Think Outside The Blog

The ole Bell and Chain

2005-11-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

My gf, Julie is getting on my case about all the Taco Bell I've been having. Looks like I will cut down on my joint Bell runs. No matter, i am free to indulge in solo runs on work days.

Today, i had two Chalupas, nachos and a large Pepsi.

Taco Man!!!!

2005-11-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, I went to my buddy Harold's Halloween party. My costume? You got it... it was Taco bell related.I was lazy, so i got a big sheet of foam core and downloaded a TB logo off the web. I blew it up on the color copier at work and pasted it on the front of the board. I was a take-out bag of tasty Taco bell snacks.

I am sick; i'll admit it.

The best part was going thru the drive thru at midnight dressed as a taco, where i engaged in a bit of cannibalism as I devoured a crunchy taco and a Crunchwrap Supreme!

Secret

2005-10-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

While many of my co-workers read this blog (and think me crazy), not many of the higher-ups do, i.e., my bosses. So I will let it slip that I went on a job interview today. Another consulting firm in town is hiring a mid-level IT manager and I put my sombrero in the ring. It'd be a bit more salary and responsibility.

I think I kicked ass. We'll see in a couple of weeks. The head IT guy is going on vacation for a coule of weeks, so it'll be at least that long before i know.

Now that that's out of the way, i know you're dying to know how i celebrated my secret interview: with TACOS of course! Two crunchy tacos and a gordita. The two taco thing has kinda become my staple... that with a third item. You really need the crunchiness for that textural taste sensation.

Peace, out!

I'M FULL!!!!

2005-10-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

What a Hellish week at the office. We are always upgrading, swapping out, rebuilding stuff. Nothing makes a week feel longer than a few days without the Bell. I rectified that at lunch.

Today, I maximized my dollar by getting FULLLLLL! Yes, the Big Bell Value Menu.

I started with the Cheesy Potatoes, Then the half-pound Beef and Bean Burrito and finished with the sweet Apple Empanada for dessert. This meal saved my life. That, or the life of my co-workers.

Three Square Meals

2005-10-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

I love the weekend. It's the only time I manage to squeeze in multiple Taco Bell meals without making time to do so. Saturday afternoon, it was two crunchy tacos and a Chalupa. I had sour cream. Sour cream is a much maligned condiment that i love.... Like anchovies on pizza, you either love it or hate it.

Saturday night is alright for fighting but I'm a lover not a fighter. My first love is taco Bell and I showed my true affection by eating a Chicken Quesadilla, a Crunchwrap Supreme and an order of Nachos.

When I awoke this morning/afternoon, I headed straight for the nearest Bell and got my breakfast/lunch. A crunchy Taco, a chalupa and a gordita. By including the holy trinity of the handheld menu, i showed no favored nation status to any of the menu items. Alas, this brought universal Taco peace in the galaxy.

True love

2005-10-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

The girlfriend has been giving me a hard time for not enough Quality time with her. Didn't I just take her out for chalupas on tuesday night?

Well, no matter... I made up for it tonight. We hit the Bell and like a gentleman, i treated milady to a feast of the Margareta Taco Salad and a cheese quesadilla. How she could waste her Taco Bell experience on a salad is beyond me. How could she ignore the siren call of the Crunchwrap Supreme? The sweet song of the Zesty Chicken Border Bowl? Well, I couldn't. I ate both of those and fell in love all over again.

And the girlfriend ain't bad either.

Ten down, none to go

2005-10-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

Today was a spectacular day (for a Monday). At lunch, I unleashed a torrent of Mountain Dew Baja Blast into my system after the weekend. I used it to wash down a Cheesy Gordita Crunch, a Fiesta gordita and one Crunchy Taco.

On the way home, I went a little hogwild. Don't judge me, but I bought one of those ten packs of crunchy tacos, and YES, I ate all ten of them. I'm only human and even after eating six of the ten, I could not help myself as I saw those remaining four tacos calling out my name... begging me to finish them off. In a sense, they seemed to be crying out, "EAT ME!!!" And so I did. I ate every crunchy bite.

Did I feel shame? Hell no. If eating tacos is a sin, then I don't want to be a saint!!!!

Sunset at the Bell

2005-10-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

tb_skyline
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

A buddy just sent me this beautiful sunset over taco bell headquarters. What a majestic site to behold. Somehow I pictured the brain trust and think tanks of the bell parked in some woodsy campus in the midwest.

But I have to say I'm happier to see that the bell is proudly haging out on the corner in Irvine Ca in a glass building. I wonder if you can look in and see them creating the next Crunchwrap, Empanada or whatever happens when they throw those seven ingredients up in the air.

Anyway I can tell you my Taco Bell looks a whole lot different at sunset that that building there.

Hmmm. I wonder if they have a bell as a cafeteria in that monstrosity??? That would be a fun lunch date.

XML feed reminder

2005-10-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

For you folks reading this as a newsfeed, don't forget you keep up with my taco journies with the XML feed:
http://thinkoutsidetheblog.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Viva La TOTBlog!!!!

Do not try this at home!

