Food: Today is National Tortilla Chip Day.

Today is National Tortilla Chip Day! But be careful you don't eat too many before the entree.

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Would You Eat Malted Milkshake and Fries-Flavored . . . Ice Cream?

 

 

Brooklyn's Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the people behind the mac-and-cheese ice cream . . . teamed up with the Idaho Potato Commission, the people behind potatoes . . . to create a wild new combination.

It's a limited-edition ice cream flavor called "Malted Milkshake and Fries," launched yesterday. There are actual French fry pieces in the ice cream, created using Idaho potato flakes. They say the flavor gives them "old-school diner vibes."

 

 

Pints cost $12 each, and they're available online and in select shops in New York City and L.A. while supplies last.  

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Today is World Bartender Day. 

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TastingTable Ranks 20 Popular Sandwich Chains

Sandwich lovers have a ton of choices when choosing which chain to satisfy their hunger, and the folks at TastingTable have ranked a list of the most popular chains based on taste and ingredients. All of the chains are not created equal, and here are their observations.

• Subway – comes in at number 20 due to numerous scandals regarding such things as ‘fake’ tuna and other additives that they have used in the past. They are ranked lowest due to the quality of the ingredients they use. They have just announced a new plan to stop using pre-sliced meat, so they could be moving up in the rankings shortly.
• Quiznos Sub – this chain filed for bankruptcy back in 2014, and its number of stores has been declining. Low-quality pre-made ingredients make this one of the lowest on the list.
• Blimpie – Blimpie has been on the decline, with half of its stores closing between 2001 and 2011, and even though they claim to be “America’s Sub Shop,” they are not very competitive.
• Portillo’s – known for Chicago hot dogs, sausages, burgers, and Italian beef, TastingTable found that their menu items aren’t all that authentic.
• Jimmy John’s – this chain was founded in Illinois in 1983 and had locations nationwide but has had problems with food safety issues on multiple occasions.
• Wawa – famous for their custom-made hoagies with bread baked fresh daily and quality ingredients make them a top choice for convenience store food and sandwiches.
• Which Wich – you can custom order your sandwich here, and they use good quality ingredients and give back to their communities with their Spread The Love program.
• Schlotzsy’s Deli – founded in 1971 in Austin, TX, is famous for its take on the New Orleans muffuletta, and they now offer a full menu of other sandwich choices.
• Penn Station East Coast Subs – this chain started in Ohio, not New York, but is known for its take on Philly Cheesesteak subs. Fans of this chain rave about their sandwiches.
• Lenny’s Grill & Subs – started in 1998 in Tennessee, Lenny’s is known for their hot and cold subs and Philly Cheesesteaks and uses high-quality, freshly sliced meats and cheeses.
• Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop – started in 1976 in Delaware to make delicious turkey sandwiches for turkey lovers. The Boobie is their most well-known sandwich with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo, but they now have a more extensive menu.
• Publix – this Southern grocery chain’s “Pub Subs” are hugely popular with fans, offering a wide variety of meats, bread, and cheeses.
• Jersey Mike’s – Peter Cancro founded this chain when he was a 17-year-old high school senior, and all meats and cheeses are fresh-sliced with other high-quality ingredients. They now have over 2,000 locations nationwide.
• Firehouse Subs – this chain was founded in 1994 by two brothers, and they use premium meats and cheeses on toasted bread to make their hot gourmet sandwiches.
• Au Bon Pain – the name means “from good bread” in English, and they use fresh-baked bread and croissants for their sandwiches. Their popularity has suffered in recent years, but they have plans to revamp their cafes.
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop – founded in the 70s in Chicago- offers toasty subs with quality meats, cheeses, and sauces and is a popular choice for sandwich lovers.
• Jason’s Deli – founded in 1976 in Texas, Jason’s Deli has been in the process of eliminating unhealthy products from its menu, and they use premium meats and cheeses, and other fresh ingredients.
• Mendocino Farms – uses fresh, high-quality, and antibiotic-free ingredients and also offers gluten-free bread and vegan dressing for top-notch sandwiches.
• Panera Bread – Panera makes their own bread which makes for a great sandwich, and the use of fresh ingredients makes this chain one of TastingTable’s favorites.
• Pret A Manger – started in London in 1986, this chain uses high-quality ingredients and is expanding its plant-based options for vegan customers. That’s part of the reason they top this list of 20.

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