Taco Cabana® Draws Culinary Inspiration From Visits to Mexico, Introduces Fajitas Puebla Steak and Chicken Tacos

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Taco Cabana® introduces another Mexican favorite by adding all-new chicken and steak fajitas puebla tacos to its menu for a limited time.

The new fajitas puebla tacos are made with marinated steak or all-white meat chicken, topped with a mix of fresh pico de gallo, shredded lettuce and chopped bacon. For the final touch, Taco Cabana created a creamy avocado sauce made with avocados, jalapenos, sour cream and chopped cilantro topped off with a hint of fresh lime juice.

"The inspiration for the sauce came from the traditional avocado salsa we saw in restaurants and at street stands on our culinary team's trip to Mexico last year," said Smokey Waters, corporate chef of Taco Cabana. "We added our own spin by using sour cream to give it a smoother texture and a richer flavor."

As part of its ongoing commitment to bring guests the traditional and emerging flavors coming out of Mexico, Taco Cabana's culinary team will visit Mexico again this September to find additional inspiration for its menu.

"This latest offering comes as Taco Cabana continues to infuse its menu with the true flavors of Mexico," said Todd Coerver, chief marketing officer at Taco Cabana. "We wanted to give our guests a new way to enjoy the fresh taste of avocados, which are indigenous to central Mexico and serve as a staple ingredient in traditional Mexican cooking – it's all about infusing flavor into the fun at Taco Cabana."

Inspiration from Puebla, Mexico

The creative blending of diverse ingredients is the hallmark of Mexican cooking, and in the state of Puebla, it is a passion. Legend has it mole poblano, a sauce that blends approximately 20 different flavors, originated in Puebla, as did chiles en nogada, a famous dish that represents the green, white and red of the Mexican flag (1).  The avocado found in a cave located in Coxcatlan, Puebla, Mexico that dates to around 10,000 BC is used to enhance many handmade Mexican specialties seen in open-air markets and restaurants throughout the region (2). Today, Taco Cabana draws on inspiration from areas such as Puebla to create dishes that appeal to guests while celebrating the restaurant's Mexican heritage.

About Taco Cabana®: The Flavors of Mexico

In 1978, Taco Cabana began as a taco stand in San Antonio, with the unique recipes and ingredients that reflect our rich Mexican culture and food. With more than 156 restaurants in 3 states, Taco Cabana continues to redefine the Mexican fast-casual dining experience through ongoing menu and service enhancements. We are committed to providing our guests the true flavors of Mexico, served up in a relaxing, patio cafe environment. From our kitchens' daily fresh-made tortillas and handmade salsas to our flame-grilled fajitas and refreshing margaritas, our commitment to quality lives on, making Taco Cabana one of the region's most enduring and beloved Mexican food brands. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for offers and updates from Taco Cabana or for more information, please visit www.tacocabana.com.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.

Taco Cabana is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., which is one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States. The Company operates three restaurant brands in the quick-casual and quick-service restaurant segments with 550 company-owned and operated restaurants in 16 states.   Carrols is also the largest Burger King® franchisee, based on number of restaurants.  In the Carrols' family of companies, Fiesta Restaurant Group owns and operates two Hispanic Brand restaurant chains, Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana®. Carrols announced plans earlier this year to spin-off Fiesta Restaurant Group as a stand-alone public company.  The spin-off is anticipated to be completed later this year.

References

(1) – Wikipedia.com – Puebla "Cuisine" -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puebla,_Puebla#cite_note-chilesnogada-32

(2) - Wikipedia.com – Avocado "History" -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado

SOURCE Taco Cabana