Today's weather forecast and a four day outlook. Check this page for the latest weather reports in the Wichita Metro area. Up-to-date weather conditions are observed at the MADIS station D6055, 3.6 miles WSW of Wichita. For weather conditions specific to other cities outside the metro area, just type in your zip code below.
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Chicken Shawarma, with roots in the Middle East, is thinly sliced chicken featuring regional spices. A super popular street food, boneless/skinless chicken gets stacked in an inverted cone shape, then is cooked slowly on a rotisserie or spit with that fantastic blend of spices. Street vendors then slice off portions of the cooked meat, serving it up with pita or naan bread. Also great on salads and over rice, Chicken Shawarma is delightfully delicious, especially when paired with a yogurt, tzatziki, or tahini sauce.
I'm a bit spoiled, I live in a town that has some great Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine eats, shout out to N&J Cafe, my favorite Chicken Shawarma spot in the Wichita Metro.
Sadly, the only time I ever eat Chicken Shawarma is when I go out to eat. It's not a dish I fix at home.
Until now.
Picking up some staple items at Costco on a recent shopping trip, I happened across a refrigerator holding several packages of On The Street Foods Chicken Shawarma Slices captive. I broke one out and put it in the get-away cart.
This is fully cooked meat, so all you have to do is heat the Shawarma up per the package instructions, super easy, and super convenient and dinner is ready in about 5 minutes!
I served the Shawarma over seasoned rice, a classic platter presentation. Biting into the chicken it's got all the notes you look for in a shawarma, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, a touch of cinnamon, some red pepper, and a bit of turmeric for color. The chicken was tender, juicy, and satisfied my impromptu Middle Eastern street food craving.
Costing me $11.99 at Costco for 2 pounds of meat, I'm giving On The Street Foods Chicken Shawarma Slices 4 out of 5 Bachelor on the Cheap Stars. Reasonably priced, it breaks down to just $1.50 per serving, and there's a lot of meat here, the bag states 8 servings and the serving portions are legit. It's a super convenient eat and most importantly, tastes good. Not as good as N&J Cafe, but pretty darn good nonetheless and I don't know about you, but how many people are able to stack up a cone of meat and put it on a spit at home?
$pend Wisely My Friends...
~ Mike
Just in Time for the Fall Blizzard Treat Menu, Fans Can Win a Set of Their Own in Upcoming Sweepstakes on @DairyQueen Social Channels
MINNEAPOLIS -- Fall is officially here, and as the weather begins to cool, it’s time to break out the knitwear. In celebration of the Fall Blizzard® Treat Menu, available now, American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) has created an exclusive accessory that fans – and their BlizzardTreats – can wear with flair, BlizzardBeanies!
(Photo: Business Wire)
Available in two fall-forward styles – rich cream and an on-trend neutral check – each pair of Blizzard Beanies comes with one full-sized beanie and a matching, Blizzard Treat size beanie to keep hands warm while enjoying a cool treat. Each matching set offers endless opportunities to match with your favorite treat on the Fall Blizzard Treat Menu, the ultimate fall fashion flex.
“We know our fans love fall, whether it’s digging into a delicious treat from ourFall Blizzard Treat Menu or breaking out their fall fashions,” said Maria Hokanson, executive vice president, marketing at ADQ. “Our BlizzardBeanies will give fans the chance to do both and celebrate the very best of the season, with a beanie on their heads and a matching, cozy BlizzardTreat in their hands.”
The DQ® Fall 2023 Blizzard Beanies Sweepstakes
Fans can enter for a chance to win* one pair of Blizzard Beanies by heading to @DairyQueen on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok between October 2 and October 13 and look for posts dedicated to Blizzard Beanies. There, they can enter by following @DairyQueen and commenting with their favorite Blizzard Treat using #BLIZZARDBeaniesSweepstakes. Full sweepstakes rules can be found atdairyqueen.com/en-us/fall-blizzard-menu-giveaway-rules.
