KFC’s recently introduced sandwich, the Double Down, may be low in carbs, but nearly rivals many other artery-clogging fast-food meals with its formidable levels of fat, calories and salt. The sandwich is contained between two slabs of breaded fried chicken replacing the bread, which are filled with two slices of processed orange cheese, two strips of bacon and the Colonel’s “special sauce.” It carries 460 calories, 23 grams of fat and 1,430 mg of sodium. In an article written for The Huffington Post by San Francisco Chronicle columnist Mark Morford, the writer sums up the concoction with steely words: “One sandwich to kill you all.”

Bankers Hill recently made way for Barrio Star, a new hip Mexican restaurant formerly occupied by Mukashi, and opened by restaurateur and cookbook author Isabel Cruz. The menu features some mightily priced fare, such as $16 carne asada tacos that drop to $12 at lunchtime, plus trios of fish and free-range chicken tacos at about the same prices. Meats are hormone-free and the sangrias are house-made. Stay tuned for a complete GLT review in the coming weeks. Fifth Avenue and Nutmeg Street.

A self-guided tour of more than 50 restaurants in the Hillcrest dining district takes place from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday (April 17). Participating eateries that will open their doors to dole out food samples include Kip’s Café, Gossip Grill,, Bamboo Lounge & Ami Sushi, Lotus Thai, Mama Testa Taqueria, Terra Restaurant, Bite, Pizza Fusion and Whole Foods Market. The cost is $30 in advance or $35 the day of the event. Proceeds will benefit the Hillcrest Business Association. Tickets are available online at www.fabuloushillcrest.com or by calling 619-233-5008. They can also be purchased at Urban Mo’s, Brian’s American Eatery and Bamboo Lounge.

Chef Sean Magee of Proper Pub at the new Wine Steals in Petco Park will apply culinary science to the making of smoking squid ink ice, citrus foams, roe-vanilla beurre blanc and more for a rare Frank Family winemaker dinner at 7 p.m., April 27. Donning lab coats instead of aprons, Magee and his team’s six-course menu includes Kumiai and Belon oysters with tri-colored caviar, Maine scallops stuffed with Asian pears, braised beef short ribs and pecan-crusted New Zealand lamb. The molecular components add the final touches to the dishes. The wine portfolio will include 1997 Brut, 2008 Pinot Noir, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and a dessert Port. The cost is $59. 795 J St., 619-255-7492.

The Mediterranean-style kabobery, Luna Grill, recently opened a second location in Mission Valley’s Fenton Marketplace, serving a wide variety of fire-grilled meat, poultry and seafood kabobs along with salads, wraps and sandwiches. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 2245 Fenton Parkway, Suite 105, 619-516-5828.