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McDonald’s NEW Value Menu Inflation BUST’IN EATS! Janurary 2025

A mcdonald 's restaurant with the words " new value menu in 2 0 2 5 ".


McDonald’s NEW Inflation BUST’N EATS!

Trey’s Chow Down for 2025. McDonald’s is trending prices down in the coming NEW year in 2025. Dee-ANN Durbin explains.

Starting Jan. 7, the burger chain will let customers buy one full-priced item from a limited value menu and get another item on that menu for $1. Items on the menu include a Sausage McMuffin, hash browns, a McChicken sandwich and small fries.

A pink background with different types of food.
McDonald’s NEW menu item pricing for 2025 – Photo McDonald’s

McDonald’s will also continue to offer its $5 Meal Deal through next summer. That deal was introduced in June and extended through the end of this year in September. Chicago-based McDonald’s said it will also continue to offer local specials and in-app deals like free drinks.

Thanksgiving Deals: Infaltion Buster Meals from Top grocery Stores

A group of people standing next to each other.


Happy THANKSGIVING Everyone

We’ve been searching for meal deals to help families save cash this year. With only eight days until Thanksgiving, the turkey countdown is on. Whether you’re planning to feed a small family or a big crowd, there are plenty of ways to save on essential ingredients for the moveable feast with deals from a variety of retailers.

Retailers and grocery stores with Thanksgiving dinner deals

From grocery stores like Aldi, Walmart, and Target to big-box warehouses like Sam’s Club and Costco, there are plenty of options for cooking a complete holiday dinner this year without breaking the bank.

 

The JW Marriott Plant Riverside District Hotel is Truly the Perfect Weekend Relaxation Destination

A woman in front of the city skyline at night.


A colorful building with many windows and lights
JW Museum Area (WOW)

Howdy, Fellow Travelers and Food LOVERS!

If you love traveling and having fantastic surprises like we do, then you’ll love this JW Marriott Plant Riverside discovery. It was a tremendous find, and we only knew once we checked into the hotel. As soon as Jana and I walked through the doors, we knew something was different. It had a feel of uniqueness, charm, and beauty. It had the perfect chill vibe with a touch of class as if to say, ” You’ve arrived at your perfect weekend destination on the river.”

Savannah has a wide variety of places to stay and things to do, but what we discovered at the JW Marriott was a destination inside a destination. You don’t leave the hotel if you don’t want to because it has everything you need, including a rooftop pool area, a separate rooftop lounge, a museum, and so much more. It even offers luxurious boat adventures in Savannah.

It’s a AAA Four Diamond JW Marriott located in the heart of historic Savannah on the Savannah riverfront, with countless activities a short walk away. Explore the downtown Savannah shopping district, visit Kessler Diva, eat at one of the hotel’s restaurants, reconnect with friends at our riverside Savannah bars, or embark on one of the city’s various walking tours. Once a power plant, Plant Riverside District represents the beauty of progress. Whether you are seeking a weekend getaway or a business meeting, our hotel provides a setting with timeless elegance. The three unique buildings are enriched in history, from chic architecture in the Power Plant to romantic styling in the Three Muses and contemporary maritime details in the Atlantic. Complete your experience with a relaxing massage at the hotel spa before you enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the entertainment district.

A bathroom with a sink and mirror in it
One of the JW Bathrooms

The JW truly has it all, and they make you feel special. If you’re headed to Savannah Jana, I highly recommend you stay and enjoy the JW Marriott Plant Riverside District Hotel. We can’t say enough about this fantastic travel destination with a destination offering an unforgettable travel experience.

The JW Marriott in Savannah is an officially approved Trey’s Chow Down Travel destination and relaxation station for everyone to enjoy. Trey and Jana approved!!

Please remember that our reviews aren’t bought, traded, or paid for. If we like them and feel they’re worth a visit, we’ll tell the world what we discover.

Thank you so much for following our travel, food, chef, and delicious ventures,

Trey & Jana

A pool with many chairs and tables in it
The awesome rooftop pool and lounge area offering poolside food and beverage service from the pool.
A large blue and red boat floating on top of water.
River Views from JW Rooftop bar and Lounge area. cargo ships, tugboats, wildlife and more can be seen.
A group of boats traveling down the river.
River and Savannah views that are truly unforgettable.

