MCDONALD'S HABANERO RANCH QUARTER POUNDER REVIEW (VIDEO)

McDonald's 3 new Quarter Pounders are now on sale, and will expand all over America in the coming weeks. They replace the Angus Burger, which was a 1/3 pound hamburger.

I got a Habanero Ranch Quarter Pounder, and posted my review of it. It has Habanero Ranch sauce, whole-leaf lettuce, tomato slice, bacon and white cheddar cheese.

The other 2 new Quarter Pounders are downsized versions of the 1/3-pound Angus Burgers they replace, Bacon & Cheese, and Deluxe. Habanero is the only new sandwich concept.

Fans of the classic Quarter Pounder, fear not: it's still on the menu.

MCDONALD'S DULCE DE LECHE SHAKE REVIEW (VIDEO)

A limited-time, Latin-flavored milkshake is arriving at local McDonald's restaurants.

Last night, I tested it out. Here's my review.

I got a small size for $2.19. It has vanilla ice cream, Dulce de Leche caramel sauce, whipped cream and a cherry on top.

The milkshake will be available through the end of summer, and roll out nationwide by June 10.

TACO BELL BEEFY CRUNCH BURRITO REVIEW (VIDEO)

Last night, I headed out amidst the monsoon conditions to Taco Bell in Rockville, to get a Beefy Crunch Burrito, which went on sale yesterday. This is the first time I've had it, and here is my review.

The burrito is stuffed with seasoned beef, nacho cheese sauce, reduced fat sour cream, rice, and Flamin' Hot Fritos, which provide the namesake crunch.

BURGER KING RIB SANDWICH REVIEW (VIDEO)

Burger King is challenging McDonald's in the boneless rib sandwich market.  How does the Burger King Rib Sandwich stack up to the McRib? Watch my review to find out!

The BK Rib Sandwich features a flame-broiled boneless pork patty, sweet pickles, a bakery-style bun, and plenty of special recipe BBQ sauce.

BAR LOUIE ROCKVILLE NEW MENU BOGO EVENT TODAY

To celebrate almost 30 new additions to the food and cocktail menus, Bar Louie in Rockville Town Square has a special promotion today, May 22.

Buy any new food item on the menu, and you'll get a second food item FREE!

This offer is good all day today at Bar Louie.

ROCKVILLE COUNCILMEMBER WANTS REPORT ON REDGATE GOLF COURSE

Rockville Councilmember Bridget Newton asked city staff to put Redgate Golf Course on an upcoming agenda at last night's Mayor & Council meeting.

Newton said Billy Casper Golf, the course's manager, had promised to deliver an annual report to the council. BCG has had control of the course for about a year and a half, Newton noted, and she asked why there has been no report. Expect this to come up at some point before the August recess.

All has been quiet on the Redgate front for some time, but it remains one of the biggest "hot button" issues in Rockville. Is the course a worthwhile investment as a unique amenity open to all? Or is it just money down the 18th hole, and should be sold for development purposes? There are citizens on each side of that argument, making for contentious debates at public meetings. Given that BCG's takeover of the course has been considered a last resort measure, there will obviously be great interest in a status report.

Few words portend nasty debate in Rockville more than "Redgate," which ranks right up there with "once-a-week trash," and "Saul Ewing report" in civil discourse.

In other Redgate news, the course has launched a new program where players can buy a membership that gives them access to 7 other area golf courses, in addition to Redgate.

ROCKVILLE COUNCILMEMBER JOHN HALL WON'T RUN FOR REELECTION

Minutes ago, Rockville City Councilmember John Hall announced he will not seek reelection this fall.

In an emotional speech, Hall thanked his family, supporters, residents and city staff for the opportunity to serve the public. Hall said every one of his colleagues on the council has the city's "best interests" at heart, even if they disagree on certain issues.

Hall encouraged fellow citizens to rise to the occasion, and run for the city council. There is still time to file for office.

He mentioned the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) specifically, when discussing the issues he looks forward to addressing in the remainder of his term.

One suspects this announcement will increase public interest in the plans of former councilmember Anne Robbins for the election. Robbins has been expected to run this year.

With Hall out, the balance of the council could shift on one seat. A Phyllis Marcuccio-Bridget Newton-Anne Robbins trifecta would continue a 3-2 bloc against accelerated development across the city.

The Team Rockville slate favors a more aggressive approach to development, and has 5 members.

That equation could encourage one or more city activists to enter the race, now that Hall has bowed out.