Grilled Chicken Nachos
EL POLLO LOCO $4.99
www.elpolloloco.com
1,142 calories, 66 g fat, 3,116 mg sodium
The pitch: “Fans tired of those boring stadium nachos won’t find them at El Pollo Loco. Not a chance! … Loaded with flame-grilled chicken breast, jack cheese & poblano queso, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole.”
First thought: Huge and decent value for its price. Three people can eat this. Chicken that tastes like chicken, and good, moist, chunky chicken breast at that. Zesty guacamole.
On second thought: Chaotic and thrown together. Looking like Jackson Pollock’s “Blue Poles” painting, except edible and cheesier. Eat quickly, or crisp tortilla chips turn into mushy triangles. And sodium … yikes.
McGrade: B
Italian Chicken Sandwich
BURGER KING $3.49
www.bk.com
580 calories, 24 g fat, 1,730 mg sodium
The pitch: “White meat chicken, a crispy coating, marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s a real piece of work and it’s only at BK.”
First thought: Non-circle sandwiches are easier to hold and eat. Will fill you up.
On second thought: Heavy fried breading taste. Marinara sauce was acidic. Because my sandwich wasn’t warm enough, the mozzarella cheese remained a flat, rubbery rectangle that wasn’t melted.
McGrade: C-
Roasted Wild Mushroom Crispani
PANERA BREAD $8.99
www.panerabread.com
960 calories, 44 g fat, 1,680 mg sodium for a whole pizza
The pitch: “Crispani is more than just your average super-delicious, hand-crafted pizza made with fresh, all-natural toppings and a perfect flatbread crust. It’s also the centerpiece to a different kind of dinner at Panera.”
First thought: Fancy, ooh-la-la. Pizza is served on elevated pedestal with fork and knife. Pronounced notes of roasted garlic. Sprinkled cremini and shiitake mushrooms add complex flavors to the crisp and light pizza.
On second thought: Despite lack of meat, one serving (that’s half a pizza–but you’ll likely eat the whole thing) has nearly as much fat as Burger King’s Italian Chicken Sandwich. Only available after 4 p.m.
McGrade: A-
Note: Prices may vary by location
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kpang@tribune.com