2005-10-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. I noticed no winners yet in my Name that ad post/quiz. I also noticed the weird blog spam (check the Name that ad post) in the comments section. I like the love, but could do with out the penisd enlargement spam.

At any rate, I took a short break from the Bell this week. I've been eating lots of catered leftovers from company meetings. The upgrade process at work as not been smooth, so the IT guys have not been able to slip out to get lunch.

Last night I satiatedd my cravings though with another TB blow-out. Here's the line-up:

Crunchwrap Supreme
Taco Supreme
Grilled Stuft Burrito
Code red

Ambitious and frought with peril but for an old pro like me, hardly a monumental task. All was consumer in a timely manner.

Now after my last two posts, some of you might wonder about my girth. Well, rest assured I am in tip-top shape. While I do enjoy a gordita (or four), I am in a good place. Of course, amateurs should not attempt my strict regimen of Taco Bell, morning, noon and night.

leave that to the pros!

The big update you've been hungry for

2005-10-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Sitting a work looking for an distraction away from work. SO, here were my last five Taco Bell meals.

Friday night:
A large Pepsi, two crunchy tacos and a beef and bean burrito. Old-fashioned? Perhaps, but I consider this meal to be the comfort food of my Taco Bell diet. Like having a large labrador retriever fetch tyour paper and slippers as you puff on your pipe in front of a roaring fire, and sipping brandy from a sifter glass, surrounded by mahogany finishes and.... but I digress.

Saturday lunch:
A crunchwrap supreme (they're back!), cheesy potatoes, a large Code Red and an empanada for dessert. If the Friday dinner was old school, this was definitely new school. Friday was like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, while Saturday was like 50 Cent.

Saturday dinner:
Joined by the gf, we munched on Zesty Chicken Border Bowls and shared an order of Nachos Bell Grande. Eating by the glow of my 30 inch TV as we watched a Tivo'ed LOST (I love that show).

Sunday lunch:
Hung with Tony and Rand, we chowed down on tacos, chalupas and gordita. I think of gorditas and chalupas as brothers, but not twins. Well, maybe fraternal twins. Accompanied by a large Pepsi.

Today:
Another crunchwrap supreme, a crunchy taco and a order of nachos. Yes, I may have over-extended myself this time. I almost (almost) didn't make it through the nachos, but I toughed it out and finished them while working.

Name that ad, round one

2005-09-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

valuemenu
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Oh this is sooo cool. I found all these still frames from old Taco Bell spots when I googled taco bell, which I do almost every night because I mean what else is there to google right. So anyway I found a few of these photos, some from some very rude "awful commercial" sites, and I thought we'd play a little game of guess the product that they're for.

This first one might be tough. They had a few ads featuring this fellow.

And in case any of you ladies have been wondering what I look like in the tub, this should give you a pretty good idea. Sans the avacado mask of course.

Good luck lets see who can guess.

Guess the ad #2

2005-09-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

nightatthebell
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

This one might be a toughie too. I'll give you a hint. It takes place at night.

Seriously this one was actually a followup to one of my favorite taco bell spots of all time. it was so long ago.

see if you can guess what this one might be for. the winner gets 6 million border bucks. Or 2 border bucks after taxes.

Building Blocks of Lunch

2005-09-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

more meat closeup
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

I was staring into my nachos bell grande today and thought about just how lucky I am to live a life so full of Taco Bell goodness. The words of those value menu ads ring true to me. I am full.

And as I looked into those the bellmordial ooze that was my NBG, I felt a strange kinship to those 7 ingredients that make up everything I love at the bell. Whether a cheesy gordita crunch or the soon to re-arrive (hopefully) crunchwrap, the glory of the Bell is an anchor in the seas of my existance.

The color and flavor of every dolop of sour cream, every serving of ground beef remind me that I live life outside the bun. And outside the bun is where I shall remain.

Shakespeare in the Drive Thru

2005-08-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare in the Drive Thru
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

For all you folks playing along at home, I just wanted to give a shout out to the grammatical marvel that is the cheesy gordita crunch TV commercials.

Three friends create clever adjectives for the crunchy chewy and cheeesy nature of the cheesy G. I like the improv feel of these spots.

Given the shakespearean plafyulness of the script I'm surprised they didn't have a guy in drag playing the girl's role as they did back in the day. Not that I'm complaining.

Art immitated life a few times last night as I took in 3 cheesy Gs while watching the spots on INXS rock star.

The Next Target

2005-08-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

moving.target
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Hey what ever happenned to the roving Taco Bell target? It started in the south pacific when the MIR was crashing and then moved over to the world series.

I was thinking we could put it on a random bed and if Angelina Jolie lands there we all get a taco. What??? I'm joking. I love Angelina. Well you know what I mean.

Perhaps if Brittney Spears carreer crashes there we could all get a meximelt.

Sorry I'm in a wierd mood today. Must be the Fajita GSB and Chicken Soft Taco Combo I had this morning.

Modern Marvels that don't Backfire

2005-08-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

backfire
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

I've noticed that I seem to run better on certain Taco Bell combinations than on others.