The Fall Blizzard Treat Menu is currently available at participating locations for a limited time only. Fans can get their fix of the following flavors for a limited time only.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 U.S. (D.C.) excluding Texas, 18 years and older. Ends 10/13/23. See Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, at DQ.com. Void where prohibited.
About IDQ
International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,000 restaurants in the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Berkshire), which is led by Warren Buffet, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire. For more information, visit DairyQueen.com.
IDQUS for Food, Treats & Beverages - US
Omaha, Neb. – While National Coffee Day is September 29, Scooter’s Coffee has been spreading the coffee love all month long by offering FREE delicious, fresh-brewed coffee to customers every day throughout September. By the end of September, Scooter’s Coffee anticipates its stores will have served more than 1 million cups of free fresh-brewed coffee since September 1.
“What an exciting milestone to give away over 1 million cups of coffee during our September celebration of National Coffee Day,” said Joe Thornton, President of Scooter’s Coffee. “We have enjoyed the positive feedback from our valued loyal customers and new customers. Our Baristas have loved the joyful interactions with familiar and new faces each day in the drive-thru. It’s a reminder that a cup of coffee represents kindness, warmth and connection.”
Customers have been flocking to Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru locations throughout September to sip and savor fresh-brewed hot coffee for free.
Stop by your local Scooter’s Coffee on National Coffee Day or any remaining day in September for a FREE brewed coffee of any size. The offer is valid one cup per person, per visit, while supplies last.
The coffee won’t stop flowing after the month ends. Scooter’s Coffee plans to extend the coffee love beyond September. Beginning October 1, customers can order any size fresh-brewed coffee for just $1.
“Making our fresh-brewed coffee available going forward for $1 on our menu is our way of extending an everyday great value while recognizing the loyalty and support of our amazing customers,” said Thornton.
Scoot on through the Scooter’s Coffee drive-thru and pair your brewed coffee with a fall bakery treat such as one of our Pumpkin Caramelicious Muffins or Maple Waffle Sandwiches. Customers can scan the Scooter’s Coffee Mobile App to earn Smiles that can be collected and redeemed for free drinks.
About Scooter’s Coffee
Founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska, Scooter’s Coffee uses only the finest coffee beans in the world, which are roasted by its affiliated company, Harvest Roasting, in Omaha, Nebraska. In over 25 years of business, the key to Scooter’s Coffee’s success is simple: stay committed to the original business principles and company’s four core values, which are Integrity, Love, Humility and Courage. The Scooter’s Coffee Brand Promise, often recited to franchisees, customers and employees, is: “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast!®” It represents the company’s business origins and reflects a steady commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to loyal and new customers.
Scooter’s Coffee, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, is at the dawn of a strategic growth phase. The company is approaching 700 stores in 29 states, with plans to have 1,000 franchise stores open by the end of 2024. The U.S. coffee market is an estimated $48 billion-a-year, recession-resistant industry, and Scooter’s Coffee is striving to become the #1 drive-thru specialty coffee franchise system in the nation.
For more information, visit scooterscoffee.com, facebook.com/scooterscoffee, or ownascooters.com, or call 877-494-7004.
Draft Guidance Provides Examples of Ways Manufacturers Can Significantly Minimize or Prevent Allergen Cross-Contact and Undeclared Allergens
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced updated draft guidance designed to help food facilities comply with the requirements for current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) and preventive controls for human food. In particular, the new chapter on food allergens outlines ways to ensure protection of food from major food allergen cross-contact and to ensure that the finished food is properly labeled with respect to the major food allergens.
Millions of Americans have food allergies and may experience adverse reactions to products that contain food allergens. While many allergic reactions may involve only mild symptoms, some are severe and may even be life-threatening. Earlier this year, sesame was added as the ninth major food allergen when the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act became effective on Jan. 1. This means that sesame, when present in a food, is now required to be disclosed on food labels and firms need to implement controls to significantly minimize or prevent sesame allergen cross-contact.
