Update: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to “Tyler” who was selected via Random.Org and has been notified via email. Thank you all for entering. Look for more great giveaways coming out soon!
If you follow our Facebook page (and you do, right?), you probably caught an update last month about me hanging out at Moe’s. Not just hanging out at Moe’s, but also with Moe’s – as in many of the executives from the Moe’s Corporate office.
My family has been a fan of Moe’s Southwest Grill for quite some time – we’re fans of the food, the music, the prices, the Kids Eat Free nights, and even the signature “Welcome to Moe’s” greeting that confirms you’re in the right place each time! And I was SUPER excited when they rolled out their “Food Mission“:
… to bring the highest quality ingredients to every guest, every day, everywhere. We’re always focused on the best possible option – from vegetarian to low calorie ingredients to a variety of ingredients without rBGH, steroids, added preservatives or MSG.
So when I was asked to be a part of this weekend with Moe’s, I was really excited & honored to be a part of the opportunity. In fact, it’s actually more than just a weekend with Moe’s. It’s part of a relationship as I’m a member of their Blogger Advisory Board for the year. So, what does that mean? I’ll get to share new menu options, contests, giveaways, and help us all be in the know!
This past weekend, was just a “get to know everyone” kind of event – we got to learn more about the Moe’s Food Mission, about the team as individuals, about the other eight bloggers on the Board, and about some of the new food that will be coming out on the Menu soon.
The weekend started with a private party at an Atlanta Moe’s. The nine of us walked into the signature “Welcome to Moe’s” greeting and that was quickly followed up by a bunch of squealing adult woman when we saw our place settings and personalized chef coats!
{2nd Photo Courtesy of In the Kitchen with KP}
We kicked the night off with a show-down … Moe’s style! We were split into two groups, given a variety of fresh ingredients, one VERY large knife, and a challenge – to make salsa! My team, the Salsa Superstars, went with a fruity salsa, including mangoes, pineapples, peppers, and roasted poblano. The result? I must say it was DELICIOUS! And take note because Moe’s is actually hosting a “Salsa Competition” very soon, with a pretty cool grand prize, so start perfecting your recipe & stay tuned for more details on that!
Sidenote: That bottom picture is of the President of Moe’s, Paul, trying our finished product. Now I can’t quote him word for word, but I think he said something along the lines of “that’s wonderful, that’s great, that’s the best salsa I’ve ever had” … ok, not exactly right, but I think he did like it at least!
After us amateurs were done it was time to bring in the pros! We were treated to four brand new dishes made up by Executive Chef Dan & his team. They’re currently not on the menu but are coming to select markets soon & then hopefully to the full menu soon after that. Forget the rest of the country, I just want them to come to Cumming, GA because they were all wonderful!!
#1 – Cuban Quesadilla – (photo courtesy of Hungry Housewife) WOW!!! Delicious! Grain-fed Pork, Crisp Bacon, Cucumbers, Moe’s Authentic Cuban Sauce … absolutely loved it!
#2 – Southwestern Cobb Salad – I don’t usually think “salad” when I visit Moe’s, but I am now! The Southwestern had Romaine Lettuce, Moe’s Southwestern Chicken Salad, Cucumbers, Crisp Bacon, Shredded Cheese, & Fresh Pico!
#3 – The Southwestern Club Chicken Salad Wrap – Chicken Salad, Crisp Bacon, Romaine, Shredded Cheese & Fresh Pico. Perfect for a hot summer afternoon!
#4 – Chimichurri Burrito – LOVED it! This was probably my favorite. Grass-fed Sirloin Steak, Grilled Mushrooms, Peppers, Fresh Pico, Seasoned Rice & Moe’s Chimichurri Sauce. I want one right now!
Next up on the Agenda, was just for fun. We actually got to go behind the counter & attempt to become Burrito making queens. I failed miserably! I assure you I wouldn’t last without lots of training. Unless of course you like super flat burritos;).
Lots more fun was to be had & I can’t wait to share more about it with you later. As I left that night, I shared with the Executives that I was already a big fan of Moe’s coming into the weekend, but leaving I was even a bigger fan.
I loved hearing the passion behind Chef Dan – about coming up with his creations & about being proud to serve Moe’s good ingredients to his little boy. I loved hearing the motivation behind the President’s desire to fulfill the Moe’s Food Mission & “doing what is right because it is the right thing to do”. I loved sitting across from the Vice President & Marketing Executive as we tried the new recipes & chatted about our families while talking about a new kid’s menu coming out and also finding out there’s such thing as Junior-Sized burrito (I had no idea … did you??).
I loved just seeing their team in action! You get a different perspective of an “Executive Team” when they’re cleaning up your trash & serving your dinner!
A BIG thanks to Moe’s, the other 8 bloggers on the #greatMOEments team & Jessica & Melissa for organizing such a wonderful weekend.
But it’s not really fair for me to talk about eating Moe’s without giving you the chance to eat some too!
So, how about a giveaway?
Giveaway:
$25 Moe’s Gift Card
To Enter:
1. Simply share your favorite Moe’s Menu Item in the comments below.
For an Additional Entry: (must leave a separate comment below for entry)
1. Subscribe to the Cumming Local Daily Email. If you already subscribe, simply leave a comment below saying so.
Disclosure: I was provided with travel expenses and treated to a goodie bag with assorted items courtesy of Moe’s for participating in this event. As always, my opinions can’t be bought so they’re all honest & all mine. I really did love Moe’s before and really did love them more after leaving.
Disclosure (The Quick Version): Giveaway will close on Wednesday, April 25th at 10:00pm. ONE winner will be selected from all above entries via Random.Org to win all three certificates. Winner will be notified via email & have until Friday, April 27th to submit their mailing address.
Disclosure (The Longer Read):
While this giveaway is being promoted on Facebook, it is in no way associated with, sponsored, endorsed or administered by Facebook. By entering this giveaway, you acknowledge this and release Facebook from any responsibility of such. Furthermore, you acknowledge that any information provided for entry is being provided to Cumming Local and not to Facebook.
No Purchase necessary. Giveaway open to all residents, 18 years of age or older, in the US (although it would make most sense if you lived in or near Forsyth County, Georgia). This giveaway opens at time of publish and closes at 10pm, on Wednesday, April 11th. Entry is only accepted via the forms listed above (completion of tasks & entry of comment on this post). The prize, from Moe’s Southwest Grill & Cumming Local is valued at less than $600. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winner(s) will be selected via Random.Org and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize & provide a mailing address for shipment. If unclaimed, a new winner will be selected in the same manner. By submission of an entry, reader acknowledges that they are 18 years of age or older and also grants Cumming Local the right to use their name in a winner’s announcement, if applicable. By submission of entry, reader agrees to hold Cumming Local harmless in the event that the prize in some way negatively impacts the winner. Giveaway hosted by Cumming Local, LLC PO Box 972, Cumming GA 30028. Void where prohibited by law.
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