For me right now it's got to be two cheesy Gs and a pair of crunchy tacos. I load up on that for lunch and i'm good till dinner when I'm likely to repeat myself.

With that combo, I'm in great shape. Other than that A meximelt can be thrown in for an extra burst of energy no matter what the occasion or combonation.

My dream ride!!!

2005-08-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

TacoBellCopter
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Any time I wonder if my level of dedication and admiration for the Bell is growing to unsafe levels, all I have to do is turn to the world wide web to find those who like myslef, know no limits.

Imagine a world where everyone had their own Taco Bell Helicopter to whisk them off to the Bell anytime a pang or craving set in. Well for the gentleman (or lady) who build this little baby, it is a pipe dream no more.

I wonder if you could send an unmanned vehicle such as this to retrieve your dinner for you from the drive thru window?

Ah a guy can dream. For the time being, I think I'll power my manned vehicle on down for a few cheesy Gs and a Code Red.

Pow... pow... pow

2005-08-13T17:28:00.000-07:00

My company has me working like a dog as we finally upgrade staff computers. That means migrating work files and rebuilding hard drives... and less time to post.

But fear not readership! Less posting time does not mean less taco time. After all, every man must have his chalupa. A quick rundown of the week's menu...

Monday afternoon:
A Grilled Stuft burrito, Nachos and large Pepsi. I got the spicy chicken burrito this time.... hmmmmm.

Tuesday lunch:
Two Crunchy Tacos, A beef and Bean burrito and a Baja Blast. Me loves me the baja blast!

Thursday dinner (a slight misnomer, since i worked late and didn't get to eat until after 9pm):
A gordita, a chalupa and two crunchy Tacos. Plus a regular Strawberry drink. I always stare at that fountain and wonder what that strawberry drink tastes like. Must've been the hour, but tonight I took the plunge. It was okay, but not a great complement to the meal. Someone must like it though... it's been on there for a long time.

Anyway, I have another couple of weeks of upgrading left. Plus all the new equipment has not come in yet. Hopefully I'll be able to get back to regular posting soon.

In with the new!

2005-08-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

gordita
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Well that coffin shot started to creep me out so it's time to replace it with something even better.

For those of you still in diabetic shock from the removal of the Crunchwrap from the menu, let's all join in welcoming an old friend back into the mix.

Before there was the lean mean crunchy melty combo of the crunchwrap, there was this kinder gentler, more plush version of the crunchwrap--the cheesy gordita crunch.

The space engineers must have shifted their focus to gastronomy the month this little baby was created. It's design is truly futuristic. A crunchy taco wrapped in warm flatbread, hermetically sealed together by a three cheese blend.

For those of you who substituted cheddar for nacho cheese in the crunchwrap, this will be a welcome surprise.

Anyway, while we're told that the crunchwrap will be making a return visit in the fall, Think Outside The Blog would like to suggest we settle in for the wait to a tray of Cheesy G's and a large pink diet pepsi-ade (my signature combo of diet Pepsi and a generous splash of pink lemonade).

That’s what I had today and it’s what I’ll be having tomorrow.

True love never dies. It just tranmmutes from a crunchwrap into a cheesy gordita crunch.

It's even shaped like a crunchwrap

2005-08-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

StrommenClosedWebsite
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Yes it's true my harcore crunchwrap fans. It's over for now. The crunchwrap came through our lives like a hot babe comes to your high school and then transfers out a month later.

I've been in mourning which is why you haven't heard from me.

That is the bad news. The GOOD news is that the Bell is going to let us down gently by offering us the cheesy gordita crunch. Another crunchy delectible wrapped inside a soft outer coating. It's a little saucier and heavier with the flatbread but a textural taste sensation none the less.

And lest you off yourself this evening due to crunchwrap withdrawls, I've heard that there's a good chance that the crunchwrap may indeed become a PERMANENT menu item in the not so distant future.

Keep your tastebuds peeled.

My cup runneth over

2005-07-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I actually have enough time to go to taco Bell and eat my meal there. today was such a day. I went out for a late lunch around 1:45.

Today's menu included a Cheesy Gordita Crunch, a beef burrito and from the "Big Bell Value Menu", a cheesy potato cup, which is basically home fries with melted cheese slathered on (Homer voice: ooohhh.... slathered).

The great thing about eating at the Bell is the free refills. No need to buy a large soda when you can just return to the fountain and fill up for free.

Me likey.

The future looks bright

2005-07-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

young einstein
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

I was at the beach the other day when I saw this little fella gettin the party stared with a little Taco Bell Salsa.

Now I normally don't comment on store brand taco bell items. I try to keep the two separate.

But when you see such a promising youth headed so firmly in the right direction, all one can do is point a lens and craft a blog.

My post beach spicy chicken grilled stuft burrito and two crunchy taco were a little slice of heaven.

I AM my crunchwrap's keeper!!!

2005-07-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

hexagon of love
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

OK tell me if you've heard this story before.

A guy and a girl walk into a Taco Bell. The employee asks "Can I take your order."

The guy says "I'll have two crunchwrap supremes and a Code Red," then looks over at the girl.

The girl shakes her head and says "no thanks I'm good."

