Showing posts with label Houston Eats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Houston Eats. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

::Eatfitters:: Be fit for life.

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All statements below are my true and honest opinion. 


As a busy Houston Momma who works outside the home, there are certain things that I look for when seeking healthy options; how convenient or affordable things are, how well balanced they can be and how accessible they are.

Which is why when I sat down and spoke to the owner of Eatfitters, Sam Jaoude, he embodied those things for me. I love speaking to people who practice what they preach and Sam and his family certainly do. You can tell he is strong and healthy, and an emotionally well balanced father, husband and entrepreneur. He is a fit person, who eats well. Simple as that. Sam has been an every day Corporate America employee. He knows the demands of working outside the home, raising a family and wanting to follow your dreams.

His father passed away at an early age of a heart attack. Sam later discovered that the untimely death of his father was caused more by his diet than his activity level. He decided that he would need to change his own eating habits to achieve a good quality of life. In his attempt to achieve this, he created his food brand which would assist on his path to a healthy lifestyle. In speaking to Sam, this change is visible and his passion for helping others achieve these same goals, is also one that stands out.

As part of my trial, I was provided food for an entire day. Trust me this is so convenient for this Momma and something I could get used to. Sam does explain that yes, eating healthy isn't cheap but the expense, I feel is well worth it. Eatfitters provides different meal plans with different prices and of course allows for walk-ins. 

For a Momma on a budget he has 3 day plans and the option to come back and pick up food on a daily, random basis. He has nutritionist on site who will help you select the best options for your lifestyle and health needs. Eatfitters also provide Family sized meals, for your entire family to stay on track.

You might think that this program resemble others but Sam assures that his program provides the following 4 qualities that others don't: they have flavor and are foods we can enjoy, they are low in sodium, the diversity of the food  resembles the city we live in, and they are nutritious! 



While Eatfitters is a slowly growing enterprise they are quickly gaining ground in the Houston area. They currently have 5 locations and future plans of expanding. I loved visiting with the employees at the location near Memorial City Mall. Everyone is very helpful and filled with valuable information. Their personalized insight into my meals were very good as well. 

I had the following meals, all very tasty and filling-

Breakfast- Chili Migas
Mid-morning snack- Cheese cake bar -SO GOOD
Lunch-Garlic Chicken Pizza
Mid-day snack- Veggie sticks and Hummus 
Dinner-Ginger Cashew Chicken 

Here are 3 things I learned from Eatfitters:

1) Healthy food can taste good- this is one of Sam's main concerns, in trying to eat healthier he learned that not many good tasting options existed. He made it his goals to make healthy food that tastes good as well. He has achieved this. My Husband and I both tried the foods and they taste great, not what we expected from this type of food setting. 

2) Balance is possible- Sam is a huge advocate of balance. He understands that life can't be lived in one rigid format. He knows that cheat meals and cheat days will happen so he has incorporated those into his meal plans and makes sure that we stay on top of our health. While you might crave a cheat day now, once you start and taste all his food options, I don't feel that one is needed. 

3) Portions are achievable- If I am being honest my biggest struggle is portions. With preset portions and some self-control Eatfitters has great portions set throughout the day. It might be something you struggle with initially but trust me you will not starve. I felt like I ate more than when I set out to eat healthy on my own. Your body needs the food as fuel, this is all explained when you go in for your free consultation. At first it might seem like the portions are too small, once you get used to them they will be just enough!

Are you ready to start eating fit today? 

Contact EATFITTERS:


Houston celebrities such as Debra Duncan and Chita Johnson, are both local customers of Eatfitters. 



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Monday, October 5, 2015

::Taco Cabana:: FREE Chicken Fajita Taco

::Momma Disclosure:: This is a compensated post. All information provided by PR/Media rep. 



To celebrate the launch of Taco Cabana’s month-long fundraiser, Taco Treat, to benefit the Warrior and Family Support Center, the brand will offer guests one FREE Chicken Fajita Taco from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Throughout October, Taco Cabana guests can help raise money for the WFSC, an organization that provides essential programs and services to seriously wounded U.S. veterans and their families, by purchasing $1 coupon books. The coupon booklets include five free bean and cheese taco coupons and a bonus coupon from Coca-Cola, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the organization.



More information can be found in the press release below: 


TACO CABANA® HOSTS FIFTH ANNUAL TACO TREAT FUNDRAISER THIS MONTH
Proceeds from treat books sold in October support wounded vets; free tacos on Oct. 6

SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 1, 2015) – Taco Cabana celebrates the return of its annual Taco Treat fundraiser in October that benefits the Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC). The WFSC provides essential programs and services to seriously wounded U.S. veterans and their families during treatment, recovery and rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

During the month of October, all Taco Cabana locations in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico will sell $1 coupon books, good for five free bean and cheese tacos, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to WFSC. This year, the books include a bonus coupon from Coca-Cola® good for one free 20-oz. drink with the purchase of any item – bringing the value of the books to more than $7 in return for the $1 donation.

Additionally, from 5-8 p.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 6, each dine-in guest can enjoy one free Chicken Fajita Taco in honor of National Taco Day, while supplies last. No purchase or coupon is necessary to get the free taco.

