New Items at Burger King, Jack in the Box, & Wendy's

Burger King Minibons

After rolling out 10 new items, Burger King has teamed up with Cinnabon this week to start selling Minibon rolls nationwide.  Having been test marketed in select cities for awhile now, the company hopes to have every one of their over 7000 U.S. locations selling the Minibons by September.  With a suggested selling price of $1.79 - $1.99, some Minibon information is provided by the press release:

Served in Cinnabon^® bakeries since 1987, the Minibon^® roll is a smaller version of the Cinnabon^® classic roll, featuring the same Makara^® cinnamon and signature cream cheese frosting that is served in Cinnabon^® bakeries today.

Jack in the Box Java Cookie Shake

Next up is Jack in the Box, which has introduced a new shake that is a tad more traditional than their previous Bacon Shake.  The new Java Cookie Shake is available in regular (16oz.) and large (24oz.) and is made with "...real vanilla ice cream, coffee-flavored syrup and Oreo® cookie pieces...and features whipped topping and a Maraschino cherry on top."

In addition the to new shake, Jack in the Box began selling their new Chipotle Chicken Club Sandwich last week.  According to the press release, the new sandwich "features a spicy chicken fillet topped with American cheese, hickory-smoked bacon, tomato, lettuce and chipotle sauce and (is) served on Sourdough bread."  The Chipotle Chicken Club Sandwich can also be ordered as part of a $4.99 combo that comes with small fries and a 20oz. drink.

Finally, Wendy's is trying to kick up their side dish selections with three new choices for $2.49 each.  Two of the new Signature side items are only around for a limited time.  This includes the new Macaroni & Cheese and the Baked Sweet Potato.  The Macaroni & Cheese is described as:

featuring large cavatappi spiral noodles smothered with a cheese sauce made with fresh milk, fresh cream and real white Vermont Cheddar and American cheeses. Wendy's Macaroni & Cheese is topped with real shredded Cheddar to add even more cheesy flavor.

Wendy's Signature Sides

Meanwhile, the Baked Sweet Potatoes "are prepared fresh to order and served with a Buttery Cinnamon Spread on the side."

Lastly, the new Signature side that Wendy's plans to keep around indefinitely is their new Chili Cheese Fries.  The Chili Cheese Fries are described as "...Wendy's natural cut fries with sea salt covered in a sauce made with Cheddar cheese and real milk, Wendy's famous rich and meaty chili, and then topped with real shredded Cheddar cheese."

2nd Annual Big Red Rib & Music Festival Kicks Off Today (4/26)

From Thursday, 4/26 to Sunday, 4/29 the Big Red Rib & Music Festival will take place on the Great Lawn at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.  While the big draw on Thursday might be the Cardinals Draft Party, let's start with the AZFoodDude's main concern, the food.  The eight rib cooking teams from around the country, who may or may not also be cooking pulled pork and beef brisket, that are scheduled to participate include:

• The Barbecue Company - (Arizona)
• Chicago BBQ Company - (Illinois)
• Cowboys Barbecue & Rib Company - (Texas)
• Coyote Roadhouse BBQ - (Illinois)
• Johnson's BBQ - (Virginia)
• Porky Chicks BBQ - (Arkansas)
• Texas Thunder BBQ - (Texas)
• Uncle Bub's BBQ - (Illinois)

Gates open at 4pm on Thursday & Friday, 11am on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday.  General admission tickets for Friday and Saturday are $5.  If you are a senior (60 & over) or active or retired military, tickets are $1 and children 12 and under are free.

The musical acts performing are as follows:

• Second Shift - 7:30pm (Thursday)
• Carvin Jones Band - 6pm (Friday)
• K.C. & The Sunshine Band - 8:30pm (Friday) - Reserved Seats Available
• Daisy Train - 1pm (Saturday)
• Elvis Before Noon - 3:15pm (Saturday)
• The Chris Parker Project - 6pm (Saturday)
• Kenny Loggins - 8:30pm (Saturday) - Reserved Seats Available
• Whiskey's Quicker - 1pm (Sunday)
• Beatlemania Live! - 3pm (Sunday) - Reserved Seats Available

For more information, detailed parking, maps and directions, check out the event website.

Culinary Dropout to Anchor New Central Phoenix Development

The development, located at 5632 N. 7th St. Phoenix, AZ 85014, is looking to open sometime late this Fall.  According to the press release, the development is described as:

...an indoor/outdoor urban dining and lounging hub...in the heart of Central Phoenix. Housed in a former auto and motorcycle dealership known for its iconic steel shade structure, the multi-use space will share a large park-like outdoor recreation area and beer garden and will be anchored by Fox Restaurant Concepts' second Arizona Culinary Dropout and a new fish house and oyster bar. The development will also include a local coffee shop and two retail spaces, which will be operated by other local companies.

This will be the second Culinary Dropout in Arizona, with the first one near Fashion Square Mall at 7135 E. Camelback Rd. #125 Scottsdale, AZ 85251. 

Hinted at above, the new unnamed fish house and oyster bar by Fox Restaurant Concepts:

...will have a Brooklyn-like vibe and be reminiscent of an old urban seafood shack. The restaurant will serve a raw bar focused menu, in addition to comfort food such as chowders, fish and chips, and po-boys. From the raw bar, order fresh seafood such as prawns, razor clams, and oysters flown in daily. Pairing well with the menu, the fish house will also serve a stand-out white wine menu and an eclectic beer list.

Besides the food, developers are hoping the large shaded park area will attract people with live music, outdoor games, and of course, ample parking.