Bored by the choices at your favorite fast food restaurant? Mix things up by trying options that are available to the public, but aren’t advertised or listed on menus, like a…
* Neapolitan shake. In most eateries that sell shakes—such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King—you can order a mix of flavors, for instance, a Neapolitan (vanilla, chocolate and strawberry), a Black and White (chocolate and vanilla) or a Creamsicle (a vanilla shake with orange soda). Prefer Dunkin’ Donuts Coolatta frozen slush drink? They’ll blend any flavors you like! Popular twists include Tropicana orange/vanilla bean and lemonade/strawberry.
* Grilled cheese sandwich or BLT. It’s basically a cheeseburger or bacon burger without the meat, which is why burger chains are usually willing to whip one up for you upon request.
* Jazzed up baked potato. Restaurants will typically add any toppings they’ve got on hand in the kitchen, for instance, Wendy’s will top a baked potato with chili even though it’s not an official menu item.
* Personalized Mexican creation. Chipotle, Taco Bell and other Mexican food chains rely on just a few staple ingredients to make all their food items. So, if you have a yen for something different from their official offerings, say cheesy refried beans or chicken quesadillas, they can usually accommodate your special request. Tip: Like it spicy? At many Taco Bells, you can ask for a side of their secret green chile sauce!
* Smaller Starbucks cappuccino. Simply ask for the “short” size, which is an eight-ounce version of their regular drinks that’s not only tinier, but cheaper.
* Stealth Jamba Juice smoothie. The company is constantly coming up with new flavors that in-the-know customers can order, such as white Gummi bear, pink star, strawberry shortcake, peanut butter and jelly, Starbursts, Fruity Pebbles and Skittles. Find out more by asking your server for his or her favorite undercover creations.
Tip: Be sure to ask the manager what the price will be before your order is rung up so there are no surprises.
[photo: gemsling]