With the passage of the FASTER Act, the FDA and families with sesame-allergic members hoped that it would become easier for those allergic to sesame to feel more confident in their food choices with the clear label declaration of sesame. However, some manufacturers are intentionally adding sesame to products that previously did not contain sesame and are labeling the products to indicate its presence, rather than take appropriate measures to minimize or prevent cross-contact. This keeps manufacturers in compliance with the law for disclosing the presence of a major food allergen. However, it also limits options for consumers who are allergic to sesame, a result the FDA does not support. The FDA is encouraging industry to follow the draft guidance on ways to significantly minimize or prevent allergen cross-contact and undeclared allergens and review the examples provided--rather than intentionally adding sesame to their products to comply with the law.
“The FDA is looking for opportunities that could help consumers who are allergic to sesame and other major food allergens find foods that are safe for them to consume. We encourage manufacturers to follow the guidelines in the draft guidance updates released today to prevent allergen cross-contact and ensure proper labeling,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “We recognize there are challenges with ensuring products are free of allergens and we are engaging with stakeholders on this issue. The agency is interested in finding solutions, within our authorities, that meet the needs of consumers with food allergies. Updating this draft guidance with the new allergen chapter provides one tool to help manufacturers meet this goal.”
Chapter 11—Food Allergen Program and Chapter 16—Acidified Foods—are among the chapters that have been added since the draft guidance, Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food, was first issued in 2016.
Chapter 11—Food Allergen Program—explains how to establish and implement a food allergen program that ensures protection of food from major food allergen cross-contact and that the finished food is properly labeled with respect to the major food allergens. It provides many examples of ways to significantly minimize or prevent allergen cross-contact and undeclared allergens using CGMPs and preventive controls. Labeling errors are the cause of most FDA food allergen recalls, and Chapter 11 includes guidance on how to monitor or verify that the food allergens are properly declared as required and the correct label is used for the product.
The chapter also discusses circumstances in which, despite adherence to appropriate CGMPs and preventive controls, allergen presence due to cross-contact cannot be completely avoided and options a firm can consider, including the voluntary use of allergen advisory statements when appropriate. The chapter complements the FDA’s recently released Draft Compliance Policy Guide on Major Food Allergen Labeling and Cross-Contact, which reflects the agency’s risk-based and science-based approach for the evaluation of potential allergen violations.
Chapter 16—Acidified Foods—applies to manufacturers, processors or packers of acidified foods (such as some processed sauces, beans, cucumbers or cabbage that have an overall pH of 4.6 or below). It explains how these manufacturers can use procedures, practices and processes that they have established to meet requirements in the acidified foods regulations to satisfy requirements under the preventive controls for human foods rule.
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The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
Migraines are headaches with intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head, along with nausea or vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. A migraine can last four to 72 hours when untreated. According to the National Institutes of Health, 12% of Americans (about 37 million people) have migraines. These debilitating headaches affect children and adults, and women are three times more likely to have migraines than men (about 18% of women have migraines).
About one-third of people with migraines experience an aura – visual disturbances such as dots, flashing lights or a blind spot – that signals the beginning of the headache.
There are many medicines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce migraine pain and symptoms. FDA-approved migraine medicines can prevent or treat migraines. They can be taken orally (by mouth), intranasally (inhaled through the nose), or injected by a health care professional.
Often migraines are not diagnosed at all, or migraine patients are prescribed a treatment that doesn’t work for them. If you have headaches, you should tell your doctor about them. Ask for a referral to a migraine specialist if the treatment is not working for you.
Since 2018 the FDA has approved several new prescription migraine medicines. Some of the newer FDA-approved migraine medicines are safe for people with certain heart conditions, unlike some previously approved treatments. Some newer medicines also are less likely to slow your heart rate (e.g. propranolol) or thinking (e.g. topiramate). If your current migraine medicine is not working well for you, talk to your health care professional about new treatment options that may be available.
These medicines, when they are taken regularly, may help to reduce the number of migraine headaches but rarely eliminate them completely.
Migraine sufferers are at risk of developing a condition called medication overuse headache (MOH). This is a migraine-like daily headache, or marked increase in frequency of migraine attacks, caused by the overuse of certain medications.