A woman in front of the city skyline at night.

Charming Charleston Historic District Hotel is A Must Visit!

A man in a cowboy hat and sunglasses standing under a palm tree.


Howdy travels, we discovered another fantastic relaxation destination. 

A living room with lots of furniture and plants.
The PALMETTO Lobby

Located in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina THE PALEMTTO offers everything you want to see is cozy and friendly boutique hotel. It has stunning artwork, warm colors, southern charm, and first-class furnishings. It’s located in the heart of the Historic District and is within walking distance from everything you want to see and enjoy. Everything that makes Charleston so beloved awaits right outside the front doors. You’re near the city’s finest restaurants, bars, parks, shops, and much more.

As you open the front door and walk inside, you notice the sweet Southern feel of cozy Charleston. The hotel lobby embodies the days of old when everything was filled with class and charm. The decor is so comfortable that it makes one feel right at home. You can enjoy an evening cocktail while you read a book, talk with friends, or enjoy your surroundings as you unwind before heading to your inviting room. 

The beautifully appointed guest rooms offer artful design and luxury touches to ensure an elevated experience without missing the comforts of home. They have beautiful and inviting bathrooms that provide everything you need for your stay.  Those showers are unforgettable—big, roomy, and state-of-the-art, with various buttons for different water flow, pressure, and messages. The beds are very comfortable, which is extremely important when traveling. They have a hidden bar behind Credenza doors offering coffee and spirits to make your stay cozier and more enjoyable. ( The spirits are extra)  The bedding is lovely, with fluffy pillows and soft sheets, so you can feel refreshed and ready for the next day while you roam Charleston. 

A living room with many couches and tables
A PALMETTO Lounging Area

We truly loved our visit and enjoyed this hotel so much. The staff made you feel special and comfortable and the location was perfect for anywhere we needed to visit in Charleston. If you’re looking for an incredible place to stay in the HOLY CITY, I highly recommend you make reservations at THE PALMETTO. You’ll love it and tell everyone what a wonderful experience you had in Charleston. 

“A 10 out of 10 for Trey’s Chow Down Travel Adventures. Trey & Jana 

Please follow our social media and website for mre delicious destenations and fantastic travel locations.


 

 

Enjoy these features in every room

BAMFORD TOILETRIES

CUSTOM-EMBROIDERED SPA BATHROBES

PLUSH SLIPPERS

NESPRESSO MACHINE

MINIBAR

HAIRDRYER

STEAMER

IN-ROOM SAFE

55†FLAT SCREEN CHROMECAST ENABLED TELEVISIONS

A bedroom with a bed, table and television.

Enjoy these services provided during your stay:

COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI

DAILY CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

NIGHTLY TURN-DOWN SERVICE

CUSTOM BICYCLES

VALET PARKING

24/7 FRONT DESK AND CONCIERGE

LAUNDRY AND DRY-CLEANING SERVICES

A bedroom with a bed, table and television.

A Day at the Amazing Lewis BBQ in Charlestion Visiting the Trailblazer and Legend John Lewis

A wooden tray with various meats and sides on it.


 

Howdy Chow Hounds and Barbeque Lovers,

A wooden tray with various meats and sides on it.
World-Famous Lewis Barbeque Tray

Today, we’re at the world-famous LEWIS BARBECUE in Charleston, South Carolina, to research the meaty deliciousness we’ve heard so much about. This is where pitmaster and barbeque legend John Lewis has created a world of his own in the vast field of freshly prepared barbeque and eats. If you know me and my addiction to creative chefs, pitmasters, and culinary pioneers, you know why we had to make the trip. 

When you make the corner and pull up to LEWIS BARBECUE, you notice the massive modern restaurant that bears his name. To be honest, it’s breathtakingly beautiful and totally unexpected. Set up with a beautiful Charleston landscape encompassing large southern trees, it’s inviting, cozy, and warm. You feel right at home or in someone’s backyard enjoying BBQ. But you’re not! You’re at the world-famous LEWIS BARBECUE fixing to slang back some of the BEST BBQ in the United States. 

