IRVINE, Calif. -- Taco Bell will bring gourmet inspired bowls and burritos with its new Cantina Bell menu, a partnership with chef Lorena Garcia that launches nationwide July 5. It is backed by a guarantee--if consumers don't love it, Taco Bell will replace it.
The expanded menu--with suggested prices less than $5--will introduce new flavors while complementing the tastes of Taco Bell's existing core menu.
Garcia--one of the country's leading Latina chefs, born and raised in Venezuela--and who was featured on NBC America's Next Great Restaurant and will appear on the new season of Bravo's Top Chef Masters July 25--worked with Taco Bell beginning in October 2010 to create and perfect the menu. All inspired by Garcia, Cantina Bell will feature eight new ingredients for Taco Bell such as whole black beans, cilantro rice, 100% all-white meat chicken in a citrus and herb marinade, guacamole made with 100% Hass avocado, fire-roasted corn salsa, creamy cilantro dressing, romaine lettuce and pico de gallo.
Cantina Bowl: Chicken ($4.79, 560 calories, 22g total fat. 26g protein), Veggie ($4.79, 540 calories, 21g total fat, 14g protein), Steak ($4.99, 550 calories, 23g total fat, 22g protein).
Cantina Burrito: Chicken ($4.79, 760 calories, 27g total fat, 32g protein), Veggie ($4.79, 740 calories, 26g total fat, 20g protein), Steak ($4.99, 750 calories, 28g total fat, 28g protein).
Beyond the new food items and sides, Garcia has influenced the menu in other ways by focusing on the build and presentation, and by including more ingredients per item but each in smaller amounts.
Taco Bell will also offer side combinations as part of the new menu, including chips and Garcia's pico de gallo or fire-roasted corn salsa, chips and guacamole or black beans and cilantro rice, each for $1.49.
"Lorena is truly an inspiration, and her new menu and passion for food has inspired a new menu with the freshest flavors that exceed expectations," said Brian Niccol, chief marketing and innovation officer, Taco Bell Corp. "Additionally, in true Taco Bell fashion, she worked with us to create a high quality, value-driven lineup of new offerings comprised of new ingredients that offers a broader array of tastes and flavors our consumers are seeking, all wrapped up in terrific Taco Bell value and convenience."
He added, "Lorena worked incredibly hard as a member of our team to make this happen, starting with 26 recipes and eventually we ended up with eight. She knew her name would be on it, literally--each item will be handed to customers with her signature--and Lorena wanted every layer of taste to be just right, to underscore, as she describes it, her sazon. The test results showed that the hard work paid off and we look forward to taking it national."
Said Garcia: "Taco Bell approached me with an interesting challenge. They have a passionate fan base that loves the great taste of the classic menu items--and they don't want to change that. They were looking to keep these menu items and expand their food to offer new flavors with great taste. As a chef, I saw this as an opportunity to help create diversity to the Taco Bell experience, and to introduce and celebrate the tastes and flavors from around the world to millions of customers."
To support its launch of the Cantina Bell menu, Taco Bell will be launching an integrated TV and online campaign, 15- and 30-second spots emphasizing Garcia's passion for the product.
Taco Bell Corp., a subsidiary of Louisville, Ky.-based Yum! Brands Inc., is the nation's leading Mexican-style quick service restaurant. Taco Bell serves tacos, burritos, signature quesadillas, nachos and other specialty items. Taco Bell serves more than 36.8 million consumers each week in nearly 5,600 U.S. restaurants.
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