Doritos Locos Tacos

I’m not one to fall victim to a “fad”. I am also not an adventure seeker when it comes to food. Either I’m allergic or it’s too spicy :/

Now, I LOVE tacos … particularly Taco Bell. I love Doritos, particularly Cool Ranch.

Is anyone surprised to see this coming?

("Regular" Doritos Locos Cool Ranch Taco. This was borrowed from Taco Bell's website)

They shouldn’t …

Two days after my Jimmy John’s experiment (see that blog post). My mom and I opted for Taco Bell. Sometimes getting a combo of three tacos and adding another is a great way to watch calories, eat out, and save money.

I ordered our usual (which is a #8 – 3 regular tacos). But, for the fourth taco, I decided to go with something different. I ordered the Doritos Locos Tacos in Cool Ranch, or course in the “regular” version (meat, cheese, lettuce).

https://www.tacobell.com/food/menuitem/Cool_Ranch_Doritos_Locos_Tacos

Anyone who knows my mother … knows it takes a lot to impress her in terms of food (well, a lot of things, but let’s stick with food).

One bite and I was hooked on them!! I took another bite to make sure … and then I HAD to let my mom try it. She was amazed by it. She actually stated it was the best taco she’d ever eat. I consider her my food critic as she is over 60 and has eaten a lot of her mother’s cooking, father’s cooking, her own cooking and tried a lot of restaurant food in her life.

(The taco I ordered)

(The "flip side" of the package) 

(Shameless self promotion, but love the Baja Blast)

If it impresses her, then it’s something to add to the “must-get” list for future visits. That is a good thing. The regular version is 160 calories and only 13g (less than 1 carb). Comparatively speaking, it really is no worse than their “regular” crunchy taco (which touts 170 calories and 12g of carbs).

When we eat spicy food, one thing we also do is order a “dessert”. Having gone thru the cinnamon sticks, chips, etc … we were used to getting the Caramel Apple Empanada. That is actually the best thing Taco Bell has had in a long time.

But, the visit on March 27^th was going to yield a different discovery – the Cinnabon Delights, which apparently just became an “all-day” item. They were a breakfast only item.

For about $1.50 (plus tax) you get four soft little balls of dough, shaken up with a cinnamon-sugar blend. Inside is a bit (not too much) of the Cinnabon “icing”.  I found the icing proportion just right. The entire “serving” is 4 little balls, 220 calories, and 24g of carbs (thus in her case less than 2 servings).

(Not just for breakfast anymore)

(Goodness they look and smell so yummy!!)

As I bought one order, my mom took two and I had too.

Now, again, not much really impresses her. But these, like the Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos … impressed her. She savored every bite. She was a bit disappointed there were only 4 per order. I don’t blame her, I was too.

Again, they were put on the list for “the next time we go there”. Though she admittedly stated

Needless to say, that on April 7^th we drove through and ordered a #11 (3 regular Doritos Locos Tacos – Cool Ranch) and got another Cool Ranch taco. We added two orders of the Cinnabon Delights.

Dinner, drink and dessert for 2 people? $10.55. That isn’t too bad. We weren’t “starving” and we were able to keep the craving away.

It might not be the BEST thing around, but it is the tastiest.  

From now on, I think that is going to be our “standard” Taco Bell order.

Now … to convince mom that the Supreme version (with sour cream and tomatoes) isn’t too bad. She loves tomatoes on her tacos, but she isn’t a fan of sour cream. She does enjoy Ruffles with ranch dip though. She also likes the new tacos.

Regular still isn’t too bad. And, I could always order the “additional” taco as a Supreme :)

Just in case you’re all wondering where I got my facts:

http://www.tacobell.com/nutrition/information

Jimmy John's -- Freaky Fast Subs (and good prices too)

Jimmy John’s

As a loyal NASCAR fan, I am often drawn to certain places to eat, places to shop, brands to try, etc … by my favorite NASCAR drivers.

Trust me, I have PLENTY of favorites (mostly Chevy drivers, but a few Ford and Toyota drivers as well). Sometimes that is good, sometimes it’s bad. Enough there.

One of my favorite drivers drives for … Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches. If you don’t know who, then it is the #29 driver, Kevin Harvick.

Both he and his wife (who I admire very much) are always tweeting about Jimmy John’s and their great food.

On March 25^th, with nothing planned for lunch, and as a treat … I went to the store on Sunset Road here in Henderson.

The store is in a strip mall between the CenturyLink store and a dental place. 

While it didn’t seem busy when I arrived, there was a group of loud athletes when I walked through the door. As it is hard for me to hear in a loud environment, it was good thing they were leaving before I ordered. And, no I don’t hold that against the shop :)

Before I continue …

The one thing I’ve been told ask for when ordering is the “pickle” … that’s if you like them. Now according to a lot of people on Twitter, the pickle spear is free. As this was my first time, and ever doubtful … I thought I would ask up ahead of time.

This particular location does not give a free pickle (spear or otherwise). They sell WHOLE pickles, but don’t give you the free spear. They’ll cut it in spears though. The “free” pickle spears only come with the “box deal”, which is part of their catering menu.