Once at the table the girl looks at the guy and bats her big baby blue eyes and says "can I have a bite of your crunchwrap?"

CAN I HAVE A BITE OF OF YOUR CRUNCHWRAP???

For those of you looking for a punchline, there is none because this is not a joke.

Jules has yet to understand that while I have not used the "L" word, I care about her enough to buy her any Taco Bell item her heart desires. She can eat and enjoy anything AS LONG AS IT'S NOT MINE!

She doesn't seem to understand this, remarking "Oh it's just a bite." Well let me tell you that any true Taco Bell enthusiast knows that one puts a great deal of thought into constructing and then deconstructing every bite in one's order. And that one missing or given away bite can throw everything in my Taco Bell universe into disarray.

This may come as close to a Rant as you'll ever find on this blog but I must stand firm on this issue.

I only hope my relationship with Jules can survive another day and another unrequited bite of crunchwrap.

Crunchwrap Friday: Breaking training

2005-07-22T23:46:00.000-07:00

Freaky Friday, I would not trade places with anyone else because today, I wrapped up the crunchwrap challenge with TWO Crunchwrap Supremes. Dang, I love those things. Alas, the double shot of CWs prevented me from enjoying a crunchy taco side, but I was joyful nonethless.

As a result of winning this mini-contest, I was paid back for all my lunches and even made $4!

Tonight I hit Taco Bell with Julie to get that crunchy taco I craved... three to be exact. Added a empanada and a large Pepsi.

Crunchwrap Thursday: Cradle of Life

2005-07-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

Day four of the Crunchwrap challenge...

At precisely 1:12pm, I sat down at Taco Bell and enjoyed another delicious Crunchwrap Supreme, this time with a side of nachos and a large Baja blast.

... IN YOUR FACE DOUG!

(Molly, you owe me another dollar)

Crunchwrap Wednesday: Revenge of the Wrap

2005-07-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

WHEW.

I did it. Another Crunchwrap for lunch, which is making the guys at work totally mess with me. Now it's a point of pride. I shall not rest from my appointed rounds: this will be the week of the Crunchwrap Supreme!!!!

Today it I changed things up by using shredded cheese instead of the typical nacho chesse. (Shout out to the Taco Bell Superfreak for the tip.) Then I added a Mexican Pizza for added crunch. Mad props to the TB crew for accodating my special request.

PS - Message to Doug and Molly: You shall not deter me from my mission. I may be mad, but I will have Crunchwraps for lunch everyday this week, so help me God!

Taco Bell

Crunchwrap Tuesday: the passion of the Crunchwrap

2005-07-19T22:03:00.000-07:00

Curse that temptress! Yes, I once again gave in to the power of the Crunchwrap Supreme. I teamed it at lunch with a beef burrito and a regular Pepsi. You'd think the sheer volume of food would be a impossible to handle, but I did it.

That seductress seduced me again at dinner. You heard me! I returned to the Taco Bell near my office and once again had a Crunchwrap Supreme! This time, I had a Caramel Apple Empanada from the Value Menu to sweeten things up.

I feel like I'm cheating on Jules... with FAST FOOD!

Crunchwrap Monday

2005-07-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful weekend of Chalupa madness, today I went back to a current favorite: the Crunchwrap Supreme. Had one CW at lunch with a beef burrito and a large Baja Blast.

On my way home tonight, I got the hankerin' for another helpin'. So I crunchwrapped again: YES, my second Crunchwrap Supreme of the day. Plus nachos and a large Pepsi.

I've never gone for the Strawberry soda, but I may have to try that soon. Everytime I stand at the fountain with my large plastic cup, the strawberry nozzle tempts me... nay, taunts me, to give it a try.

Chalupa Crashers

2005-07-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

Went to see Wedding Crashers this weekend. Funny, funny flick. I give it four stars... no. Make that four chalupas. Coincidentally, that's the number of tasy Taco Bell chalupas i ate this weekend. Two on Saturday, two today. Saturday i supplemented the duo with a crunchy taco. Today i added a quesadilla for variety.

I wonder if it's too late to go back to the Bell for more. As I type this, I am overtaken with an urge to eat two crunchy tacos... and that's AFTER I just finished eating dinner with Jules. Mayhaps I will swing by the Bell one more time....

Hump Day

2005-07-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

So it's been a particularly bad week so far at work. Had a server go down over the weekend (one of the older ones) and had to restore settings for about 15 users. Sucks. Naturally, I had to hit the Bell and cheer myself up.

I'd been doing the Crunchwrap a lot recently so I thought I'd change it up a bit. Today I indulged in two crunchy tacos and a chicken quesadilla. The cq has got some sort of spicy thousand island sauce that really gives it a kick... but not too spicy.

You'd think such a delightful lunch would have done the trick, but alas, no. I went back for seconds at dinner. After work, I got a mexican pizza and a chalupa, fresco style. The mp is something I don't get a lot, but enjoy anyway. To finish it all off, an apple empanada. The caramel and cinamon flavor gives it a leg up on McD's apple pie. Sweet.

