I'm at a Loss For Words

Summary

In this review, the host examines Taco Bell's Caramel Apple Empanada, part of the brand's 2000s-themed Decades Menu. The empanada features a crispy shell filled with caramel apple filling, but a surprising burnt taste detracts from the experience. While the dessert has a good texture and nostalgic appeal, the burnt flavor, likely from overcooking or poor oil quality, leaves a negative impression. Despite its decent price and sweetness, the empanada falls short compared to other similar items, leading to a lukewarm recommendation with a 5.5/10 rating.

Takeaways

• 😀 The review is for Taco Bell's Caramel Apple Empanada, a throwback item from their 2000s menu.
• 😀 The empanada is a crispy pastry filled with a caramel apple blend, designed as a dessert item priced at $2.99.
• 😀 The packaging is a nostalgic reference to Taco Bell's past, labeled as the 'Empata Cave'.
• 😀 The filling is gooey and sweet, with a noticeable balance between caramel and apple flavors.
• 😀 The fried shell is crispy but has an unexpected burnt taste, which becomes a major issue during the tasting.
• 😀 The burnt flavor is not overwhelming but lingers, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the empanada.
• 😀 The burnt taste is speculated to be from overcooking the shell or possibly from the oil used during frying.
• 😀 The caramel apple filling is described as being of average quality, not exceptional but not terrible either.
• 😀 The reviewer compares the empanada to gas station desserts like Hostess Fruit Pies, suggesting they may offer better quality for a lower price.
• 😀 While not horrible, the reviewer finds the empanada to be overpriced, especially considering its taste and quality compared to other desserts.
• 😀 The reviewer rates the Caramel Apple Empanada 5.5 out of 10, stating that while it could be worse, it certainly could have been better.

Q & A

What is the main product being reviewed in this video?

The main product being reviewed is the Caramel Apple Empanada from Taco Bell, which was released as part of their 2000s-themed menu item.

What was the original concept of Taco Bell's 'Decades Menu'?

The Decades Menu was a special Taco Bell promotion that released themed items for each decade, from the 1960s to the present, to celebrate Taco Bell's extensive history.

Why was the Caramel Apple Empanada delayed in its release?

The Caramel Apple Empanada was initially held back and released later to specifically commemorate Taco Bell's 2000s era, which was part of the Decades Menu.

What are the main components of the Caramel Apple Empanada?

The Caramel Apple Empanada consists of a crispy empanada shell filled with a caramel apple blend. It also has a sugary coating on the outside.

What nostalgic reference is associated with the Caramel Apple Empanada's packaging?

The packaging for the empanada is referred to as the 'Empata Cave,' a term used in Taco Bell's marketing around 2005.

What is the host's initial expectation of the Caramel Apple Empanada?

The host expected the Caramel Apple Empanada to be a straightforward and satisfying dessert, thinking it would be nearly impossible for Taco Bell to mess it up.

What issue does the host find with the Caramel Apple Empanada?

The host notices a strange burnt taste in the empanada that lingers after taking a bite. This burnt flavor was unexpected and contrasts with the sweetness of the caramel apple filling.

What possible reasons does the host suggest for the burnt taste in the empanada?

The host speculates that the burnt taste might be due to overcooking the fried shell, using old or dirty oil, or some other minor preparation miscalculation during its cooking process.

How does the host describe the overall quality of the Caramel Apple Empanada?

While not terrible, the host finds the empanada to be 'bewildering' because of the burnt taste, which detracts from its overall experience. They mention that similar items from gas stations or McDonald's apple pies offer better quality and value.

What rating does the host give the Caramel Apple Empanada, and why?

The host gives the Caramel Apple Empanada a rating of 5.5 out of 10. They explain that while it could have been much worse, the burnt flavor significantly affected their enjoyment, and they wouldn't go out of their way to get it again.

What alternative dessert options does the host suggest might be better than the Caramel Apple Empanada?

The host suggests that items like Hostess fruit pies or McDonald's apple pies might offer better quality and value than the Caramel Apple Empanada.

What is the host’s final recommendation regarding the Caramel Apple Empanada?

The host recommends passing on the Caramel Apple Empanada unless you're a big Taco Bell enthusiast nostalgic for the 2000s era. They mention that for the price, there are better dessert options available.