“The WFSC is near and dear to our hearts at Taco Cabana, given the immense number of U.S. military stationed in Texas and across the region that we proudly serve each day,” said Taco Cabana Chief Operating Officer Todd Coerver. “Since the fundraiser’s inception in 2010, we’ve raised more than $300,000 and with the help of our partner Coca-Cola, we hope for the best year yet.”

The WFSC offers wounded vets and their families a place to gather, relax, receive emotional support and learn to cope with war-related disabilities as individuals, couples and families. The WFSC also provides vital family necessities including diapers, formula and food during times of great need and transition, and it also puts on special summer and winter camps for the children of wounded vets.

“We depend on the ongoing support of the local community to help us provide the necessary programs and services to WFSC members,” said Judith Markelz, Director of the WFSC. “The generosity of our friends and supporters helps the center maintain its goal of helping our war veterans and their families find a home away from home while recovering.”

For hours and other information regarding the Taco Cabana nearest you, please visitwww.tacocabana.com.

About Taco Cabana
Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., was founded more than 35 years ago in San Antonio and specializes in Mexican-inspired food made fresh by hand, including fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and tequila margaritas, patio dining and drive-thru windows. As of July 30, 2015, Taco Cabana operates nearly 170 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

About Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises Pollo Tropical®, Taco Cabana and Cabana Grill® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual, ethnic restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature made-from-scratch cooking, fresh salsa bars, drive-thru service and catering. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., visit the corporate website at www.frgi.com.

About the Warrior and Family Support Center
The Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC) provides coordinated services to wounded warriors, next-of-kin and extended family members, offering a friendly, comfortable environment for military families to reconnect during medical treatment. The only one of its kind in the Army, the WFSC allows wounded warriors and their family members to receive emotional support and answers to their questions, and to extend their rehabilitation away from the hospital. The $5.6 million WFSC facility was built in 2008, funded solely by donations, and is staffed by volunteers. The Center gives families a place to take a break, watch a movie on big-screen TV's, play video games, check email or use the Internet, select a book or magazine to read, make a phone call or just grab a cup of coffee.

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Thursday, December 18, 2014

::El Pollo Loco:: Healthy Holiday Options

::Momma of Dos:: {This is a compensated post by El Pollo Loco. All statements are my own and honest opinion.}

I know how tough it can be to eat healthy during the Holiday season. I struggle with staying on track but thankfully El Pollo Loco makes it so easy to be good! I love the newest additions to their menu; healthy options that fit many lifestyles and diets. Fire grilled chicken and avocado, not just delicious but great options for being healthy when eating out. If you visit the website you can find the healthier options for you or your families special dietary needs. Click here for HEALTHIER OPTIONS. El Pollo Loco also has the most fresh veggies for your kids, my children LOVE broccoli and salads so I love that their kids combos come with this option.  A plus for this Momma is to know that their delicious salsa is made with fresh ingredients, very important to have good salsa!  




"Healthy options that meet the speed of life!"
                                                             ~ Mark Hardison  ::Vice President of Marketing::




El Pollo Loco  is quickly expanding in the Houston area, in the coming year they will make additions to Katy and Humble. 7 to 8 new locations will be opening in the near future. Their Cy-Fair location has employed over 40 local employees. As this location has been very busy. I had the opportunity to attend their Copperfield location Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting ceremony. While the locations dine-in area was closed for the private event, the drive through was booming and with in an hour they had to open the restaurant to accommodate everyone.  The Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce has supported the local El Pollo Loco as they know that they will be very successful within the community. 



At the Copperfield Grand Opening, El Pollo Loco representative Mark Hardison presented to the Houston Food Bank a donation of $1,000.00 which according to representative Jennifer Reeves is equivalent to 3,000 meals. This type of donation is especially important during the Holiday season. I loved being a part of the this special event and can't wait to visit El Pollo Loco more often! 

Of course after the opening presentation it was time to eat! 




Have you visited the newly opened El Pollo Loco locations, Sugarland and now Copperfield? 

Don't forget to sign up for their Loco Rewards, you get free chips and guacamole when you do! They also offer catering and gifts cards,great for your Holiday parties! 







Sunday, November 30, 2014

:: El Pollo Loco:: Eating Healthy & Conveniently

::Momma of Dos:: {This is a compensated post by El Pollo Loco. All statements are my own and honest opinion.}


I think that this year even before Thanksgiving came to be we were all Turkey'd out! Ha. Between pot-lucks at work and Thanksgiving feasts at the kids schools in a time span of 2 weeks; by the time Thanksgiving came around we were semi-done with turkey. After Thanksgiving comes a day of leftovers and last night we were ready for something different. I bet you are too? 

How about a chicken dinner with all the freshest of sides from El Pollo Loco! Like corn, broccoli, a loco salad or some yummy black beans.   It now has dos new locations here in Houston conveniently in your neighborhood and their newest location on Mason Road coming soon! 



