Yesterday, just before the first baseball play-off game, Ms. Eclectic and I went to KFC to pick up two of their infamous Double Down "sandwiches".
The KFC website describes the Double Down as two thick and juicy slices of white meat, two slices of bacon, two slices of cheese, “and the Colonel's sauce.” [EE: no bread, no bun]
I had been interested in trying the grilled version because it has less grease and fewer calories than the deep-fried, breaded version. But when I read this [h/t Ted Frank], I figured maybe a bit less salt wouldn't be a bad idea:
The “original recipe” version of the sandwich checks in at 540 calories, 32 grams of fat and 1,380 mg of sodium. The grilled version is a mere 460 calories, 23 grams of fat and 1,430 mg of sodium.
I asked if they had the Double Down available grilled rather than breaded and deep-fried. But the counterperson somewhat sullenly informed me that they don't have any grilled chicken at their outlet. That made my choice easy, I guess.
The Double Downs smelled great. We were eagre to get home, turn on the ALCS baseball game, and enjoy them.
I was disappointed. I quite enjoyed the chicken itself -- it wasn't processed chicken parts. I loved the pepper jack cheddar cheese. I tolerated the bacon (because I knew it was there when I ordered the Double Down), but I really don't like bacon flavour intruding on other flavours.
The major cause of my disappointment, though, was the appallingly heavy saltiness. I have posted before about some fast foods being overly salty, so maybe it is just me. But I doubt it.
If you have been thinking, "hmmm, I might like to try one of these heart-stoppers," it probably isn't worth it, calorie-wise, salt-wise, or opportunity-cost-wise.
Two Double Downs: over $15 Canadian.
Back out to the same area between games to pick up DQ Blizzards for dessert. 8-)
Note to health ministers considering banning Double Downs: don't waste your time or the taxpayers' money. They will not likely last long when they taste this salty.