5 Reasons You Should Be At JAMBA JUICE

There was a time where I was eating a whole lot of junk food.  I alone probably contributed millions to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Company.  Then I turned 40 years old.  I knew I had to eat alot healthier.  Luckily there was a Jamba Juice that opened one mile from my house.  Smoothies became a part of my everyday diet.  I refer Jamba juice to everyone I know.  It's health benefits are vast and  puts a smile on everyone's face.  At some point in our lives we have to eat healthier, and Jamba Juice gives you a great way to start on a healthier you.  So, without further ado......

The 5 Reasons You Should Be At Jamba Juice

1- There is a flavor for everyone there.

For real, there is.  You want a fruity smoothie with Kale?   They got it.  Want a mango smoothie with whey protein?  Got that too.  Wheat-grass shot?  Not my thing, but who am I to judge.  Got that too.  The menu at Jamba Juice has all sorts of drinks for every kind of palate.  For chocolate lovers, there is the Chocolate Moo'd.  Need a quick pick up? Try the Acai Super Antioxidant Smoothie.  You can try my favorite, the ORANGE BUSTER.  All sorts of different combinations of great flavors can be had at Jamba Juice.

2- AMAZING OATMEAL

The oatmeal at Jamba Juice is to die for.And it is low calorie.  Only 200 calories of yum.  You get organic steel cut oats in soy milk with your choice of two toppings.  Very high in fiber, Iron, and protein.  I can not stress how good this oatmeal is.  Great way to start your day.  And it will not weigh you down.

3- They are fast

I like the fact I can pop in, order, and get my smoothie in about 5 minutes.  The staff at Jamba Juice is really good at what they do.  They have the best blenders known to man, and the ingredients are about as fresh as you can get.  In little time, they get you your smoothie fix.  I see patrons who just left work come in just because it takes little to to prepare a smoothie of their choice.  Beats waiting a while at a fast food place that only has 3 to 5 flavors  to choose from.  Time is precious, and Jamba Juice saves alot of it for you.

4- You can chill out there

The dining area at Jamba Juice is clean, quiet, and non-stressful.  The music they play is upbeat, and you can relax.  Eateries can get really loud, but Jamba Juice is usually very serene. No dark colors on the wall here.  The ambiance at Jamba Juice is that of peace and tranquility.  You can study there.  Maybe read a book.  Have an intelligent conversation.  Great place to unwind and reset your energy meter.  

5- IT'S HEALTHY

About 5 times a week, smoothies replace a large meal I would normally have.  I am replacing 800 calories with 400 calories and all sorts of nutrients.  Jamba juice is great for a post workout treat, or if you want to start out on a health kick.  You can add healthy boosts to your smoothie to boost your immune system or get your energy up.  Even the baked desserts offered there are good for you.  I see personal trainers there all the time.  You have a drink from Jamba Juice, and you won't feel bloated.  It is healthy done right.  Much healthier than Boba tea.

I urge all of you to give Jamba Juice a try.  Their smoothies are delicious, and their other offerings will have you coming back for more.  So what are you waiting for......go order an Orange Buster and have a great day.

Legendary Menu Items: Lemon Chicken from Ding How Chinese Restaurant

Lemon Chicken from DING HOW

I eat alot of Chinese food, and I know all the good Chinese eateries in town.  I usually try different entrees every time I go to each one on several occasions.  That is not the case with Ding How Chinese Restaurant.  I order only one entree from their menu.....and it is the best lemon chicken in all of San Antonio.  It is with out a doubt a legendary menu item.

Since 1983, Ding How has been a Chinese cuisine staple in the Alamo City.  Their legendary lemon chicken is by far their magnum opus.  Everyone I know has gone there just to try the lemon chicken.  What makes this dish so great?  It's two things.  Allow me to explain:

#1     The lemon sauce

The lemon sauce at Ding How is perfect.  Not too thick, and not thin at all.  Perfectly tangy ,but not sour.  I love the fact it is not draped over the chicken.  You can get as much sauce as you want just from dipping.  It goes great with steamed rice as well.  Other places have a really thick and almost orange sauce that seems to get thicker as you eat.  This is not the case with Ding How.  The sauce is divine. 

#2 The chicken portion size

The chicken itself is generously portioned  and delicious.  It is very thick in the middle, and breaded perfectly.  You get your money's worth at Ding How.  Ding How does not skimp on how much chicken you get.  I always get the same amount of chicken when ever I order lemon chicken.  It is juicy, and will have you leaving with a full stomach and a smile.  

You put these two elements together, and you are in for a true treat.  Ding How's best seller is the stuff of food legend in San Antonio, and I think everyone should try it.  You can't miss Ding How.  It's that pagoda looking building off Callaghan Rd. and Loop 410.  Their menu is vast and great quality, but the lemon chicken there is the bee's knees.  You have my word on it.

FOOD SPITBALLIN: I answer friend's questions

People have questions. I have answers.  Let's get started;

Question #1: Now that you have a food blog, will you be covering Fiesta at all?

