Yummy squee.

"Chocolate or vanilla?" was probably the most confusing question I have been asked...ever while trying to ordering a Frosty at Wendy's. Don't you mean, "Chocolate or chocolate?"

Since 1969, there was no need to specify a flavor. If you ordered a Frosty, it was inherently chocolaty. In 2006, however, there is, so watch out.

I didn't even know there was such a thing until I was offered a choice. Out of pure curiosity, I elected to try the vanilla. I don't think anyone else knew, either. Wendy's should thank me for a 1% increase in Vanilla Frosty sales in the North East because of my story. I got at least five people to try the stuff.

Well, I've gotta tell you, it tastes exactly the way one think it would - like a Vanilla Frosty. If you're into vanilla, you'll love it. If you fear change or have a coco addiction, I think I should just let you be with the Original.

If you want to convert more VFF (Vanilla Frosty Fans), give them out for Halloween. (No, not the actual frozen dairy dessert. That would ruin someones hard-earned sweet stash. Coupons.) They're a great alternative to candy bars, unless you're lactose intolerant. 300 million Frostys are served at Wendy's every year, so they're in the minority on October 31st as far as I'm concerned.

This isn't the first restaurant-type establishment shaking things up. Beginning this week, Starbucks Coffee Company is sampling out breakfast sandwiches with their spiffy new warming station. I know many-a-Barista, and used to wear a green apron myself, so I was cool enough to try one last week.

As a fan of late-night breakfast sandwich snacking at rival Dunkin' Donuts, they're giving them a run for their money. Also, these are made in a really giant EZ Bake oven type device, and not a microwave. This, in a weird way, mimics the difference between Subway and Quiznos. It all comes down to liking things mmm...toasty.

Try them both and let us know if you think they're as squeeworthy as I do.

Did you know?
Research shows that nearly a third of adults have dipped french fries into a Frosty (or know someone who has). Whether or not this research is scientifically sound, I don't know.

Yummy squee.

Chipotle
M & 19th Streets, Washington D.C.
Circa 2004


Me: I don't get it.
Tim: You just walk up there and order a burrito.
Me: All they sell is burritos...and tacos?
Tim: Yup. Oh, margaritas.
Me: What kind of place is this?!

My life was never the same after that moment, for I had discovered the burrito experience.

I say "experience" because the instructions on the back of their napkins actually include holding up your Mexican food goodness to the sky to be worshipped a la Simba in the Lion King. (Or that Step 2 was to lift it off the table in order to eat it. I like my version better.)

Founded in 1993 by yet another guy named Steve (See: Jobs, Case), Chipotle Mexican Grill was actually owned in part by McDonald's, yet its food was anything but.

Seriously amusing advertising, massive burritos (20 ounces!), cool metal-meets-wood decor, and a liquor license makes this one of my favorite food places in the city.

Slowly migrating to a local suburb near you, I've made it a point to attend the opening (By sheer luck, I swear...) of New York locations just so I can say, "Why, yes. I know that the guac is extra," and impress the new Chipotle staff.

Downside is I actually calculated the calories in the brick-sized burrito, and they oddly enough total the number of the year I graduated elementary school. (And, no. I'm not the oldest person alive.) It's up there. You don't want me to tell you.

I'm not the only one who thinks that Chipotle is squeeworthy. Sites like chipotlefan.com painstakingly catalogue every ingredient and house fan message boards to celebrate their awesomeness.

While I haven't gone that far, I have wrapped myself up in an obscene amount of tinfoil to secure a free burrito on Halloween.

Free Burrito Days:

• Tax Day: April 15. Fill out your "tax form" and save your receipt.
  
• Leap Day: February 29. (Leap years only. Duh.)
• Prom Day: Spend all your money on a dumb dress to only get dumped by your cheating boyfriend at the punchbowl? Forget him and get a free burrito. You gotta rock the dress in the store, though.
  

Visit Chipotle online and get your burrito on at http://www.chipotle.com