Weekend Crunchwrap Extravaganza

2005-07-11T00:28:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to announce that I've set a new world record for most Crunchwrap Supremes eaten by a IT guy in my company:

FIVE in one weekend.

I had two on Saturday afternoon with a large Pepsi... 1 on Saturday night with a crunchy taco and a large Pepsi... and 1 Sunday afternoon with a gordita and a Mountain Dew Baja Blast.

I did learn that a CS is best eaten immediately at the store, as the crunchy tostada in the center goes a little soft in transport home.

Fantastic Two

2005-07-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight I hit the Bell near the office on my way to see the Fantastic Four movie. The movie was alright, but not great.

however, the Crunchwrap Supreme was spectacular and the gordita was everything I want in a taco-related product. Kudos to the creative team behind these two summer blockbusters. Also, a shout out to the Mountain Dew people who supplied the baja blast soda.

Four stars for TB.

Summer Reading

2005-07-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

tacotitan
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

I was just doing some shopping on ebay for Taco trinkets and came across this litte gem. It is the Glen Bell story, the founder of Taco Bell. I do not think it made Oprah's book list for 2005 but the cover alone is worth the $3.24 I'm about to pay for it.

Any one who wants to take a read after me can have it for the price of postage.

Be forewarned, I got a bit of Taco Grease on the pages while reading chapter one with three crunchy tacos and a mexican pizza.

Not so happy 4th of July

2005-07-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, you heard me. Holidays suck. You get the day off and you're all jazzed about having time to yourself. You go see a movie or go to the beach. Then you go to Taco Bell. Except when you get there, it's closed. That's right: closed. What country is this anyway? Are we living in the 50's? Our forefathers made it possible for all Americans to eat tacos, burritos, chalupas and gorditas. Where is the respect people... where is the respect?

I guess this means a double order tomorrow.

I'm on the bleeding edge

2005-07-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

I was the first in my circle to trumpet the Crunchwrap Supreme and now I must announce that I have made the leap to RSS feeds. Yes, you can subscribe to this site by using this URL:

http://thinkoutsidetheblog.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Now you read site feeds from your newsreader/RSS reader. Now you can folow my exploits however you choose. Today's exploits included a crunchy taco, a Crunchwrap Supreme and a gordita.

War of the Menu Items

2005-06-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

You get to the Taco Bell counter. Then suddenly, the battle begins. Who will win... the chalupa or the gordita? Perhaps the Crunchwrap Supreme (after all, it's "good to go"). A war rages on in your mind, nowhere to escape. All electrical synapses shut down in your brain. The conflict is epic... explosions, thrills, screams. The time to decide is at hand.

You'd almost need ritalin to calm you down... except that only masks the problem. Psychiatry is not real and you don't need drugs to end your depression. You need a Crunchwrap Supreme. Or Chalupa. Or gordita.

Perhaps all three. Yes... the war of the menu items is over.

Revenge of the Cups

2005-06-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Revenge of the Cups
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

About a month back I mentioned the fact that although it was long long ago, Taco Bell did have some cool ass Star Wars toys and cups. I found a guy on the web who actually collected them and will sell them to you for a few bucks a pop. If any are plastic and resusable, I'm in.

I'll keep you posted.

Surf's Up Dude

2005-06-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Surf's Up Dude
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

This has got to be the coolest location for a Taco Bell yet. My buddies up north kept telling me about this Taco Bell where surfers could walk up to a window right off the beach and order lunch. I thought close to the beach but surley not on the beach. Well I got this picture from them today.

This Surfer's paradise is in Pacifica, just south of San Francisco. Hey, if you're gonna battle great whites to go surfing, you might as well do it well fed. I'm sure old jaws would love to munch a human that looked like a seal but tasted like two crunchy tacos and a crunchwrap supreme.

Castle Bell

2005-06-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

Castle Bell
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Seeing this medieval looking Bell made me wonder when the first taco was consumed in north america. Surely the spice trade would have brought the secrets of carne asada and the like to our shores well before my grandfather and great grandfather set foot upon this great land.

Ahhh the wonders of the Bell. This TB is in Alameda California for all those interested in taking note.

Electric Taco

2005-06-23T01:07:00.000-07:00

tacoBell-2
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

The restraurant glowed with electric energy... I was unable to resist its siren song. I stumbled forward and succumbed to the call of the taco.

Yes. Yes, my liege... two crunchy tacos and a steak quesadilla.

It is my duty to obey and eat.

Recipe for relaxation

2005-06-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Another long week at work. Naturally, the best way to decompress is with a feast at my favorite eaterie. Today's bounty included:

2 crunchy tacos
1 chalupa
1 gordita
1 large Pepsi

There was a time where I'd get a Diet Pepsi, but what's the point really? Life is too short.

First National Bell

2005-06-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

Picture(8)
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

I arrived at the Bell this morning, looked up and couldn't help but noting the magestic power of the edifice itself. You do not get the same experience at a retro looking wendy's or either of the two burger brothers. No this pride is all Taco Bell. Kudos on the new look. Today I withdrew three chicken soft tacos and a nachos bell grande. An economical and flavorful choice.