El Pollo Loco has so many great family deals and I love their freshness and yummy desserts. For easy and convenient dinners you can order from the drive through and take it home to your Holiday guests or head on over and dine-in to get away from all the busy streets of Holiday shopping. No matter how you choose to order El Pollo Loco is a great alternative for family dinners during the upcoming Holiday season. 

For us as a Mexican {American} family of 4 we are always seeking delicious Mexican food and El Pollo Loco has some authentic foods such as their sopes and tortas as well as burritos and enchiladas which we crave! 

So, as you prepare to head out for Holiday travels or in-town shopping don't forget that El Pollo Loco has great healthy alternative for your entire family. And, if you decided to dine in or order out it's an easy and convenient way to get dinner done for you  and your family. 




::El Pollo Loco::


"At El Pollo Loco, pronounced “L Po-yo Lo-co” and Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken,” we go to crazy lengths for our signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken. First, we marinate fresh, whole chickens in a special recipe of herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic. The whole chickens are then fire-grilled, hand-cut, and served with our chicken meals, burritos, salads, soups, tacos and quesadillas. And if that’s not enough, we apply that same passion to our handmade guacamole, salsas and dressings every day. Some say the lengths we go to are crazy. We say it’s Crazy You Can Taste."

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Miercoles de Foodie! #elpolloloco

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is not a compensated post. I received an invitation for a blogger tasting event and for the grand opening. All opinions and statements are my own personal opinion.}

Last week El Pollo Loco had a special tasting event for bloggers, I wasn't able to make it but I will NOT miss their Grand Opening in Sugarland this October [4528 Hwy 6 South (coming Soon) , Sugar Land, TX 77478]! I am so excited and ready to taste all of the awesome dishes:






My fellow Momma friend and Houston Latina Blogger, Karen of We are the Carrasco's did go....


I cannot wait to try their tasty homemade Mexican food! Mole, salsas, quesadillas...OH MY! Their menu just looks so amazing, I can't wait to taste the crazy and uhm #houstonwehaveapollo

Everything just looks so fresh and tasty!! Their guacamole, roasted corn as a side and those enchiladas. These will be on my to taste list for sure when the new location opens in Sugarland this October!

El Pollo Loco and beyond! 
And, don't' worry you don't live near Sugarland El Pollo Loco plans on opening the following locations to serve more of the Houston area! Yum!!

• Copperfield – Highway 6 & West Rd.
• Katy – S. Mason Rd. & Provincial Blvd.
• Humble – FM 1960 & Whitaker Rd.
• Spring – Kuykendahl & Springbrook Garden Lane

Not only will you be able to enjoy the deliciousness in their great new dine-in area but you can also order in their drive-thru to go, for quick and convenient dinners and you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home!

El Pollo Loco is also hiring!! 

"El Pollo Loco is actively recruiting for new management and crew level positions to support the Houston-area restaurant locations. The company will be hiring hundreds of full- and part-time crew members over the next several months and each restaurant will employ approximately 40 people. El Pollo Loco offers a range of benefits to eligible crew members. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at ElPolloLoco.com/Houston."

::About El Pollo Loco::
El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) is the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain renowned for its masterfully citrus-marinated and fire-grilled chicken and handcrafted entrees using fresh ingredients inspired by authentic Mexican recipes. With more than 400 company-owned and franchised restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Utah, El Pollo Loco will expand its presence in key markets targeting growth of eight to 10 percent per year through a combination of company and existing and new franchisee development. Some say the lengths we go to create fresh, delicious food are crazy.

We say it’s Crazy You Can Taste. 

Visit us on our website at ElPolloLoco.com. 

Like them on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ElPolloLoco
Follow them on Twitter: @ElPolloLoco
Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialElPolloLoco

HOPE YOU JOIN US!!! I will be there!!! 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

{La Pulga} #northsidehouston


So, let me keep it real for you. And, I mean real.

My parents are Mexican. So am I.

Ever since I can remember,especially from my memories living here in Houston, my parents have never been "fancy eaters". We have always been simple. And, yes we have always enjoyed the Pulga {or Flea Market}.

Here in Houston there is no doubt that one of the most aged flea markets is the "Airline Flea Market" which has many other names or references but that's how I know it. La Pulga de la Airline.





It's unique Mexican style Tianguis setup and authentic food, music and atmosphere really makes me feel comfortable and not quite in Mexico but at least close to it.

I have always loved Houston for this very reason, no matter how far we are from the Mexican border we somehow have managed to recreate many Mexican classics in a very "American" city. Places like the Mercado and the Panaderia are also some of my favorites also interestingly enough located on Airline.




Northside Houston is where I grew up, so I was no stranger to these places. Now that I am a adult with children of my own, we opted for living a bit outside of the city and in a more "rural" location. But, that doesn't keep us from our favorite places in town. We visit at least 2 or 3 times a month or as often as we visit my Mom and Dad at their home, which sometimes is every weekend.



My kids have been exposed to all types of food, places and people and they too  are no strangers to these where-abouts. We love it because while it's not fully authentic in location it's very similar and teaches our kids a lot about different Mexican traditions and really a lot about how my Hubby and I grew up.  


What about you? What are some favorite places that you feel are authentic to your roots and that you want your children to grow up with?