I live for telling back stories because anything tastes better with a little story-ness behind it. A trailblazer in the neo-traditional style of Central Texas barbecue, Pitmaster John Lewis uses his custom-made smokers to produce expertly smoked pork spareribs, beef ribs, “Texas hot guts sausage, and his legendary world-famous beef brisket.

Palmira BBQ – Where South Carolina, Texas, and Puerto Rico, Collide Creating Unforgettable Flavor Explosions

A tray of food with meat and sides on it.


Barbeque lovers unite! We discovered a NEW delicious barbeque destination that every meat lover should visit.  Welcome to Palmira Barbeque in Charleston, South Carolina. When we heard about this now famous little BBQ joint you know we had to make the trip. We wanted to meet pitmaster Hector who is masterfully combining South Carolina, Texas, and Puerto Rico flavors to create award-winning and famous meaty deliciousness. 

A plate of food with meat and sauces.
Palmira Beef Cheek Perfection

When I say famous and award-winning it’s a FACT! They’ve been featured in Forbes, Southern Living, The Local Palate, EATER Carolinas, Charleston Magazine, The Post and Courier, RESY, and Texas Monthly and I’m sure there’s more to come.  We’ve been traveling coast-to-coast, from Los Angeles to Miami and every in-between, on the hunt for America’s BEST BBQ. We’ve visited thirty-one states on our BEST BBQ mission. It was only fitting after I read, researched, and viewed all the delicious social media posts Palmira was a must-visit for us.

If you follow our foodie and travel adventures, you know I love to tell the backstories. I’m a firm believer that anything tastes better with a good story. This is why the Palmira story was so intriguing to me because pitmaster and owner Hector Garate has an interesting family history. Buckle up it’s story time! 

When we visited, I was honored to spend some time with Hector walking around his smokehouse area and discussing the finer details of his success. We also discussed his passion for designing and creating custom smokers. He showed me his latest whole hog smoker and it was beautiful. After speaking with Hector, I noticed that his passion for creating BBQ perfection was only matched by his love for serving people and seeing them smile with the satisfaction of deliciousness. 

Hector’s passion for BBQ started at an early age and has not stopped him from perfecting his craft since. Born in Puerto Rico, he was exposed to whole animal cooking pra early on. Hector specializes in smoking beef cheeks, brisket, whole hog, and house-made sausages. In the pursuit of creating the best product, Garate devoted their free time to building his custom cooking appliances, in particular an offset smoker. Hector has partnered with Brasstown Beef, Creekstone Farms, and Peculiar Pig Farms to source the most sustainable farm-to-table smoked meats for Charleston, SC through Palmira Barbecue. Palmira Barbecue’s name is an homage to Hector’s grandmother, who grew up on a sustainable cattle ranch. 

Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar a True Delicious Destination

A man holding a drink in front of the whiskey cake sign.


A man holding a drink in front of the whiskey cake sign.
Thank you BOH for your awesomeness -Trey

Howdy Y’all,

Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar opened their new Fort Worth location last month to rave reviews. Fort Worthin’s love this new delicious destenation. They are one of my favorite brands and concepts so you know we had to make the trip to check it out and chow down. We fell in love with the new location and the overall vibe of the design. It just doesn’t get much better than a trip to W.C..

The new location is located in North Fort Worth at 2849 Heritage Trace Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

Please view our video by clicking the link for the full overall HD WC experience.

JW Marriott Marquis® Miami A 5-Star Hotel Paradise

A large airplane flying over the city at night.


Howdy Travel and Chow Down fans, A man standing next to a pink statue of a person.

Welcome to the 305 beautiful Miami, Florida and the amaizng JW Marriott Marquis® Miami. A fully renovated first-class hotel that offers artful spaces, extreme bliss, chef driven eats, craft cocktails, and wonderful service. We loved this hotel! a perfect 10 out of 10 for us. We travel coast to coast, and JW Marriott properties always shine like a diamond. This one was extra special with all its offerings. A must visit in Miami.