Studies have shown that using certain pain medications for 10 or more days a month may cause MOH. These include:
That’s why the FDA has worked with companies to add a description of MOH to labels of nonprescription (over-the-counter, or OTC) oral pain medications used to treat migraines. Prescription migraine medication labels also have a similar warning.
Headaches caused by medication overuse usually stop when people stop taking the pain medication. Talk with your health care professional if you believe you have MOH. They can determine what is causing your headaches and can tell you the best way to cut back on headache medicine.
Some headache medicines can be stopped quickly, but some must be tapered down slowly. Some people may need additional treatment for withdrawal symptoms.
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Where do you prefer to grocery shop? Aldi, Walmart, the mainstream grocery store?
Shoppers tend to be loyal to a particular store, we're creatures of habit after all. Some folks like Aldi because of the consistently low prices and name brands aren't a concern. Others favor Dillons because of the loyalty card and fuel points. Then there are those who do their regular grocery shopping at Walmart liking the one-stop shopping convenience for clothes, home & garden, and other general merchandise.
Here's this week's side-by-side Wichita Metro comparison of grocery store prices for Aldi, Walmart, and Dillon's (Kroger, a.k.a. the mainstream grocery store), plug in the name of the mainstream grocery store in your neck of the woods here, ie., Meijer, HyVee, Publix, Albertsons, etc. Odds are that mainstream is going to be the most expensive of the three from week to week.
Covering the basics with a focus on store brands, this week's list, dated September 25, 2023, is unchanged in item count from the previous Wichita Metro weekly essentials review for a total of 25 grocery products. There were no revisions to the shopping list. Of note, in a same-store comparison to the previous review of September 11, prices are mixed. Aldi shoppers would have spent $0.38 less* for the same items purchased two weeks ago. Dillons shoppers paid more, an additional $1.34, and Walmart shoppers spent $1.28 less.
Prices stated are online prices and for items available at the time of the review. Remember that the featured items are the store brand for each respective store unless otherwise labeled. Prices can vary from store to store, as store managers have the flexibility to adjust prices, lower or higher. Aldi does not have the flexibility of the other stores reviewed. Prices are good as of this writing and could change by the time you make that grocery run.
Takeaways from this week's price review:
Don't see some essential items that you think should be on the list? Please comment.
$pend Wisely My Friends...
~ Mike
Related: Grocery Stores in Wichita
Related: Mainstream Grocery vs. Discount Grocery: Dillon's (Kroger) vs. Aldi
Related: Food Review: Great Value bacon not such a great value
BachelorontheCheap.com
For all the nuances involved in the crafting of not just a good, but a great burger, the bite that really matters is all about the beef! Buster's Burger Joint, a Wichita burger icon, brings it.
If you haven't enjoyed a burger from this place yet, what are you waiting for? I recently learned that Jennifer, a lady I've been dating for just about two months now (she's capital 'W' Wonderful), had never enjoyed a Buster's Burger.
We remedied that void on Thursday.
We pulled into the parking lot just before 11 am, opening time, and as we approached the door, we were hit with those oh-so-enticing burger and fries aromas.
Entering Buster's, there were already customers ahead of us. It's a small joint, that seats like 11 customers at a couple of small tables in view of the kitchen as well as at a counter in view of Yankee sports memorabilia lining the walls. There's also additional seating at two picnic tables outside, but suffice it to say, as good as these burgers are, if you don't get there in a timely fashion, you're probably in for a 20-minute wait for a burger and a seat if dining in. The numbers were in our favor, after placing our order for Bacon Cheeseburgers and sides of onion rings for Jennifer and Tater Tots for me, we sat down at one of the small tables in view of the kitchen. The customers in line behind us filled the joint to capacity.
Jennifer noted the steady stream of customers coming in the door, and at this point, it was primarily carry-out orders and that 20-minute wait. It didn't take that long for our burgers and sides to arrive.
