These fast-food joints tempt us with ads of their latest and, they claim, greatest products. We tried them out as a public service (prices vary nationwide).
Subway
subway.com
Meal: Tuscan Melt
Price: $4 for 6-inch
First thought: Tender chunks of chicken with what appear to be grill marks. Hints of oregano, a bit of red chile bite on the back end. Surprisingly complex flavors.
On second thought: The olive vinaigrette can be a tad acidic, especially if they add too much of it.
McGrade: B+
Popeyes
popeyes.com
Meal: Louisiana Nuggets
Price: $2.49 for six pieces
First thought: Chicken breast nuggets are breaded in that granular Popeye’s style. Has a vinegary spiciness. Texture suggests real chicken, not reconstituted “chiken.”
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On second thought: Smells more like fried breading. A bit dry, a bit plain. Sauce it up.
McGrade: B-
White Castle
whitecastle.com
Meal: BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich
Price: 99 cents
First thought: Shredded pork in a bitingly sweet sauce. Touch of acidity. Buns are the best part — steamed soft and fluffy.
On second thought: A sacrilege to Southern sensibilities. More like a barbecue sauce sandwich with pork-string condiment.
McGrade: D