Evos

Admit it. You LOVE fast food, don't you? It's ok, really, it's ok. In today's world when everyone is in a rush and the last thing you want to do is cook, how else are you going to get something tasty and quick between meetings, class, gym, church, you name it? A few years ago, a couple of Tampa Bay entrepreneurs found a successful formula that marries fast food with good, healthy, organic food. Evo's was born and now it's a chain. Look for one in your area! Evo's offers a familiar menu of burgers, hot dogs, shakes, smoothies, chicken sandwiches and fingers and even fries. But the burgers are made of soy/veggie protein or free-range beef, the shakes are made from wholesome, fresh ingredients, the chicken is hormone-free, and the fries are actually baked "air fries" that are very good. Other items on the menu include wrap sandwiches, trout, a wonderful vegetarian chili, soups and bountiful salads of various sorts. There are plenty of vegan offerings, too. Naturally, good food like this doesn't come cheaply but it's worth it. A combo of a sandwich, drink and fries will set you back over 7 dollars. Portions are generous and once you taste their food, regular fast food just won't cut the mustard, so to speak. more

I was thrilled when Evo's opened a few years ago. It's a healthy fast-food chain born right here in the Tampa Bay area. The prices are a bit high, but so is the quality. For example, today I bought a big wrap sandwich, their signature air fries and a drink combo for about 7-8 dollars. Most people I know couldn't eat this way every day, but apparently someone can because the business is quite busy and successful. Evo's is committed to offering healthy and delicious food, and that doesn't come cheap. Just about every meal combo will run you about 7 bucks. They offer fish (trout), free-range hamburger and hormone-free chicken as well as soy burgers. These come in sandwich form, on a bun or in a wrap with fresh veggies. My personal favorite is the spicy Thai wrap, which comes with either chicken or trout, but I prefer itwith their soy patties. It's a huge spinach wrap filled with the protein of your choice, red leaf lettuce, rice, chow mein noodles and a spicy Thai peanut sauce. Brown rice would be tastier thant he white rice I had on today's wrap. Evos also has a large variety of salads and their soups and chili are very good. There is also a children's menu for kids under age 13. You can also have a smoothie (they call them fruitshakes now) or milkshake with your meal for about a dollar more. They recently started offering organic milk shakes, which I have not tried but that sounds very good. I've liked everything I've ever eaten at Evo's. They used to offer a card that they punched every time you ate, so that after so many punches you got a free item. I haven't seen that displayed lately, but I wish they'd offer that. Otherwise, Evo's is too expensive to be more than an occasional -- if tasty -- treat for me. more