What you get at Buster's is always phenomenal, a big patty (or two, maybe go three if you want...) of perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned beef, and they're juicy. Loaded with bacon, this is a carnivore's dream burger, check out the meat-to-bun ratio in the pic! Wrapping up all that savory beef, bacon, and cheese goodness was a butter-toasted bun complimented by tart, crisp pickles, mustard, and a generous portion of onion. The sides are stellar too, both with a perfect fry and a touch of salt. Jennifer's onion rings were crispy on the outside and tender onion on the inside. My tots provided that great potato crunch exterior bite, with that fluffy, potato interior.
Buster's really knows how to sling burgers and sides, the joint remains the best burger value in the Wichita Metro. Two bacon cheeseburgers, two sides, and two drinks cost me $20. The burger patties are huge, there was a boatload of bacon on them, and the sides are plentiful, more than either Jennifer or I could finish. There's a tip jar at the register, don't forget to tip, these guys work hard, and they're craftsmen.
With my burger recommendation reputation on the line (not really, you can't miss with Buster's!), Jennifer was impressed with the place. Located at 1202 E. MacArthur Rd, Wichita, KS 67216, Buster's Burger Joint cranks out stellar burgers and service. I'm not the only person who wishes there was more than one location. If you haven't had a Buster's Burger Joint burger yet, shame on you! It's a repeat buy, again, and again, and again....
Related: The Best in Wichita Metro Burger Challenge 2022: The Top 10 Best Burgers
$pend Wisely My Friends...
~ Mike
At Dunkin’, pumpkin is more than a fall flavor – it’s a phenomenon that gets bigger each year! Dunkin’ fans start eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite pumpkin-flavored items long before the first autumn breeze arrives. And who are we to deny the people what they want? We’ve teamed up with some of our favorite partners to bring you a patch full of pumpkin-flavored sips and treats, available now for a limited time at grocery retailers nationwide. We know you’ve waited a long time for the return of pumpkin from Dunkin’, so check out all the ways you can enjoy the iconic flavor of fall at home!
Boldly Go Cold
Embrace the crisp change of seasons with each sip of the new Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Flavored Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate. This specially crafted, fall-friendly roast, with pumpkin and seasonal spice flavors, is the canvas for your cold coffee masterpieces, whether you're kicking off your morning routine or indulging in a midday pick-me-up. The options are as endless as your creativity with this fall-friendly brew! Customize your iced drink any way you like for a delicious sip that celebrates the season.
Mug Full of MUNCHKINS
Get ready for a burst of pumpkin perfection in your cup with the Pumpkin Munchkin Creamer, our at-home seasonal coffee creamer inspired by the irresistible Dunkin’ Pumpkin MUNCHKINS® Donut Hole Treats. Featuring pumpkin-forward flavor with hints of sweet donut glaze and seasonal spices, this creamer puts all the magic of our beloved pumpkin MUNCHKIN right in your favorite mug. What could be better than bringing a taste of the fan-favorite pumpkin treat to home and office kitchens this season, in the form of a delicious creamer?
Elevate Your Snack Game
Dunkin’ and Goldfish® Crackers have teamed up once again to bring fall fanatics a snack-tastic treat that will take your autumnal cravings to a new level with the limited-edition Goldfish® Dunkin’™ Pumpkin Spice Grahams. Featuring the perfect balance of flavors including pumpkin, our iconic donut glaze, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, these bite-sized sensations are as cozy as your comfiest sweater.
Ale to Fall
Pumpkin and beer? Absolutely! Harpoon Brewery and Dunkin’ are bringing pumpkin lovers the one and only Harpoon Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spiced Latte Ale, a match made in autumn heaven. Kick back in your favorite flannel with this frosty sip that combines pumpkin puree, cinnamon, Dunkin’ Cold Brew and oat milk for that velvety creaminess you know and love from our lattes.
Bag Some Pumpkin Magic
Can you feel the fall vibes? Pumpkin Spice bagged coffee (roast and ground) and K-Cup® pods are making their grand entrance once again! With the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s like grandma’s cherished pumpkin pie in every sip. Be sure and stock up while they last!
Fall is only just beginning at Dunkin’, so grab your fave pumpkin-flavored treats and ignite your pumpkin passion!
How are you enjoying Dunkin’s fall flavors at home? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.