Kotas Reviews Meijer Ripple Steak and Onion Chips

Ah, it's the last day of the year. It's been a pretty low key year here at Kotas Reviews, with not as many reviews as I would have liked to get out. Still, we got some pretty entertaining material out of this year even if once again it was mostly food. But enough reflection about the past year, it's time to wrap up some business from November. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are about to dive into the Northern Treat known as Meijer Ripple Steak and Onion Chips. You are not prepared.

Well, this exists.

So, the idea of these chips was first floated to me by the same person who eventually introduced me to Jeppson's Malort (curse his true name!). He would mention these "amazing" chips during the inevitable down time that occurs in an online Dungeons and Dragons game, and promised he would bring some when we met. I'll say this, he totally delivered on his promise. These chips hail from Meijer, which is a grocery store chain from the Frozen North that apparently pioneered the idea of the "supercenter". Who knew, eh? Still, this particular chip flavor hails from their "in house" brand of chips, presumably a Ruffles competitor. The packaging is decent, with just a picture of the flavoring and nothing else. It's nothing special, but I don't hate it. Let's tear it open!

Classy is spelled "C H I N E T".

Yeah, these are chips alright. These are more in the Lay's Wavy style than the Ruffles style, with large ripples, suitable for dipping. However, the goodly amount of reddish flavor dust does allow them to stand out somewhat. Still, not unexpected for chips of this caliber. Let's give 'em a taste. 

Well spank my rear and call me Charlie, these chips are amazing. You eat one, and the super savory steak flavor hits, along with a large amount of onion flavor, and it is almost exactly the flavor of a grilled steak with onions, with a bite of baked potato tossed in for good measure. It is uncanny how much these chips taste like steak and onion. I'd almost say these could totally satisfy a craving for a decent (though not amazing) steak with some onions. Seriously, did Willy Wonka have a fit and make some chips to go with his chewing gum meal? These are a miracle of food science, they are.

On the FACE Rating System, these get 3 Smileys, mostly out of sheer shock at the flavor accuracy. I don't know what tastegineer came up with these, but give that person a freakin' medal. Holy hell these are good. If you ever travel to the land of Meijer, pick up a bag of these...and maybe one for me!

Kotas Reviews Mamma Mia Rhubarb Pie Beer

Well my loyal readers, the year is winding down and that means contemplation and reflection on oneself and one's actions. So of course that implies heavy drinking 'round these parts. Let's finalize some bad habits together! Ladies and Gentlemen, today we imbibe Mamma Mia Rhubarb Pie Beer.

That's a spicy...uh...bottle of beer?

Let's just get right to it. What the hell is up with this label? I mean, I sort of get the association of "elderly lady" with rhubarb pie and whatnot, but why is she angry enough to wag a finger at me? Do you not want me to drink your beer lady? Isn't that how you make money? I mean, what the hell? Other than the bizarre choice of mascot though, this label is boooooring with a capital Bore. At least it helpfully informs us it is "Ale brewed with Natural Flavors". Wait, isn't this supposed to be beer? Well, ale IS beer I suppose. Anyway, let's see how it looks in the glass.

She's just so disapproving!

Yeah, that's beer alright. It's got a nice clear brown color, with a strong odor of fruitiness with a touch of something sweet. I guess that is what rhubarb smells like, though I've not had it in ages. How does it taste? Well, it's not bad, but it's not fantastic either. It's got a nice "beer-y" flavor, with some interesting raspberry notes, but the finish is exceedingly sour, almost to the point of unpleasantness. It's definitely a fruit type sour, rather than "bad beer sour", so that's something. It's interesting that is for sure.

On the FACE Rating System, I give it 0 Faces. I don't hate it, and it is interesting, but I don't know that I like it either. It makes me sit back and say "Well, I certainly drank it" but I am not overwhelmed with feeling about it. In fact, I'm not even whelmed. Give it a try if it's on sale or something, but I certainly wouldn't seek it out. Like, ever.