A Dream Come True

2005-06-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

combo6.05
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Although my primary addiction is to the Bell, I must now admit that I have been know to combine my favorite KFC mashed potatoes with two crunchy tacos and a mexican pizza. I don't combine combine them, I alternate bites. I know it's cheating on my true love but I cannot resist taking advantage of two great tastes under the same roof.

For the love of God, why?

2005-06-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Someone asked in one of the comments below why I am so into Taco Bell. I dunno... just started going there when I was a kid. I didn't go there any more than McDonalds or Jack in the Box. But about three years ago, I just started going to the Bell more and more. Then I started being KNOWN for going to the Bell. I guess I cultivated it, cause now I go three or four times a week.

But I do loves me some tacos.

Show your colors

2005-06-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

It just occured to me that all the headings and links on this blog are Taco Bell colors. Totally accidental. How cool is that?

Two-fer Thursday

2005-06-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today's menu: A crispy chalupa, chicken quesadilla and a medium Dr. Pepper. Tonight, alone on my couch with a crunchy taco (at least one) and whatever else strikes me once I get in line.

Overkill? Perish the thought!

Another town, another Bell

2005-05-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

combo store
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Just got back into town last night. Went up to Davis this weekend with Julie to see her brother Leif. We were helping him pack up his stuff to come home from school.

Did find this combo store on the way. Had a Nachos Bell Grande and a beef & bean burrito. She had a Fiesta Taco salad.

Posts a plenty

2005-05-28T01:13:00.000-07:00

In case you're confused as to why the sudden rash of posts, I had them all back-logged and was finally able to upload my photos this weekend.

In case you're wondering, I did indeed go to Taco Bell today. Got a Chicken Grilled Stuff Burrito and a large pepsi.

May the force be with you

2005-05-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

So today I played hooky from work so I could jump on the intergalactic bandwagon. The one thing I miss is the Star Wars toys at Taco Bell. When the original trilogy was rereleased, Taco Bell had a bunch of Star Wars toys.

On my desk at work, i still have the Yoda/ Darth Vader mirror cube toy. Wonder why the Bell didn't do toys for the new movies. Maybe Lucas wanted too much.

Anyway, I liked the movie. Best of the new trilogy and way better than the stupid Ewoks in Return of the Jedi.

Like a moth to a flame

2005-05-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

I eat at Taco Bell so much, i can spot one from a mile. Sometimes its the shape of the building, other times, it's the purple awning. I can see them from two/three blocks away.

On this day, it was the awning which drew me towards the double decker taco, nachos supreme and large Mountain Dew.

Home

2005-05-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

tacobell_drivethru
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

You know sometimes when you're going on a trip and you feel far from home? You need something comforting, something familiar.

There's nothing more familiar than two tacos, a bean burrito and a large Pepsi!

Viva le Taco Bell.

The Early bird

2005-05-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

On my way into work today, I stopped off for a breakfast burrito. haven't been in the Bell for breakfast in a long time. I stopped in around 8am and the place was empty. Don't people know about the breakfast menu?

Burritos... they're not just for lunch anymore!

Open late

2005-05-07T23:51:00.000-07:00

Just got home from the folks. It was my sister Sara's 17th birthday. Of course, on the way home, I just had to swing by the Bell. Got myself a large Mountain Dew Baja blast, some fries and a gordita. You may wonder where the fries came from... it was a TB/KFC combo store.

I feel like I cheated on the Bell with the colonel.

Inspirational

2005-05-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

Went back to the Bell after work for a snack. I say snack because I'm having dinner with Julie and her sister later. They'll probably drag me to a regular sit-down place... or worse... a TGIFridays! (gag)

I was in quandry as to what to eat. Luckilly a shining beacon of light spoke to me: CHALUPA!

I answered the higher authority, lest I piss off the Taco gods.

I'm FULL!!!!

2005-05-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

I decided to delve into the Value Menu today. In fact, after today, I may have to go value menu more often. At lunch, I filled up with the Cheesy potatoes. Homestyle potato pieces with sour cream and cheese. Tasty!

Of course, I still had to get a crunchy taco. Like I said in my last post, texture is everything.

Stop the car!

2005-04-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Today's mission: to pick up some chalupas and/or gorditas. Don't forget the crunchy tacos for extra texture. I love the number of stores we have around here. I'm never far from my jones.

BTW, mission accomplished.

They drive the machine

2005-04-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

drive-thru
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

God bless the drive-thru window. These people drive the machine that runs America! When I don't have time to eat, they make it possible to enjoy a tasty gordita.

I have all my receipts in order!

2005-04-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

We just switched over a whole bunch of servers this weekend. Kinda sucks that IT has to work over a weekend. At least our tacos were on the company.

My receipt is on its way to acounting right now.

My bounty

2005-04-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

My bounty
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Sometimes after a long week, I feel like rewarding myself with a treat. That day was today my friends.

Bow down before my lunch mortals!!!

Lunch

2005-04-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Lunch
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Guess where I went today? That's the beef and bean burrito. Not pictured: Nachos Bell Grande. Sweet.

Going old school

2005-04-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

The Bell
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

Check out this picture. Old school Taco Bell logo.

