GrubGrade

If you’ve been on GrubGrade in the past 24 hours or so you’ve probably noticed that The Big Carl from Carl’s Jr. is on our minds.  Well big thanks to Drake from Eat Your Nom Noms! for sending over some pics for us to use.  I’ve also attached some of his thoughts which seem to be primarily positive.  Looks like the McDonald’s Big Mac has some big competition.  As a growing food blog without a fast food grubber for spots primarily in the West, GrubGrade thanks you Drake! Please check out his site.

Here’s a shot of the new Big Carl, fresh outta the wrapper. Each burger comes with “two charbroiled beef patties, Carl’s classic sauce, two slices of American cheese and lettuce all on a toasted sesame seed bun.” That setup cost me $2.49.

The first impression I got was that it’s a pretty fatty burger. According to the Carl’s website, a Big Carl should weigh in at 315 grams. A Big Mac is 214 grams. Yeah I busted out my calculator and did the math for you: that’s an easy 45% upgrade as far as serving size is concerned.

First Bite: Lots of big meaty flavor. This is a straight-up old school cheeseburger, and the flavor of the charbroiled beef patties and American cheese hit you big time.

• Pros: Lots of meat, lots of cheese.  Size, it’s much bigger than a Big Mac (cheaper too!)  Good value.  Charbroiled flavor stands out.
• Cons:  If you like your special burger sauce, this taste isn’t too noticeable.  No extra greens other than lettuce…some eaters fancy some tomatoes, onions, pickles, etc.  Damn near 1000 calories, but it’s a fast food double cheeseburger…duh. You can eat a salad the day after.

Price:  $2.49

Nutrition Facts: The Big Carl

Calories: 920

Fat – 59 grams

Carbs – 51 grams

Protein – 46 grams

The fast food burger wars are heating up.  McDonald’s Angus Third Pounders recently came on the scene to fight the competition of Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s Thickburger market.  Now Carl’s has fired back with The Big Carl to compete against the McD’s Big Mac. The Big Carl will have twice the meat and cheese of a Big Mac and priced at $2.49 or less in most locations. McDonald’s Big Macs are typically priced at $3 or more.  I love food fights.  In the battle of the burgers, the real winner is the consumer.  Can’t argue with more food for a lower price.

Two charbroiled beef patties, our classic sauce, two slices of American cheese, and lettuce all on a toasted sesame seed bun.

The Big Carl sure does look delicious.  920 calories and 59 grams of fat delicious.