That wasn’t going to stop me from ordering. I’d come there for a sandwich (and the pickle, but I got over that. I wanted a moment to absorb the menu and see what I’d like. Like I said, this was my first visit.

My particular order-taker was either in a hurry or WAY too excited. He directed me over to the HUGE board to show the selections and pointed out what was either the most popular or his personal favorites.

It was a little hard to keep up, and I like my subs simple – meat and cheese. I’m particular on the meats though – I’m a basic turkey/cheese or a ham/cheese kind of girl.

It’s worth noting the subs don’t increase in size at all. They’re all 8 inches and are either a sub, slim or a club. That’s it. No small, medium or large either – that’s reserved for the drinks (which are only medium and large).

The subs are on French bread rolls with veggies and various condiments. The slims are basic – no veggies or condiments. The “clubs” have twice the meat or cheese and have an extra piece of bread in the middle (or so “Rick” told me).

You can check out the menu here (though this one is without prices): http://www.jimmyjohns.com/PDFs/jj_menu_no_prices.pdf

Here's a picture of the "take-home" menu:

(I prefer the "PLAIN SLIMS")

Knowing all that (some of which I didn’t need to know) … I decided on a Slim #1 – ham and cheese on the white French toast roll.

Before I could order something else, Rick totals my order. I was a bit astounded. Usually you’re asked “do you want a drink”, “would you like to make that a combo” … “is that for here or to go”.  

Nothing. None of that. I believe in being fast, and appreciate that. And, I understand their slogan is subs that are “freaky fast”. But, as a first-timer, I felt like I was being rushed out the door. What if I was ordering a different sandwich for someone else (as in to take home to them)? It rushed and hurried, despite the fact I was now the only one in the store.

I had to ask if I could “add” on the chips and drink to make it a combo. Despite the extra charge, I got the whole pickle anyway. Basically, I wanted to see why they were so in demand and highly regarded … and I felt like having a pickle.

After adding the medium drink, BBQ chips, and a pickle … my order came to $8.05. I had to ask for the drink cup, and then carry my pickle, sandwich, chips and cup to the drink dispenser. No “to go” bag for me. I didn’t specify that it was “to go”, so they likely assumed I’d eat in. Then again I wasn’t given a tray either.

(My receipt for lunch)

(Try carrying all this out to your car in one hand while having your keys ready. The sandwich is the wrapped item by the chips. To the right of the sandwich is the pickle.)

Either way … trying to leave with your purse, medium drink, pickle, 8” sub and bag of chips in one hand and car keys in the other is not easy. But, I made it to the car and got everything in without dropping an item or spilling the drink. Once home, I made two trips to the car to get everything in.

Now, here’s the “food” review:

Prices are fair. You get a choice of 8” subs that vary in price from $3.75 to $5.75. Sodas are a bit pricey (aren’t they always). The location I chose had Cherry Coke – so I chose that. I think I’d be better off getting a Big Gulp for $0.99 at the 7/11.

The downside? Location does not give free pickle spears. I decided to call the Lake Mead location in Henderson, and they had NO clue what I was talking about. I was finally told by the manager (via employee) “no location does that” (giving out FREE pickle spears that is).  I tried to verify this through the Jimmy John’s Twitter account, but I got no answer (still haven’t as of 4/8).

(The pickle I had to "PAY" for)

(They were nice enough to cut it in spears for me).

Either my locations don’t participate, which sucks … or it’s a bit of a falsehood. Again, I have no information either way. I’ll still continue to check on it.

The chips were a bit too hard and thick for me, but very tasty and flavorful. In the end, think I’ll stick with the Honey Barbeque Lays I get at Wal*Mart.

The pickle was like any other dill pickle, but if it is free … I damn well want it. If I have to pay, it might be worth the $1.25 (plus tax) for a whole dill. It was crispy and juicy, and cold; I’d rate it higher than Vlasic.

So … how was the sandwich? You’re all likely wondering about that, right?

It was great. For me that is.

The roll definitely smelled fresh (and I love the smell of fresh bread). It was a bit chewy on the outside, but fluffy inside. I’m not a “roll” lover, but this roll was perfection. The meat and cheese portions were about right for the sub I got. It was made before I even paid, so again the “freaky fast” applied here.

I think on the next visit I’ll stick with the slim and the pickle. That’ll be $5.41 after tax. Worth it? Well, it’s not a value, but it is lower than Subway and likely Port of Subs.

I wasn’t paid for the review, and even if I was, this is what they would have gotten. I just thought I’d put my few cents worth in.

If you’re on Twitter and enjoy NASCAR, Jimmy John’s or the Harvicks – they can be found here:

Kevin Harvick:  http://www.twitter.com/KevinHarvick

DeLana Harvick: http://www.twitter.com/DeLanaHarvick

Great people with a terrific sense of humor :)

Oh, and don’t forget their … assistant … (can’t remember Josh’s name at all):

http://www.twitter.com/mother_function

And here is the official “Jimmy John’s” twitter handle:

https://twitter.com/jimmyjohns