Yesterday I totally went old school: I had four crunchy tacos and a Pepsi for lunch.

The cleanest Taco Bell I've ever seen in my life

2005-04-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

I was in Santa Barbara yesterday for work and came upon the cleanest Taco Bell I've EVER been in. Someone oughta give the manager some sort of prize, cuz this place was spotless.

For the record, I had a gordita, two tacos and a Pepsi.

BTW, look at that bottom picture. Who the hell are those two dudes on the left? They're messing up my whole picture. I didn't even notice them until I uploaded the pictures.

Stuffed

2005-03-29T15:57:00.000-08:00

When I REALLY get hungry for Taco Bell food, I go for the Grilled Stuff Burrito. That sucker always fills me up. Must be a pound of food in that thing. I got the one with chicken. One of those and a large Pepsi holds me over nicely until dinner, which will be a regular meal since i'm meeting Julie later. I think I could eat two of those burritos. Even though they're pretty big, they taste so danged good that I might make it through a second one. Maybe next time....

A new store

2005-03-23T23:24:00.000-08:00

I was driving around yesterdat when I stumbled onto a new Taco Bell in the area. It was a combo store with KFC. While I appreciate fried goodness as much as the next guy, i have to admit I was in the mood for a couple crunchy tacos and a beef burrito.

Tacos and burritos are really the foundations of a tasty meal at the Bell.... the Bell's equivalent of bread and water really. I washed it all down with a Dr. Pepper, for a change of pace.

ZESTY!

2005-03-19T15:25:00.000-08:00

Had me one of them Zesty Chicken Bowls yesterday. Not bad for a bowl dish. Of course, I did also scarf down two crunchy tacos. Nothing is more important than a balanced meal!

I'm moving to Boise!

2005-03-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

I'm moving to Boise!

$2 at Taco Bell

2005-03-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

Found this story online.....

$2 at Taco Bell

On my way home from the second job I've taken for the extra holiday cash I need, I stopped at Taco Bell for a quick bite to eat. In my billfold is a $50 bill and a $2 bill. That is all of the cash I have on my person. I figure that with a $2 bill, I can get something to eat and not have to worry about people getting pissed at me.

Me: "Hi, I'd like one seven layer burrito please, to go."
Clerk: "Is that it?"
Me: "Yep."
Clerk: "That'll be $1.04, eat here?"
Me: "No, it's to go." [I hate effort duplication.]

At this point I open my billfold and hand him the $2 bill. He looks at it kind of funny and says,

Clerk: "Uh, hang on a sec, I'll be right back."

He goes to talk to his manager, who is still within earshot. The following conversation occurs between the two of them.

Clerk: "Hey, you ever see a $2 bill?"
Manager: "No. A what?"
Clerk: "A $2 bill. This guy just gave it to me."
Manager: "Ask for something else, there's no such thing as a $2 bill."
Clerk: "Yeah, thought so."

He comes back to me and says,

Clerk: "We don't take these. Do you have anything else?"
Me: "Just this fifty. You don't take $2 bills? Why?"
Clerk: "I don't know."
Me: "See here where it says legal tender?"
Clerk: "Yeah."
Me: "So, shouldn't you take it?"
Clerk: "Well, hang on a sec."

He goes back to his manager who is watching me like I'm going to shoplift, and

Clerk: "He says I have to take it."
Manager: "Doesn't he have anything else?"
Clerk: "Yeah, a fifty. I'll get it and you can open the safe and get change."
Manager: "I'm not opening the safe with him in here."
Clerk: "What should I do?"
Manager: "Tell him to come back later when he has real money."
Clerk: "I can't tell him that, you tell him."
Manager: "Just tell him."
Clerk: "No way, this is weird, I'm going in back."

The manager approaches me and says,

Manager: "Sorry, we don't take big bills this time of night."
[It was 8:00pm and this particular Taco Bell is in a well-lighted indoor mall with a hundred other stores.]
Me: "Well, here's a two."
Manager: "We don't take those either."
Me: "Why the hell not?"
Manager: "I think you know why."
Me: "No really, tell me, why?"
Manager: "Please leave before I call mall security."
Me: "Excuse me?"
Manager: "Please leave before I call mall security."
Me: "What the hell for?"
Manager: "Please, sir."
Me: "Uh, go ahead, call them."
Manager: "Would you please just leave?"
Me: "No."
Manager: "Fine, have it your way then."
Me: "No, that's Burger King, isn't it?"

At this point he backs away from me and calls mall security on the phone around the corner. I have two people staring at me from the dining area, and I begin laughing out loud, just for effect.

A few minutes later, this 45-year-oldish guy comes in and says at the other end of counter, in a whisper:

Security Guard: "Yeah, Mike, what's up?"
Manager: "This guy is trying to give me some [pause] funny money."
Guard: "Really? What?"
Manager: "Get this, a two dollar bill."
Guard: "Why would a guy fake a $2 bill?" [incredulous]
Manager: "I don't know? He's kinda weird. Says the only other thing he has is a fifty."
Guard: "So, the fifty's fake?"
Manager: "No, the $2 is."
Guard: "Why would he fake a $2 bill?"
Manager: "I don't know. Can you talk to him, and get him out of here?"
Guard: "Yeah..."