The answer is yes, but I really had to think about this one.  I have not been to Fiesta in over 30 years.  I'm not crazy about Fiesta at all.  I have never really liked it.  All sorts of insanity ensues.  I'm afraid I will get in a fight with some high or drunken cholo, but for the sake of food, I will be covering Fiesta.  So much food at all the festivities.  How can I not cover it.  May have to defend my own life just to try a gordita, but it will be well worth it.

Question #2:  Is there a food you have been eating for years that now everyone seems to love?

Yes.  Hummus. I first tried hummus in England, and I have been eating it with celery, crackers, and pretzels.  I ate it when my friends thought it was disgusting.  Little did they know years later, everyone would love hummus.  It is really good chickpea dip.  Very healthy. I love it.  I serve it at my parties all the time.  It's just hard knowing that I have been eating it for so long, and now all of a sudden it's cool.  Hummus has always been cool.

Question #3:  What are 3 snacks I should take and not take on a road trip?

Excellent question.  Those who know me are aware of the fact I love a good roadtrip.  I have taken many, and you have to be wise with your snack choices. 

Not's:  No chips.  They are messy and stink up the vehicle.

No bread based treats.  They will have you making too many restroom stops.

No spicy snacks.  Especially Takis.  Shame on you if you eat Takis. Horribly bad for you.   Spicy snacks are murder on the road.

Do's: Beef Jerky:  Get your protein without the hell of an upset stomach.  

Gummy snacks.  Especially Sour Patch Kids.  Really controllable eating portions.

Almonds or peanuts.  They keep your energy level up.

Question #4:  Is there a restaurant you will not do an article about on your blog?

Yes! Genghis Grill.  I have personal reasons not to write about this place, but objectively, I have one reason.  In advance I apologize to anyone who is an employee at Genghis Grill who might not like what I am about to say.  If a customer hands you the ingredients of their meal, you are not a cook  or chef.  You are a glorified microwave.  There I said it.  Not an attack on those people's character, but just how I fell about the format of this place.  Great udon noodles though.

Question #5:  What there a food that was so good it left you speechless?

This happened twice.  The first time was at the house of a beautiful woman I was dating named JoAnn.  She is of Thai descent, and she whipped up some Thai chili flavored hot wings.  I was in heaven.  They were so good.  Sweet and spicy.  Nothing like having awesome wings with a beautiful woman.  The second time was at Texas Roadhouse.  I ordered a 20 oz. Ribeye steak cooked medium well.  There were not enough words to describe how amazing this steak was.  Went great with a can of  Foster's beer.  Add a bloomin onion, and you have bliss.  

Stayed tuned tomorrow as I present Legendary Menu Items: Lemon Chicken from Ding How.

The Top 5 Places to get Boba in San Antonio

Avocado Cream Blend From Tealicious Cafe

When I was a child, tapioca was frowned upon.  In vanilla pudding, no one wanted any part of it.  It was ignored for its texture, and looked at as bizarre.  That was until now.  Boba tea, a milk tea drink from Taiwan, has put tapioca into the forefront as a must have.  The popularity of boba tea has exploded in the last 5 years, and tapioca has finally gotten its day in the sun.  Boba cafes are popping up everywhere, and people of all ages have fallen in love with it.  With so many flavors to choose from, there is a boba tea for everyone.  This is absolutely the case here in San Antonio.  So today I provide you with the top five places to get great boba in San Antonio.  

#5

PHO HA LONG

6424 NW Loop 410 #104 78238

Many pho restaurants offer boba tea, but most do not offer the quality of boba that Pho Ha Long does.  Nothing goes better after finishing a bowl of pho than boba tea.  The friendly staff at Pho Ha Long were among the first eateries to offer boba tea in the Alamo City.  My favorite flavor there is avocado.  I regularly see high school students from the neighboring Holmes High School pop in during their lunch hour just for boba tea.  Great quality boba here.

#4

SNOPIOCA

6423 Babcock Rd. #104 78249

Though they may not have as many flavors as other places, SNOPIOCA makes damn good boba tea.  The place is always looking clean, and is a cool place to hang out in.  The prices there are a little higher than most, but it is top quality boba.  I suggest that you try the Taro or matcha green tea flavors.  SNOPIOCA also serves Taiwanese shaved ice, and it hits the spot on a hot day.  Give SNOPIOCA a try.

#3

KUNG FU TEA

7211 Green Glen Dr Suite 101 78255

Without a doubt the friendliest and fastest boba place in town.  Conveniently located near the UTSA campus, KUNG FU TEA is very popular with college students and boba fans alike.  KUNG FU TEA has a huge selection of flavors to choose from.  I suggest you try the honey green tea, strawberry milk slush, and their amazing taro milk tea.  It is also a great option for those who are lactose intolerant.  Great place to chill in after a long day.  You owe it to try KUNG FU TEA.