Offering sophistication, colorful design, art, fashion, and technology with increbible views from any window. It is perfectly located in downtown and offers easy access to Wynwood Art District, the Frost Science Museum, the Perez Art Museum, and the Miami Design District. Amazing and well desined amenities include stunning hotel rooms and suites, a stainless steel sky pool, a Mediterranean restaurant, an inviting spa, full tennis court, baskball court, pool table lounge, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

If you’re traveling to the Miami area for business or pleasure I would highly recommend you stay and enjoy the now NEW JW Marriott Marquis® Miami. It’s a new officially approved Trey’s Chow Down travel destenation for all to enjoy.

You’re going to Thank me later!

Trey ( Chow Down Travel ) Chapman

A sign for the jw marriott marquis hotel in miami. A large airplane flying over the city at night. A large airplane flying over the city at night.

 

BBQ Perfection in Miami

A tray of food with meat, pickles and rice.


A tray of food with meat, pickles and rice.
BBQ Deliciousness

Howdy BBQ Lovers

If you LOVE BBQ like I do we made a fantastic discovery for Texas-style BBQ mixed with some Cuban flare, beautiful Miami sun, and chef-driven sides to create BBQ PERFECTION with every tray.

👉 Hometown BBQ Miami 📠1200 NW 22nd St #100, Miami, FL 33142

https://hometownbbqmiami.com/

Trey’s Chow Down road trip’in the USA coast to coast for BBQ DELICIOUSNESS. Today, we’re in beautiful Miami for the BEST BBQ experience offered in Miami. The inside atmosphere is modern commercial with gorgeous colors. The outside offers an amazing BEACH SIDE FLORIDA-style dining experience in the Miami sun. You grab a cocktail and sit inside the bar or just “Chow Down.” On the BEST BBQ and Chef-driven sides you can find in the Miami area.

The rest of the story:
Hometown Barbecue, located in the Allapattah neighborhood of Miami, is the second barbecue restaurant from Brooklyn restauranteur Billy Durney. Hometown is known for its authentic pit-smoked meats and traditional sides.

Miami HOMETOWN also features a wood-fired menu that showcases a selection of dishes cooked over live fire. Their bar serves craft beers, seasonal cocktails, and a selection of wines by the glass and bottle.

Texas Craft Barbecue in TAMPA FLORIDA with a TAMPENO FLARE

A table with several trays of food on it.


Howdy BBQ LOVERS!

Two men standing next to each other in front of a table.
Pitmaster/Owner Danny Hernandez

Today, we made the long journey to beautiful and sunny TAMPA, FLORIDA. We heard there was a TEXAS influenced BBQ joint that was slang’n BBQ so tasty and delicious that it was unforgettable. In fact, truth is “Tampans” are in LOVE with this place, and when you love TEXAS BBQ like we do, we had to make the trip.

If you follow us you know we travel coast to coast searching for the BEST BBQ, BURGERS, PIZZA, BAGELS, DONUTS and SWEETS. I knew I made the right decision soon as we pulled up, and I could smell BBQ aromas lofting in the TAMPA air like thick clouds of smokey, meaty deliciousness.

Lifetime Tampa resident and creative pitmaster Danny Hernandez is so extremely passionate about barbecue and serving his community that he developed and created an entire destination that everyone can enjoy. Danny owns and operates The Brisket Shoppe and Grill & Provisions. It’s basically two destinations in one! Located in West Tampa at the same location offering more than just BBQ.  You can get Texas influenced BBQ, tasty side dishes, sweet desserts, and pick out some BBQ equipment for your backyard. If that’s not enough for you, it gets even better. Recently, he added a new WINE ROOM offering all types of tasty wines. You can enjoy pairing with his delicious BBQ options, or you can take some home to enjoy. Don’t forget catering because they offer that too!

His BBQ offerings are plentiful! There is truly something for everyone. I know this because we tried a TEXAS size variety including, Danny’s famous brisket. The brisket was succulent, delicious, and coated with that bark-0-licious bark that I love. TEXAS style brisket prepared with fresh WAGYU BEEF and cooked low and slow to achieve the PERFECT brisket flavor. Every bite I took all I could think about was how it was worth the trip to TAMPA alone just for the brisket.