Security guard walks over to me and says

Guard: "Mike here tells me you have some fake bills you're trying to use."
Me: "Uh, no."
Guard: "Lemme see 'em."
Me: "Why?"
Guard: "Do you want me to get the cops in here?"

At this point I was ready to say, "sure, please," but I wanted to eat, so I said,

Me: "I'm just trying to buy a burrito and pay for it with this $2 bill."

I put the bill up near his face, and he flinches like I was taking a swing at him. He takes the bill, turns it over a few times in his hands, and says

Guard: "Mike, what's wrong with this bill?"
Manager: "It's fake."
Guard: "It doesn't look fake to me."
Manager: "But it's a two-dollar bill."
Guard: "Yeah?"
Manager: "Well, there's no such thing, is there?"

The security guard and I both looked at him like he was an idiot, and it dawned on the guy that he had no clue.

My burrito was free and he threw in a small drink and those cinnamon things, too. Makes me want to get a whole stack of $2 bills just to see what happens when I try to buy stuff. If I got the right group of people, I could probably end up in jail. At least you get free food...

Copyright 1993 Captain Sarcastic (kkoller@nox.cs.du.edu)

http://www.digiserve.com/eescape/closet/silly/2-at-Taco-Bell.html

Hot Sauce!!!

2005-03-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

BorderSauce1
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

OK so I'm walking out of the Taco Bell, look down and this is what I see. It's like fortune sauce with a prophetic message about pleasure in my palm. I'm not sure how to take that except that perhaps during my next visit I'll discover a new tasty food item with which to satisfy my guilty pleasures. You can read into it whatever you like.

Another tasty diversion

2005-03-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

Too hard to pass up
Originally uploaded by Totblog.

I was passing by this Taco Bell... well, I almost passed it by. I had to pull over and indulge myself with a tasty gordita and a beef & bean burrito. That didn't quite satiate me, so I went back to the counter and got me a double-decker taco. I gots to have the crunch!

Weekend Chalupathon

2005-02-27T23:51:00.000-08:00

For some reason on Friday, I got in the mood for chalupas. Firday night, I hit the local Bell with Gary from work. He had never had a chalupa.

What?

You heard me. Naturally, I had to induct him into the tasty world of chalupas. We opted for the fiesta style, which is kinda salsa-y with sour cream and bits of corn kernels. Gary also got a beef burrito and I did the fiesta potatoes, which Gary had also never had. Overall, he was happy, but still didn't get my TB obssession.

Saturday, I hung with Julie and went to some farmer's market until 4pm. I convinced her that chalupas would be good for dinner. She went for the chicken quesadillas though. She really likes the sauce they put in those. I had a chalupa and the double taco off the value menu. I could have saved so money if I stuck with the VM, but i figured the whole menu was cheap anyway.

After the Bell, we went to see Elektra. Stinker, though Jennifer Garner is smoking. Can't believe Affleck's hitting that.

Sunday, I met my bro for lunch.... guess where. I continued my Chalupathon with TWO chalupas and a gordita. I never get tired of this stuff.

Four chalupas in one weekend! Not quite a personal record (that would be six, last summer), but satisfying nonethless.

Crunchwrap Supreme RULES!!!

2005-02-19T01:38:00.000-08:00

So I was visiting my cousin in Portland when this Taco Bell commercial comes on for something called the Crunchwrap Supreme. This is something I've never heard of, so I high-tailed it to the closest Bell and ordered one.

It was like a tostada INSIDE a burrito, except round. They kinda folded it into itself so it looked like a saucer shape. Anyway, it's filled with ground taco beef and cheese and lettuce and salsa. It's really a neat way to eat a taco, all crunchy, but without any mess. This could be my new favorite food.

The best part is I got it free cause I used my Border Bucks that I got when my store back home was closed last week.

Crunchwrap Supreme. Four stars. Check it out.

Almost lost my chalupa!

2005-02-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

So this morning I was in the Tbell near my office and I tried to win a free chalupa on that spinning water wheel thing. I totally got my quarter on the platform, but then some dood goes and screws it up before I could get the manager's attention.

I try to explain it to the manager, but he totally doesn't believe me. Then the guy who screwed it up vouched for me, so the guy at the register just gave me my free chalupa. I also ordered one of those new Mountain Dew drinks, which was pretty good and also a couple of regular tacos.

I'm thinking of switching to the Taco Supremes, but are those really THAT much better than the regular tacos? I'm sure it has more meat and stuff, but is it worth the extra money? Especially if I like to get other stuff with it... just wondering.

Think Outside The Blog

2005-02-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome to think outside the blog. Or TOTBlog for short. It is a new blog dedicated to all things Taco Bell. The good the great and the ugly.

The picture up top was taken last week when I swung by my local TBell for a chalupa and a mexican pizza. My store was closed cause they were filming a commercial, so they gave me ten Border Bucks. SCORE!

So sit back, grab a grilled stuft burrito and get ready to think outside the blog.

TOTB