Veggie Bites: Extreme Pita

Houstonist isn't a vegetarian, but a lot of our friends are. And even if you aren't a vegetarian, sometimes there's nothing better on a hot summer's day than a cool, crisp vegetable pita, preferably smeared with some soft, savory hummus.

We found a surprising location for this refreshing concoction this weekend, in the food court of Memorial City Mall of all places. Food courts aren't known for their many healthy eating options, so we were excited to give Extreme Pita a try when we saw their menu, replete with fresh and healthy items.

This Canadian-based chain only has two locations in Houston so far, both in the far west reaches of town (Memorial City Mall and Eldridge at Briar Forest). But if their success in other states is any indication, there should be an Extreme Pita or two popping up closer into town soon enough.

We ordered their Market Fresh Veggie pita and watched as the Extreme Pita girls behind the counter went to work. The ingredients behind the glass partition all looked fresh and clean, not at all like your typical trough of shady ingredients at the average food court establishment. While one of them sauteed a bunch of green peppers, mushrooms and onions, the other one busily stuffed a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers, olives and cucumbers. In went the sauteed veggies, along with a hefty sprinkling of feta cheese and a thick spread of velvety hummus. It was making our mouths water just to watch the process.

Along with our pita, we had the option of two sides (salad, cookies, chips, soup or drink). We chose the freshly-baked pita chips in a cute little brown paper sack and a drink. The pita was everything we were hoping for in a healthy, vegetarian lunch: hearty yet light, summery, and delicious. The crunchy pita chips were a nice added bonus, and the entire meal was only $6.00.

There are plenty of other vegetarian options which we can't wait to go back and try, including the Falafel Fanatic pita (high in protein, which most vegetarians need to get more of!), the Classic Veggie flat-baked pita (mini-pizza on a pita) and their Greek salad. Worried about the possibility of "hidden" fat or calories in those salads or pitas? Don't be! You can check out nutrition info at their website.

Extreme Pita
Memorial City Mall Food Court
303 Memorial City Way
713.465.7482

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Photo courtesy of flickr user texantiff23.