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Taste Tracker

Pat Cobe

Every week, Senior Menu Editor Pat Cobe takes a look at the latest new menu news from major chains and menu trends. The column features extensive work from RB Art Director Nico Heins on a visual presentation.

Food

A wealth of new menu items entices diners over the Fourth of July holiday weekend

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 27, 2022

Taste Tracker: Chicken in new guises at BWW, Slim Chickens and Toppers; Mooyah, Auntie Anne’s and Smashburger shake it up; refreshing thirst-quenchers for Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Charleys; and everything from cocktails to concretes to cookies make their debut.

Food

There's no lull in menu launches during the ‘lazy’ days of summer

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 20, 2022

Taste Tracker: Just Salad and Chicken Salad Chick refresh the salad bowl; cool sipping at Potbelly, Corner Bakery and PJ’s; IHOP has a Minions menu; Newk’s and Taco John’s celebrate barbecue; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Seafood tacos, summer bowls and icy drinks trend on menus

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 13, 2022

Taste Tracker: Taco del Mar, Hurricane Grill and Tacos 4 Life boast a beach vibe; bowled over by peaches at Sweetgreen and BBQ at Sonny’s; a sweet tea-ice cream mashup for McAlister’s; Bad Ass Coffee and Ziggi’s launch summery LTOs to sip; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Summer officially kicks off on restaurant menus

By Patricia Cobe on May 30, 2022

Taste Tracker: Cool off with cocktails at BJ’s and Fridays; Burgerville and Chopt spec new salads; Church’s takes to smoke; Carrabba’s celebrates Father’s Day; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Sips, sandwiches and salads take off on menus

By Patricia Cobe on May 17, 2022

Taste Tracker: Chocolate is for drinking at Starbucks and Shake Shack; Bennigan’s and Lazy Dog craft cocktails; Subway’s latest sandwich refresh; Modern Market embraces summer; and more menu news of the week.

Food

New menu items provide a preview of summer

By Patricia Cobe on May 10, 2022

Mendocino Farms celebrates summer cookouts; peaches, spritzes and lemonade infuse Firebirds’ cocktails; PJ’s Coffee marks wedding cake season; and early sightings of berries and watermelon.

Food

Restaurants gear up for Cinco de Mayo and launch more spring specials

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 25, 2022

Taste Tracker: Cinco de Mayo hits menus at Del Taco, Baja Fresh, Taco John’s and more; new cocktails on hand for P.F. Chang’s, CPK and Taco Cabana; Sonic celebrates pickles; and smoothies, sweets and sips trend on menus.

Food

Bowls, pizza and 4/20 specials take menus to new heights

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 18, 2022

Cheba Hut, Velvet Taco, TGI Fridays feed the munchies; bowls trend at Dos Toros, Ghenghis Grill, Sweetfin; Papa John’s riffs on pizza; beverages rule at Corner Bakery and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Food

Easter shares the menu spotlight with hot dogs, tacos, ice cream and more

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 11, 2022

Black Bear Diner does Easter brunch and dinner; a dozen new dishes for Friendly’s; Mellow Mushroom takes a detour from pizza; and donuts, hot dogs and ice cream get dressed for the holiday.

Food

Menus make a seasonal shift, take on bolder flavors

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 05, 2022

Taste Tracker: Chimichurri at Sweetgreen and Cubanos at Potbelly; chicken gets a jolt of spice at Moe’s; Dairy Queen rolls out Stackburgers; Sonic’s slush ring, Dog Haus' cocktails and more menu newsmakers of the week.

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