KFC's Double Down "Sandwich"
John Moors | Contributor
After being called Ann Arbor's "go-to fat man" for far too long, I recently decided that I was going to begin the detoxification process and give up all fast food for a month. I’ve been suffering from a massive food hangover, which includes the famous fat man sweats, and I realized that it was time to stop treating my body like a garbage disposal.
This was going great until KFC decided it was time to launch their newest creation, the Double Down “Sandwich,” nationwide.
Detox is over. I had to have one.
I came across my first double down a day late and had already read a review on GrubGrade, so I pretty much knew what I was getting myself into. I had also previously dedicated two posts on Epic Portions to the pending arrival of the sandwich, the first being on Aug. 21, and the second being more recently on April 2. I was prepared and ready to tackle one of the most ridiculous fast food creations of all time.
In case you’ve been living under a rock or just don’t care to concern yourself with general fast food ridiculousness, the Double Down sandwich uses two boneless chicken fillets as the bread and surrounds two slices of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack cheese, bacon and Colonel’s sauce. It’s an interesting combination that seems more like a creation reserved for Thisiswhyyourefat.com than a nationally offered fast food item. To me, it’s similar to Domino’s “new” pizza recipe, in that it’s more of a gimmick item to draw attention to the chain. I guess that mission is accomplished because I’m taking time out of my day to report it to you people. Damn you, KFC!
On to business, the KFC Double Down arrives in their usual box but comes in a wrapper which I assumed was intended to block some of the grease from streaming onto your fingers. It carries a hefty price tag of $4.99, which follows the theme of being absolutely ridiculous. $4.99 for two chicken fillets, bacon, two slices of cheese and some sauce? Shame on you, KFC. Don’t you know we’re living in a recession?
So I pulled the double down out and immediate felt the grease soak through the wrapper and on to my fingers. The wrapper does its job, in that it protects your fingers from becoming completely soaked in grease, but your fingers still get a nice spritz of oil on them. The chicken fillets were equal in size, the cheese was large and stuck out of the sides, and the sauce was slathered on nice and thick. This thing continued to have serious potential. The only thing I was a little bit disappointed on at first was the lack of bacon. There were two minuscule strips across the chicken breast, which didn’t represent very well for the bacon family.
John Moors | Contributor
Upon taking my first bite, the first thing I noticed was the spice. I wasn’t sure if it was coming from the chicken, the cheeses or the sauce, but this thing has some serious spice in its aftertaste. Not the usual spice you get from the Colonel’s original recipe either. It’s something different. After trying a few of the ingredients by themselves, I decided that it had to be a combination of all of the ingredients. I hate to sound like I’m seriously breaking down the taste of such a ridiculous creation, but the flavors actually come together to make a nice and spicy “sandwich."
I have to admit that I still have no clue what “Colonel’s Sauce” is, but it’s not bad at all. I would have to describe it as a cheesy gravy with a little spice added to it. Now that I think of it, just that description sounds delicious. Poetic, even.
John Moors | Contributor
The second thing that hit me was the saltiness. I believe my exact reaction was “Damn, this thing is salty.” This didn’t come as much of a surprise, since the thing has more than 1500mg of sodium, but even without knowing that beforehand, it’s obvious that this thing is enough to make you crave a bottle of Tiger Woods Gatorade. Unfortunately for all of us, this is no longer available for some reason. I’m still trying to figure that one out.
All in all this is a delicious, ridiculous and pretty stupid sandwich that I will most likely not eat again. It’s doing its job perfectly and getting people talking about it, but I seriously doubt 90 percent of the people will go back for a second Double Down. I would recommend that if you like this kind of thing you should go and try it, but I seriously doubt people will return and drop $4.99 on another one.
I leave you with the wrapper after consumption was complete. Check out that grease pool.
John Moors | Contributor
John Moors is single handedly raising national obesity levels and documenting it on his blog at EpicPortions.com. Challenge him or just say hello by e-mail at john@epicportions.com or follow him on Twitter @EpicPortions.
Comments
Robert
Sat, Dec 11, 2010 : 12:07 a.m.
This looks like something you would get from a concession trailer at the county fair from the guys that sell those deep friend Snickers candy bars. But I do have to say after trying one they are actually pretty tasty.
Peggy Lampman
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 : 10:37 a.m.
Wow, John. I stand, mouth agape, humbled yet wondering...what's next for Colonel Sanders? Must immediately add this to the quick-fix hangover cure file. Peggy
Ariel
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 11:38 a.m.
When I got the email announcement about the Double Down, I thought it was an April fools joke (because I received the email on April 1). I can't believe it's actually real! Just looking at the picture of the sandwich makes me want to hurl, so thanks for trying it out for all of us and reporting back. For science!
John Moors
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 9:18 a.m.
I do not classify open-faced sandwiches as an actual sandwich. To me a sandwich must be surrounded by two pieces of bread. When I eat breakfast I put my eggs on top of the toast and don't consider that to be an egg sandwich.
seldon
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 9:10 a.m.
@John: so you're defining open-faced sandwiches completely out of the category?
John Moors
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 : 5:47 p.m.
@Chrysta.. I'm glad you asked. I do not consider the Double Down to be an actual sandwich. A sandwich must have at least two pieces of bread, or be a slit roll that contains other ingredients. If you go by KFC's logic, you could define lasagna as a sandwich casserole. For more reading, visit http://www.wordsources.info/words-mod-sandwich.html
Chrysta Cherrie
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 : 5:17 p.m.
John, I could use your take to settle a disagreement (sandwich semantics, if you will). Do you consider the Double Down to be, by definition, a sandwich? My SO and I are divided; I'm a purist and think the cornerstone of a sandwich is the presence of actual bread, while he thinks the breading around the chicken patties is sufficient. I'm hoping your use of quotes around the word "sandwich" finds you siding with me.
John Moors
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.
Glad I could take one for the team. It was well worth it.
Wolverine3660
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.
John, in the fall of 2006, I weighed 308lbs. BTW, I have a good excuse for why I was so heavy :) Anyways, when I weighed myself last saturday, I weighed in at a svelte 186lbs. Now, to celebrate that achievement, I have to either eat a Dominos pizza, or this new Double Down sammich. I have earned that right, I think. :)
theodynus
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 : 3:17 p.m.
560 calories is not too much for one meal, especially a meal you will remember for THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
steve850
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 : 2:59 p.m.
It doesn't matter if it's grilled or not, it's still far too many calories for one meal. Nevertheless, this is what America wants. We are moving away from the carb counting craze of the 2000's and back to our fatty roots. http://www.weltbranding.com/blog/ has a good look at it. I agree with their description that nobody wants to go to fast food and eat healthy. Also, I like their progression of how foods are reverting back to the unhealthy nature, because after all, we are a fat nation. It's science.