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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

Taste Tracker: A new year brings new flavors to Smoothie King, Arby’s and Applebee’s

 By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 02, 2023

El Pollo Loco fills burritos; Wings Etc. taps cauliflower; Velvet Taco goes Italian; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Taste Tracker: Holiday catering takes off with feasts from Carrabba’s, Cotton Patch and Dickeys and breakfast packages at Einstein Bros.

 By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 12, 2022

Metro Diner’s heat-and-serve dinners; Velvet Taco wraps chicken pot pie in a tortilla; The Dolly Llama does a Christmas waffle; and other top menu news of the week.

Food

Wingstop goes for gold, Red Lobster gives shrimp the biscuit treatment and White Castle has a new nibble

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 05, 2022

Cake love at Mod Pizza and Baskin-Robbins; Smokey Bones mixes up colorful cocktails; holiday feasting at Firebirds; and plenty of peppermint menu news.

Food

Taste Tracker: Del Taco brings back tamales and Outback and Bennigan’s shake up holiday cocktails

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 28, 2022

Festive drinks from Bad Ass Coffee; Hard Rock’s World Cup burger; Taziki’s dessert mashup; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Taste Tracker: Wendy’s goes Italian, Modern Market adds Angus beef bowls and Krispy Kreme decorates for Christmas

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 21, 2022

Holiday beverages continue to trend at Smashburger and Ziggi’s; Bad Daddy’s does a hangover burger; Toasted Yolk offers savories and sweets; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Taste Tracker: P.F. Chang's has a celebration menu, Carl's Jr. supersizes it and Miller's Ale House gets crabby

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 15, 2022

Black Bear adds six dinner combos; Thankgsiving at Velvet Taco; Lazy Dog builds a gingerbread house; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Taste Tracker: Shake Shack, Dunkin’, Peet’s and Krispy Kreme cheer the holiday season

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 07, 2022

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Food

Taste Tracker: IHOP, Caribou Coffee and Fogo de Chao dive into holiday season; feasts to-go at Golden Corral and Cracker Barrel; Mexican chains translate pizza and tots

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 01, 2022

New seasonal LTOs debut at Quiznos, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 16 Handles and Huddle House, plus more menu news of the week.

Food

Taste Tracker: Taco Bell tests iced coffee, Arby’s gets devilish and Cava goes on a date spree

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 24, 2022

Halloween treats at Einstein Bros., Ziggi’s and Corner Bakery; sous vide beef comes to Firehouse; co-branded items keep trending; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Taste Tracker: Sweetgreen’s new bowls, Krispy Kreme’s spooky doughnuts and O’Charley’s Cajun flavors make menu news

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 17, 2022

Just Salad adds plant-based chicken; Chopt travels to New Mexico; Mod Pizza and Habit Grill pick pumpkin; and comfort makes a comeback.

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