too high and the overall quality is ‘average’. Not bad, but still a long way from the “great” experience the cashier described. With a couple improvements, they would indeed make a terrific snack item. But without those changes, or at least a lower price, they don’t. Perhaps this is an example of what Tim said in his most recent review… “makes a person wonder if some fast-food menus are too crowded, with the focus and resources of the companies spread too thin.”

Price: $2.99 (4 piece) / Website: Arbys.com

Fast Food Critic Score: C

Click here for rating system details.

Nutrition Facts - Arby’s, Southwest Mini Egg Rolls (4 piece).

Calories - 225
Calories from Fat - 65
Total Fat - 7 grams
Carbs - 29 grams
Saturated Fat - 2 grams
Trans Fat - 2 grams
Cholesterol - 27 milligrams
Sodium - 387 milligrams
Protein - 11 grams