KANSAS CITY — Restaurants are pairing proteins with alcohol-infused sauces in new menu items.
Applebee’s is adding a new boozy burger to its lineup. The Whisky Bacon Burger features caramelized onions and Applewood smoked bacon seared into an all-beef patty topped with Fireball Whisky-infused steak sauce, Applewood smoked bacon, crispy onions and pepper jack cheese. The chain also is coupling chicken breast and beer cheese in its new Chicken Breast with Bacon Beer Cheese Topper, featuring a grilled chicken breast with Blue Moon white cheddar beer cheese, bacon, crispy onions and fresh green onions.
Beer cheese and beef combine in TGI Fridays’ new Mac & Cheese Burger. The sandwich features a burger patty made with brisket, chuck and short rib topped with crispy macaroni and cheese, beer cheese sauce and spicy mayo.
Seafood and spirits mingle in Red Lobster’s new Mediterranean Shrimp. The dish features a grilled shrimp skewer with grape tomatoes and green onions in a white wine, garlic and lemon butter sauce.
Quaker Steak & Lube is pairing pork with Kentucky bourbon in its new Coffee and Spice Crusted Pork Loin. The pork is flame-broiled and glazed with a Kentucky bourbon sauce then served with bacon-balsamic Brussels sprouts and potato-filled pierogi pastas.