I love to chow down so I couldn’t just stop at the brisket. We enjoyed some juicy turkey breast, jalapeño and cheddar sausage link, and some unbelievably delicious slow roasted hog. WOW! It melted in my mouth! It was Heritage breed whole hog slow roasted and oak smoked to achieve the real deal MOJO, LECHON ASADO. I also had to get some pork ribs to top off the BBQ feast that were flavorful and fall off the bone delicious. The sides were tasty too! The mac-n-cheese, jalapeño poppers, and Dulce De Tres Leche Cake is also highly recommended when you order.

I couldn’t leave without trying one of Danny’s house prepared EMPANADA’S. It wasn’t a hard decision after I saw the name. It hit me like I saw bright neon lights, ” The Pitmaster Smokehouse Empanada. ” Oh my EMPANADA’S! Talk about deliciousness! ENPANADA HEAVEN and worth it! 

If you’re looking for some delicious Texas style BBQ with a Tampeno influence that’s truly unforgettable. Then I would HIGLY RECOMMEND you make trip to chow down and enjoy some Brisket Shop deliciousness. You’re going to LOVE it! I’m sure you will tell everyone like I have how you were in BBQ HEAVEN in beautiful Tampa, Florida.

The Brisket Shoppe and Grill Provisions is located at 3501 N. Armenia Ave.

Trey (Chow Down) Chapman

Based in Texas but you can follow us for coast to coast tales of delicious discoveries! 

A plate of food with meat and vegetables on it.A man sitting at a table with several trays of food.  A table with three bottles of sauces on it A group of people sitting at tables in an outdoor restaurant. A patio with tables and chairs, air conditioner and grill. A fire pit sitting under a tree near two lawn chairs. A building with many different types of graffiti on it. Three men standing next to each other in a store. A person standing in front of a large mural.

A Texas Craft BBQ Ultimate Flavor Adventure in the BAYOU. ( Unforgettable! )

A tray of food with meat and vegetables on it.


Howdy BBQ Lovers!

A group of people standing around a man holding food.
The GONZO’S TEAM & FAMILY!

” If you love delicious flavor-loaded craft BBQ, succulent pork belly, fresh chef driven sides and savory sweet treats you’re going to LOVE this discovery. It’s TRULY where BBQ and FLAVOR take center stage. Please enjoy and share with others so everyone can enjoy this unforgettable craft BBQ experience. ” – Trey 

If you follow us, then you’re aware that we’ve been on the hunt for most unique and delicious BBQ joints America has to offer. We’ve visited 28 states and been on this mission for years and we’ve discovered some of the most incredible BBQ destinations. It’s difficult to stay on track because there are so many small family-owned BBQ joints popping up every day in cities big and small across America. But that being said, through our research, hard work and determination we think we’ve discovered some of the BEST joints to enjoy delicious BBQ in some of the most UNSUSPECTING places.

There are many things I love about Louisiana the culture, history, music, art, wildlife, people and the incredibly delicious food and drinks.  What I was NOT expecting to discovery was a small Craft BBQ joint creating and slang’n some of the BEST BBQ in the USA. I was literally BLOWN away by the creative deliciousness of the smoked meats, unbelievable pork belly options, house sausages, fresh sides, pitmaster driven dishes, steaks, and house fresh desserts. Every single thing we tried was just DRIPP’IN with DELICIOUSNESS and so unforgettable I had naughty BBQ dreams for days after we left. YES! It’s truly that memorable and IMPRESSIVE!

It all started in Waggaman, Louisiana where JASON GONZALEZ was born.  His rise to pitmaster greatness and his passion for BBQ took an unusual path. He started as a drafter in the Maritime industry and slowly worked his way into the oil and gas industry and became a structural designer. He worked at Shell in New Orleans from 2010 to 2016 as a lead structural designer.  It was at this time he started smoking meats with a Masterbuilt electric smoker box. One might say that JASON got bit HARD with the BBQ bug at this time. In 2016 oil prices had an extreme decline and Shell laid off the entire design team. He took his severance check from Shell and purchased a YODER PELLET SMOKER in 2016.  In August 2016 he created GONZO’S SMOKEHOUSE and started with POP UP’s. He did pop ups and festivals honing his craft for almost four years. THE REST THEY SAY IS HISTORY!

