Club Jarritos stickers

Are you a Jarritos fan? The cola company has a rewards program with interesting prizes. Joining Club Jarritos earns ten points, enough for the 6-pack of stickers. Go for the quick prize or save up for the bottle cap earrings.

The original program required mailing in specially marked bottle caps to earn points. Those points are still valid. Here are the details from the Jarritos site:

“You can continue sending in your bottle caps with points until December 31, 2011. First, register with Club Jarritos. Please place your bottle caps with points in a padded enveloped or any appropriate package, include your first, last name and your email address and send to:

Club Jarritos Headquarters
PO Box 181629
Dallas, TX 75218-8629”

The rewards program is available through the end of the year.

Starbucks Treat Receipts are Back

If you make a morning run to Starbucks, you can bring your receipt in the afternoon and buy a Grande cold beverage for $2. This promo lasts through September 5, 2011.

Here are the details straight from Starbucks:

"Starbucks Treat Receipt offers customers a refreshing afternoon break with their favorite Starbucks® cold beverage. From July 18 through September 5, 2011, customers who make a purchase in the morning can bring in their receipt after 2 p.m. and enjoy any Grande cold beverage (16 fl. oz) for just $2 (plus tax) at participating Starbucks stores* in the U.S. and Canada."

Sundae Shake Disappoints, Is this how you SONIC?

Sonic website screen capture

Sonic keeps showing this fun commercial with an angry robot who is upset he cannot try the new Sundae Shake because it's people food. He has a point. The faux metallic cups do make it seem as those these drinks could be robot-friendly. Maybe there is some alternate universe where he could order one with a thick drizzle of premium motor oil instead of chocolate syrup.

Here in the regular human world, I decided to try Sonic's new Sundae Shake. Here's the scrumptious description from its website:

"Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Shake

An American original, perfected by SONIC. Real ice cream hand mixed with hot-fudge and finished with whipped topping rising from a sea of even more hot fudge. Don't forget the cherry on top. Now grab a straw y'all."

Sonic Sundae Shake, $2.59

Look Ma, No Straw!

This drink melted a little bit before it's photo session. However, it is clear that cup was never filled all the way. There was no "sea of even more hot fudge" and they did forget the cherry on top. When asked about the cherry, the carhop said they did not add those because of the cost. Huh?

And there was no straw to grab. I get that it is supposed to be a drinkable sundae so there is no spoon, but what happened to the straw? (It was not in the bag.) All I have at home are these skinny pink straws that are not compatible with the milkshake experience.

Sonic Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Review
Non-brain-freeze-induced mini headache aside, this is not something I would not order again. The thin cup did not do much to keep the shake cool. Even if it were better executed, it tastes like a Wendy's Frosty with that subtle blend of vanilla and chocolate. Although Dave Thomas was a genius to create that flavor, it isn't what I expected from this $2.59 shake.

Because of the thick texture, I think this is more of a spoonable dessert than a beverage. I would rather spend $3 elsewhere for a well-made hand-dipped shake that actually fills the cup and matches the menu description.

Steak 'n Shake Shake Ordering Tips

Big Banana versus Mini Mocha

I am a big fan of Steak 'n Shake because of its affordable menu and simple food. Instead of serving a $10 to $15 platter piled with pounds of fries and a burger so large it comes with a steak knife, Steak 'n Shake serves modest plates of food for $5-ish. The smaller plates mean I can enjoy an extra side or tasty hand-dipped shake without popping a button.   

Since the shakes are pretty generous, I usually opt for the small or kids shakes. Classic, Side by Side and Specialty shakes are available in the smaller size.

With all the toppings and mix-ins, the Specialty shakes are better as a dine-in option in the bigger size so there is plenty of room for the cook to add all the accoutrements, including a spoon for the toppings. I tried the fall flavor, caramel apple, in a take-out cup and the caramel sauce clogged the straw.    

Steak 'n Shake offers half-price shakes and drinks twice a day from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.