Back in 1983, the Pappas family launched their Tex-Mex concept, Pappasito's, on Richmond near Hillcroft. Over the course of 30 years, the locally-owned restaurant group has grown to 21 locations across two states, including 13 in the Houston area, but Pappasito's isn't resting on its laurels. Pappas marketing director Christina Pappas confirmed to CultureMap that the company is targeting a February opening for a new location in the Hilton-Americas Houston hotel downtown.
Pappas also indicated the company is moving ahead with its plans to open a Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in the former Strip House location but would not provide a timetable for that high-profile expansion.
"This is a big milestone for Pappasito’s, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our loyal guests,” Harris Pappas, co-owner and co-founder, Pappas Restaurants, Inc., said in a statement. “We want to thank Houstonians for their support and invite them to join our family for 30 days of celebration."
Beginning Oct. 1, Pappasito's will celebrate its 30th year anniversary with a series of specials that include the restaurant's signature beef and chicken fajitas. In addition to discounts, they're also serving the Pappasito's "Reserva Margarita" in a commemorative glass that diners can take home and adding a special chocolate tres leches to the menu for a limited time. Like Pappasito's on Facebook for the daily chance to win a $50 gift card.
The weekly food specials are as follows:
Week 1: Oct. 1 to 5: Half Price Beef & Chicken Fajitas All Day, large size only.
Week 2: Oct. 7 to 11: Half Price Happy Hour Appetizers, with beverage purchase, 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in the bar.
Week 3: Oct. 13 to 19: Half Price Lunch Beef & Chicken Fajitas, medium size only, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Week 4: Oct. 20 to 26: eClub Free Appetizer with “Pappasito’s Pass” (with entree purchase, excludes appetizer sampler, quesadillas and nachos.) eClub members will receive a reusable Free Appetizer coupon on Oct. 18, valid for as many guest visits during Oct. 20 to Oct.26.
Week 5: Oct. 27 to 30: Half Price Beef & Chicken Fajitas All Day, large size only.
Pappasito's dropped by the CultureMap office to demonstrate the restaurant's table-side guacamole ($12.95). Added to the menu about five years ago, it provides diners with the opportunity to have an incredibly fresh product that's made to their specifications for chunkiness, spiciness and overall flavor. There's also the Gordon Ramsay "wow factor" associated with a table-side preparation that's sure to be the envy of every nearby table.
In the video above, Juliana Romero demonstrates the restaurant's technique for making guacamole. It's something that's easily recreated at home and sure to be a hit at any party.
One tip that's not in the video: For people making a large batch, Romero recommends placing the whole avocado seeds in the guacamole to keep it looking green.
Pappasito’s Table-side Guacamole
Ingredients:
2 avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 tbsp chopped roasted jalapeño-serrano mix
1 tbsp diced red onion
1 tbsp cilantro, chiffonade
1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp diced tomatoes (Romas preferred)
Procedure:
Place avocado halves in the molcajete along with the jalapeño-serranos, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, white pepper, and kosher salt. Using a fork and a spoon, mash avocados and toss all ingredients together. Mix until the ingredients are incorporated, but the avocados are still chunky.
Doesn't that look delicious?
Find Taste of Gold near gate A8. Courtesy of Houston Airports 