erica

Save yourself the trouble of trying the sandwich. Though BK says it is focusing on "flavor from fire grilling, not from fat," what they mean is flavor from salt. I had half of the BBQ sandwich and was sucking down water for the rest of the day because it was so incredibly salty. Really, it's not a very good sandwich, even as far as fast-food sandwiches go. I'd take a Subway sandwich over it, no question. BK is focusing more on healthier foods (according to CEO Brad Blum, they're working on entree-sized salads now), but it's not a benevolent attempt to crusade against fat or make America slimmer. It's where the money's at, plain and simple.

I was at a Burger King press conference this morning in NYC, and they announced that Rick Bayless will be endorsing their new line of fire grilled chicken sandwiches in TV commercials. He didn't play any part in developing the sauces or anything, he's just endorsing the product. It's not even Mexican cooking. Unless the Southwest sauce on the sandwich counts, which it shouldn't. Is this a huge disconnect for anyone else? Bayless is known for his committment to artisinal preparations. He's even chairman of Chefs Collaborative 2000, in support of environmentally sound agriculture. Question to those in the fine dining community: What will do to his reputation? Has Bayless sold out?