PHOTOS: "Reality Check"...Wendy's New Hot 'N Juicy

[Amerigo Vespucci]

http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/09/reality-check-wendys-new-hot-n-juicy-review.html

Reality Check: Wendy's New Hot 'N Juicy

Posted by John M. Edwards, September 30, 2011 at 10:00 AM



Change is tough. When I learned that Wendy's intended to introduce new burgers, I felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "It seems like they're trying to make thicker burgers to compete with Five Guys," someone said to me. Wendy's has struggled with new products like their breakfast, so I was very interested in trying their new Hot 'N Juicy burgers.



What's new? First, and most importantly, the new burgers are thicker. They still have a square shape, but with rounder edges. Their toppings have changed as well, with sweet red onions replacing white onions, crinkle cut pickles, whole-fat mayo, and the removal of mustard from the burger. They've also scaled back on the amount of toppings. As for procedural changes, the buns are now buttered and toasted, and the cheese is stored at a warmer temperature, to make it melt faster over the burgers. Many of these changes were implemented to emphasize the flavor of their beef.



So how did it taste? As someone that really hates red onion, that was my primary focus on the first bite (call me odd, picky, and unfocused). I liked these: they were mostly innocuous, but they added a little sting to the burger. Similarly, the crinkle cut pickles were more textural than taste. The lettuce and tomato were almost in the background. Overall, the toppings were an accent, as opposed to something bold.

The bigger changes, in my opinion, are the bun, cheese, and beef. As advertised, the american cheese had melted all over my patties, which Wendy's struggled with in the past. Coming to the bun, it did taste bready and soft, like a Five Guys bun, as opposed to the dry, spongy Kaiser role of the past. Mine wasn't toasted well—I could barely see any carbon, but they're still in the first few weeks. I could taste the butter, which felt heavy, but not greasy—more like a layer of glaze. It mixed well with the whole fat mayo—and did make the burger feel rich and round, as opposed to dry and flat.

[OriginalGeek]

1. So how's the price?

Especially compared to 5 Guys. I pay extra for 5 Guys because they are so worth it. Wendy's would have to be significantly cheaper to make me switch - I have a Wendy's and 5 Guys right across the street from my work so I can go either way.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

2. No idea...I never eat there.

I have a 5 Guys near me, but I still prefer In 'N' Out. There is something wrong with the cheese on 5 Guys burgers...it's too sweet or something, tastes too damned much like "pasteurized process cheese."

The free peanuts are great (although they're not really free...they're rolled into the price of ANYTHING you order).

But the burgers are a close second to In 'N' Out, IMHO.

[OriginalGeek]

3. I sadly have no In n Out

but I hope to find one in my travels some day. I've heard many wonderful things about 'em.

My standard 5 Guys is:
cheese
lettuce
mayo
A-1 steak sauce
mushrooms
and jalapenos.


oh Lerd it's gerd.


but yeah, it's just impossible (for me) to get out of 5 Guys for under 10 bucks. Although if you have a friend with you it's easy to share the gigantic fries.

lol I guess I'm cheating myself - I never eat the peanuts. I should stick a couple in my pocket on general principle.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

4. I take the peanuts home

Great snack for later, and you're paying for them, so why not?

:toast: