National French Fry Day

National French Fry Day

French fries.  If you’ve ever been through a drive-thru, then you know all about the golden, crispy, sizzling hot fried food that we’re talking about!  Whether you enjoy your fries plain, with chili cheese sauce, waffle-style or curly, today is the day to celebrate the greasy food!

According to National Day Calendar, some people believe that french fries got their name during World War I when the American soldiers arrived in Belgium and tried Belgian fries.  French was the official language of the Belgian Army at that time, so it is possible that the American soldiers named the fried potatoes “French” fries.

 

How French Fries Are Made

Have you ever wondered how french fries are made so perfectly golden brown and crispy? We have the answer in six easy steps!

Step 1: Cut potatoes into even strips.

Step 2: Soak the potato strips in cold water to remove surface starch, then dry.

Step 3: Dip the potato strips in hot fat (most commonly oil) to cook them all the way through.

Step 4: Dip potato strips again in hot fat to fry and crisp the outside (this is known as the two-bath method).

Step 5: Place fries into a colander or on a cloth to drain.

Step 6: Salt and serve fries.

 

Fried Foods Are Bad For Dogs!

We know how tempting it can be to let your pet indulge in some fried food.  Let’s be honest, if we love something, we want our pets to enjoy it as well.  As much as we would like to give our pets food from the drive-thru, ignore the puppy dog eyes and save your cat or dog the bellyache!

Okay, let’s get real for a second.  Fried and fatty foods are bad for people and dogs alike.  We’re not saying that you need to completely cut fried food out of your diet, but fried foods definitely don’t benefit you and they are even worse for an animal’s body.

National French Fry DayFried foods (including french fries) are full of salt, trans fat, and saturated fats.  In animals, too much of these fats can lead to extreme inflammation.  Our pet’s body cannot tolerate excessive amounts of salt, and a diet full of salt can increase blood pressure.  In extreme cases, dogs can develop salt poisoning, which can send dogs into a coma or even death.  In less severe cases, symptoms can include loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.  A dog may walk like he or she is drunk, and it may seem like the animal can’t get enough water to drink.  Depending on the severity of the salt poisoning and how imbalanced the electrolytes are, seizures may occur.  To treat salt poisoning, a veterinarian will recommend hospitalization and IVs.  An even better idea?  Skip the salt and fried food treats altogether!

Another health concern thanks to fried food is pancreatitis in pets.  Symptoms of pancreatitis include loss of appetite, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeat.  Fried foods can also lead to kidney failure, extreme thirst, and frequent urination.  Instead of fried food, give your animal high-quality, formulated pet food and stick to it.  Do not give food scraps, especially not french fries!

 

Where to Find National French Fry Deals in 2019

Even though this is not a holiday that your pet can celebrate, you still can!  We found some great deals from restaurants that are joining in on celebrating this fun holiday!  Below are several coupons and freebies to check out, but always ask the restaurant if they are participating in the deal before you order!

Applebee’s: For a limited time, get all-you-can-eat Riblets, Chicken Tenders & Shrimp, including fries, for $14.99.

Burger21: Try limited-edition “kicked-up” Buffalo Ranch Fries to celebrate National French Fry Day.

BurgerFi: $1 regular fries in-restaurant from open to close. Mention this offer at the counter in order to redeem. Not valid with online, phone, in-app or delivery orders.

Burger King: Get a large French fries order for $1 Saturday through Mobile Order & Pay on the BK app.

Del Taco: Get a $1 small or medium fry Saturday with the chain’s app.

Hurricane Grill & Wings: Get free Garlic Parm Fries with purchase of an entrée Saturday.

IHOP: For a limited time, the chain’s Classic Steakburgers come with unlimited fries.

McDonald’s: Get a free medium order of fries with any $1 purchase with the McDonald’s app.

Red Robin: Get bottomless steak fries when you order burgers starting at $6.99 each. This includes bottomless steamed broccoli, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, garlic herbed fries or side salad, too!

SAJJ Mediterranean: Get a free side of fries with the purchase of an entrée. You must mention the offer to the cashier in order to redeem.

Sonny’s BBQ: Get all-you-can-eat crinkle-cut fries all day on July 13. To get the deal, order a side of fries or choose fries as your side when you order a meal.

Wendy’s: Through Monday, get a free small fry and drink with a premium sandwich (a weekly refresh) or $1 off large fries (daily refresh). Download the app at www.wendys.com.

 

Don’t see a restaurant above listed near you?  For more deals, check out locally-owned restaurants where you live!  Tip: one of the best ways to find deals is on a business’s social media pages.