As we made our way driving through Luling I started to get excited because I knew there was NO WAY for a BBQ joint to survive in a community this small if it wasn’t unbelievable and offering BBQ perfection. When we pulled up and I saw the vehicles stack and packed in the parking lot and strung out all along the road way and people lined up like it was a JELLY ROLL or GEORGE STRAIT concert I had my answer. It was going to be POPP’IN!

A piece of meat with sauce and vegetables on top.
Smoked Meat Art!

When we were walking up, I could smell the BBQ aromas lofting in the air and my BBQ senses cranked up to the “FULL TILT BOOGIE” status.  I threw that door open and saw Jason’s big smile he was ready to SLANG that Q because he knew I was going to love it. I watched Jason and his family members bustling and hustling because the doors were fixing to open. They had folks stacked up and ready for smoked BBQ deliciousness. It was GO TIME at GONZO’S.

A collage of different types of food.
Pork-Belly Cartel ( WOW )

I stood and watched the PITAMASTER and ARTIST Jason cut the smoked meats, pork and sausages then layer my trays like an artist creates a painting. The BBQ meats and pork were glistening under the lights and my mouth started watering. I grabbed those trays and headed to our table it was CHOW DOWN TIME.  The prime brisket and beef cheek were so tender and juicy I couldn’t stop eating it. The Wagyu Tri-Trip is what dreams are made of! The smoked turkey breast was so juicy it was DRIPP’IN down my chin. The Pastrami Beef Rib was Stupid delicious!  The Brisket Boudin was dangerously delicious! But the PORK, OMG the pork! They don’t call GONZO’S the Pork Belly Cartel headquarters for no reason. Every single pork dish you try will be savory, flavorful and DRIPP’IN like ICE with DELICIOUSNESS. He’s won awards with his PORK and I know why because each bite is truly unforgettable.  The Char Siu Pork Jowl Burnt Ends and the Hot Honey Jowl Cracklings are dreamy and EVERYONE NEEDS TO TRY THEM at least once in their life. The Cherry Cola Brisket Burnt Ends are so good they should be illegal in all fifty states.  Yes, they’re that delicious!

Fresh sides let’s talk about his sides HOLY FARM FRESH. The Mac-N-Cheese, Smoked Broccoli and Kale Salad, Beef Cheeks Dirty Rice and Gouda Grits were so delicious I still haven’t stopped thinking about them to this day. Oh, and the fresh desserts are savory a little sweet and loaded with deliciousness. After about 10 minutes I literally had no words because everything was so F#$% delicious.

I’m telling you NOW and I’m telling you LOUDLY if you LOVE Texas BBQ or any type of BBQ a visit to GONZO’S is A MUST from anywhere. I truly mean anywhere. He’s just outside New Orleans and easy to find. “Just be aware that everything you try is going to taste like ” MORE “ because ” MORE “ is all you will want.” I WILL NOT be responsible for your naughty BBQ dreams because you’re going to have them after you leave. It’s just a side effect from visiting one of the world’s BEST BBQ Joints.

BBQ is not just food or a passion for the GONZO’S family; it’s a way of life.

Take it from me TREY and make plans to visit and CHOW DOWN! It’s a TREY’S CHOW DOWN USA FAVORITE BBQ DESTINATION and A MUST VISIT for any BBQ and FOOD LOVER!

Trey ( CHOW DOWN ) Chapman

A person holding a taco with vegetables on top of it. A hand holding food on top of a wooden table. A tray of food with meat and vegetables on it.A man and two girls sitting on top of an old car. A metal wall with four bottles of beer on it. A metal wall with four bottles of beer on it.

The World’s BEST Bagels are in North Texas!

A pile of donuts covered in powdered sugar.


Howdy Bagel Lovers!

A pile of donuts covered in powdered sugar.
Tasty Fresh Bagels

We have discovered that the WORLD’S BEST bagels are right here in North Texas! They were voted the WORLD’S BEST at the NEW YORK BAGEL FESTIVAL 2023, and after we heard that we headed over to chow down!

Today we’re at Starship Bagel for some seriously fresh and delicious bagels. If you follow me, you know we’ve been on a bagel quest across the USA. In the last four years we’ve enjoyed bagels from California to Florida, and everywhere in between. We’ve made it to 29 states thus far, and have enjoyed hundreds of bagels. When we heard about STARSHIP BAGEL, we had to make the trip to chow down.