Pollo Tropical - Bartram Park - #PolloTropical #Giveaway

Disclosure:  I received a press kit including free meal passes to facilitate this review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Don't worry...Be Happy

...that's a life lesson I can live by.  

Bob Marley was on to something.  Lifes too short - find things that make you happy and ride them like a wave.

Neil and I went to the grand opening of Pollo Tropical in Bartram Park last Friday.  Just walking inside you get the feeling that your troubles stay outside the door.  The restaurant has that relaxed Caribbean vibe that leaves you happy!  It sort of reminds me of a theme restaurant at Disney World.  A mini vacation of sorts.

There was a Calypso band to get you in the mood and a prize wheel to spin, because who doesn't get in a party mood when prizes are involved.

Those citrus flavors make the food like a bite of sunshine and sea! There are so many fresh choices like citrus-marinated chicken along with Caribbean-inspired soups, salads, wraps, fried yuca, sweet plantains and slow-cooked black beans. Oh' and the Mango tea is my new obsession!

Pollo Tropical is different than any other restaurant I've been too.  The main reason of course is the delicious tropical inspired food but it's also a mix of fast/casual.  In-other-words, the hostess seats you with a number at your table, then you proceed to the counter to order.  You're given a cup to get the drink of your choice and they bring the meal to your table when it's ready. You eat on real plates with real utensils and they clean up when you're finished, just like a casual - not fast food restaurant should.

Another big plus - No Tipping!

See what I mean a mix of casual dining and fast food.  The decor features planked walls, ceiling fans, bamboo & wicker styled furniture, tiled floors plus fun colorful artwork.  It's a decidedly Miami or Caribbean feel.

I love the freshness of the food. Especially the bold and tangy flavors that come from the savory island spices, mixed herbs and citrus that are blended into rubs and marinades to season their chicken, pork and beef dishes.

Speaking of chicken, Pollo Tropical's chicken is hormone free, steroid free and never frozen.  A variety of vegetarian dishes make this restaurant a good choice for everyone. They feature made from scratch cooking, fresh salsa bars, drive-thru service and catering. In other words they've got you covered.

We choose the "Create Your Own Family Meal" which includes 1 whole chicken, 4 rolls & sweet plantains.  We also added 2 Caesar salads. It feeds 3-4 easily.  We were so full and seeing that we had another meal left for us to eat at home, we thought that was a great deal for around $21.  The only advice for Pollo Tropical is: Please warm the rolls.  Other than that is was wonderful.

If you live in Jacksonville I encourage you to stop by the new location in Bartram Park or any of the other 3 locations here.  We received great service along with our delicious food. If you're not in Jacksonville you can look for a location near you on their website here: http://pollotropical.com/locator/

Lucky for you, I'm giving away 1 FREE Create Your Own Family Meal with 2 sides and 1 Be Our Guest cards thanks to Pollo Tropical. But you'll have to hurry the #giveaway ends Wed 6/25 at 11:59 p.m. You can enter here: 

**Update - Giveaway has ended.  But I still enjoy comment love!!

Pollo Tropical Giveaway

Life's short, eat the good stuff now y'all...

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

~Proverbs 22:9

5 Completely Free Things To Do In Jacksonville Florida - #freejax

When you visit Florida it's easy to drop a whole lotta moolah really quick.  I mean, we are the state of Disney World, along with a ton of other tourist attractions.  With that said, when I do find something fun and free I'm all over it.

I've come up with a list of 5 things to do for free right here in Jacksonville.  You say, "but I don't live in Jacksonville Tracy". Don't worry, I'm sure there are similar activities in your own neck of the words.  Just google events in  ____ (insert your city here).

San Marco's Affair in the Square. A fun night filled with live music, wine and beer tastings, happy hour specials, shopping and specialty drinks in the unique boutiques, shops and restaurants. There will even be guerilla yoga class taught by Melissa Hischman in Balis Park from 7-8pm (all level class, mats provided)
http://mysanmarco.com/2010/10/15/affair-in-the-square/

The Music by the Sea Concert series continues for the 12th year with more music and food than ever before!  Head out to the St. Augustine Beach Pier every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. for dinner from local eateries or food vendors and then enjoy a free concert starting at 7 p.m. I can't wait to go to the next 2 listed below:

• Wed June 11th - BBQ & the blues with one of the south's best blues artists The David Gerald Blues Band with food from Tailgater Toby & Smoked & Stoked BBQ
• Wed July 30th - Parrot Head Night with Jimmy Parrish & The Ocean Waves and great food from Mango Mango's! Celebrate the music of the Beach and musical influences like Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley.  Wear your Parrot Head gear and get ready for fun!

http://thecivicassociation.org/music_by_the_sea_summer_concerts

Did you know Jax Beach is the home of the world's largest beach run?  It is, and it's this weekend! This event includes a Health and Fitness Expo, live entertainment, speakers, parachute jumps, surf lessons and games.  Registration required for various contests, games and activities but plenty of free fun for all as well.
http://neverquitnever.com/

Bob Thompson's The Tempest

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.  Enjoy Cummer's free Tuesdays from 4-9 p.m.  You can also visit for free on Weaver First Saturday on the first Saturday of every month.  If you've never seen the Cummer Gardens you owe it to yourself to visit at least once.  The Cummer Gardens boast one of the most important and beautiful gardens in Northeast Florida.  The history of the gardens goes back over 100 years and bear the imprint of some of the foremost names in landscape design and horticulture, including the famed Olmsted firm.
http://www.cummer.org/home

A night at the MOCA -  Enjoy free admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art on Thursdays 6-9pm.  Also join the MOCA educators at 7pm for a 45 minute tour of the museum galleries. 

http://www.mocajacksonville.org/

What the heck - let's throw another one in for an added bonus!

On June 7,2014 from 3-9:30 pm, take some time to enjoy the I Love Music Tour with a benefit concert at The Jacksonville Landing.  This event will focus on the importance of music education and will feature 10 national and local acts, and 5 area high school marching bands.

http://www.ilovemusicfoundation

Do you look for free things happening in your area?  What sort of summer fun does your town promote to get you out and moving?  I think it's nice to be able to have places I can take family when they visit us and know I'm not having to ask then to spend a fortune.  Believe me by the time they get here they've spent enough.

I hope you'll leave me a comment because it's nice to know I'm talking to someone out there.  I read and appreciate every single one. OX's...

Remember, the fun is where you are,

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

~ Psalm 126:3