Taco Bell Goes Upscale With New Cantina Bell Menu

                                                                                                 (Image credit: Cantinabell.com)

Who says fast food can't have a touch of fine dining?  Taco Bell announced plans Wednesday for a new upscale menu, in an attempt to compete with popular restaurant chain Chipotle.

Miami chef Lorena Garcia, an upcoming "Top Chef Masters" competitor, began collaborating on the menu with Taco Bell in October in 2010.

"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," said Garcia in a statement.

Whole black beans, cilantro rice, citrus marinated chicken, Haas avocado guacamole and corn salsa are some of the new items that will be added to the menu.

The restaurant is known for less health-conscious late-night dining items like cheese roll-ups, volcano tacos and large nachos.  Their newest item, Doritos Los Tacos, sold over 100 million in past 10 weeks.

Taco Bell, which is comprised of over 5,600 restaurants, will roll out the new menu July 5 at a suggested $5 or less per item.