#2

Tealicious Cafe

8223 Marbach Rd. Suite 114

The most popular boba franchise in San Antonio, TEALICIOUS CAFE offers an endless amount of possibilities as far as flavors.    You can mix multiple flavors from their vast menu. Ther is a TEALICIOUS CAFE next door to where I work, and I go atleast five times a week.  The boba here is great.  The tapioca balls TEALICIOUS uses taste even better cold, and they are very generous with the tapioca they give you.  My personal favorite flavor is taro with pomegranate.  They also have some unusual flavors that are actually good like jackfruit, sour sop, and durian.  There is probably a TEALICIOUS CAFE close to you ,so drop in and get yourself the best avocado boba smoothie in town.  Great place to relax. They have a great frequent buyer program as well.

#1

BOBALICIOUS 

When you walk into BOBALICIOUS, the first thing you will notice is the wall of customer made flavors that have catchy names.  And they are all great.  Trust me, I have tried them all.  My two favorites are The Hulk and The Boba Fett.  The place itself is very chill.  There are couches to relax on, tables to play board games with your friends, and they have events like Anime Night at BOBALICIOUS as well.  The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.  I love the fact they are located very close to a huge comic book store.  I suggest BOBALICIOUS for anyone trying boba for the first time.  Try one of their fun flavors.  I hear they now have an Abuelita boba tea now.  

If you have not tried boba before, give it a go.  It is delicious, and I guarantee you will be coming back for more.  There are boba places all over town.  What are you waiting for ?  Anytime is a good time for BOBA.

Dinnertime Death Match BRISKET VS. BEEF FAJITAS

Brisket

                                                                              VS.
                                                                     Beef Fajitas

Today's Dinnertime Death Match pins two Texas born favorites against each other.  One is the darling of BBQ.  The other is the trendy Lord of South Texas Mexican Cuisine.  Both are very popular, but we will find out who is better.  As always, the death match will be judged on five categories: Accessibility, Price, Flavor, Popularity, and the return factor.  Who will reign supreme?

Accessibility: Beef Fajitas

There are far more Mexican restaurants than BBQ establishments in this country.  In Texas alone, beef fajitas are on more menus as a plate or taco.  Brisket is part of a plate or bought by the pound.  The really good brisket can be found in small towns like Luling and Lockhart.  Great fajitas are only a few minutes away.  Beef fajitas take this one.

Price: TIE

Sure you could buy fajitas in taco form, but the price of one pound of beef fajitas is equal to the price of one pound of brisket.  We are just all used to seeing brisket being sold by the pound.  We all see fajitas served at restaurants in small portions, and never considered the money value of that amount of fajitas.  Brisket is priced as it is because of how long it takes to slow cook, yet it is not looked at as a bargain when in reality it is decently priced.  This one is a tie.

Flavor:  Beef Fajitas

This one came down to extras.  Brisket usually goes best with onions and pickles as well as BBQ sauce.  What goes well with fajitas: avocado, sauteed onions, pico de gallo, salsa, peppers, ans a host of other ingredients.  Fajitas also go well with tortillas.  There is alot you can do with fajitas as far as customizing their flavor.  Brisket is delicious, but there are some brisket faithful that really don't add much to their brisket.  More possibilities with beef fajitas.  Beef Fajitas take this one. 

Popularity: Brisket

This category is not even close.  Ten years ago, it would have been a category beef fajitas have won.  But, brisket's business is booming.  BBQ eateries have seen upsides to their customer counts on the popularity of brisket alone.  Brisket lovers are willing to drive hours to try some of the best brisket around.  Beef fajitas have blended in to most Mexican restaurant menus, and really don't get the press coverage that brisket gets.  Food channels spotlight brisket as a premiere foodie entree. Brisket cook offs are popping up everywhere.  Hands down, brisket wins this one.

The Return Factor: Brisket

Both are regularly grilled at home, but brisket has become the one BBQ-ed on a regular basis.  It feeds a larger amount of people.  Brisket is now more seen as the meat of choice for fundraisers.  Fajitas are more of a dine in experience, yet pre-marinated fajitas make it easier for people to grill them.  Brisket is also a left over fan's dream.  People don't mind slow cooking a brisket for 15 hours.  More people are going out to dine for fajitas rather than grill them.  Brisket gets this one.

We have a tie.  I took it upon myself to choose two restaurants for the tie breaker.  It's the fajitas from La Margaritas vs. the brisket from Kruez Market.  Both critically acclaimed.  I went on separate days, and ordered a good size amount of each entree.  I loved both offerings from both establishments.  I even asked other diners what was it about the meats that they loved.  One word made my decision.  WOW.  One meat is a crowd pleaser and its quality has never waned.  Fajitas are slowly becoming the entree that is falling under the radar.  There are more raves for brisket than there are for beef fajitas.    Both are very delicious, but BRISKET draws a bigger WOW factor.  Brisket takes this DEATH MATCH.

I love both brisket and beef fajitas.  Please try both.  There is Kruez Market, Smitty's Market, Blacks BBQ, and Chisholm Trail BBQ in Lockhart for Brisket.  La Margaritas, Don Pedro's Mexican Restaurant, and Rasoraio's in Southtown for beef fajitas.  Next week it's mangia mangia mangia as Spaghetti takes on Lasagna.