Shopper's Value via "Dig" crafty. Respectable size chip and tasty well seasoned for a budget buy. A much needed pick me up. Rating: B

Hippie Chips White Room Cheddar courtesy Canyon Country Store. Rating: C- Too healthy tasting but a passable nosh in rush hour traffic over the hill.

Poore Brothers Jalapeno Kettle Cooked Potato Chips

Poore Brothers Jalapeno Kettle Cooked Potato Chips

Rating: B+

Purchased in La Jolla on a surfing trip by my now poor brother (thanks to the very expensive surfing vacation to SoCal) these Kettle Cooked chips were a tasty delight that the whole family could enjoy (they're vegan!).  

Not the spiciest of Jalapeno Kettle chips I've stumbled across, but therefore much more munch worthy as you don't really need to slow yourself down for sips of a spice nulling beverage.  Perhaps that was a bad thing.  These guys were a little on the greasy side but had an overall satisfying crunch.  

I really want to try some of the other flavors the Poore Brothers make, despite being generally standard fare of chip flavor, y'know, Salt and Vin, BBQ, Sea Salt...  Great stuff!

-b e x

Lance White Cheddar Cheese Popcorn

Lance White Cheddar Cheese Popcorn

Rating: A


This downtown find is nostalgia from my Gym Dandy Gymnastic Days back in
Southwestern Pennsylvania. The gym's vending machines heavily stocked Lance products
and these cheddar delights often greeted me for only 60 cents, post-bars, beam and floor
routines.


Each popped kernel is generously dusted with a coating of that delectable cheesy powder that begs for a serious finger-lickin' after only a few handfuls.


I recommend some napkins on hand when getting down with this snack.


-B e x

Tropical Gourmet Plantain Chips Spicy flavor

Tropical Gourmet Plantain Chips Spicy flavor


Rating: A-

Another treat from Ecuador via Jon's. This soft crunching chips have that yummy plantain flavor with an added kick (although somewhat disappointing spice level) of natural seasonings. It seems like this brand is no-nonsense and MSG is the last thing with which they would ever mar their wholesome snacks. No cholesterol, artificial colors or flavors, or added preservatives. High in potassium too!

Still delightful and keeps me chompin' without feeling guilty.   I highly recommend this flavor, unless you are a spice enthusiast. This have the right touch for those who want the slightest bit of bite.
Dip?

A little Tapatio to get the spice just right. Maybe a salsa verde.

-b e x

Doritos Late Night All Nighter Cheeseburger

Doritos Late Night All Nighter Cheeseburger

Rating: A

Found at the 7-Eleven on Magnolia and Tujunga on a late morning speed walk with LD. 99 cents and 1 block later I realized this could be my new favorite Dorito flavor.

Tastes like everything on a greasy Carl's Jr. Big Carl: onion, cheese, ketchup, chargrilled burger patty plus the added taste of corn. Truly a delicious treat that I can't wait to taste again. LD and I tore through this bag in one block.

Would I purchase again?:

I need to find more RIGHT NOW.

Best place to eat?:

Strolling down Magnolia Blvd. on a hot day in the Valley.

Dip?

Not this time, but I sure would like to taste these crushed on top of a burger. Perhaps later this St. Patrick's Day...

-B e x

Tropical Gourmet Cassava Chips

Tropical Gourmet Cassava Chips

Rating: A+

Simple, lightly salted, crunchy cassava. Starchy and delicious. Found at Jon's International Marketplace. An unusual chip that has become a new favorite.
Would I purchase again?Without a doubt.
Best place to eat?
Car rides to San Diego.
Dip?
These are pretty amazing on their own but I could chop on these with some mango chutney.

Shearer's Rippled Home Run Hot Dog Potato Chips

Shearer's Rippled Home Run Hot Dog Potato Chips

This was a January selection made on a trip home to Pittsburgh to spend some time with my family. I bought them at a Washington, PA Giant Eagle (where you can now buy beer!).

Rating: B

Mustard, Pickely Relish, Ketchup and Onion plus some oh so delicious Monosodium Glutamate, these chips sure were an interesting flavor melange. I personally prefer heavily seasoned or flavored chips to be without ridges, but these definitely left an impression of a day at a ball game.

Would I purchase again?
Probably not for myself but for my sister and my brother-in-law who's house I left these at for their devouring.

Best place to eat?
In a wonderfully warm kitchen (even though it's actually 49 degrees) on Thomas Blvd with my favorite couple and favorite nephew, making other delicious things. Also good for a picnic.

Dip?

As Michael pointed out, some french onion dip would be awesome. I also would try crumpling this on a nice Hebrew National with a some chopped pickles on a poppyseed bun.