I remember seeing the first billboards for Chipotle a few years ago. A Twinky-shaped foil-wrapped item, with allusions to it being a 5-lbs burrito. Being a devout Taco Bell enthusiast, I didn't hold much hope to this upstart replacing my favorite gut-busting fare. So, on a whim, I decided to visit this franchise. And boy... was I surprised.
Not much has changed in the four years I have been visiting this restaurant. The menu is still the same: only a handful of items, but each made to order and all the ingredients are fresh. When you taste them, you will have no doubt that the guacamole is made fresh from the 100 avacados their ads claim, each day.
If your only experience with Mexican fare is Taco Bell, then Chipotle will be a crash-course introduction into the higher tastes that await you. Each burrito does weigh approximately 5 lbs... and is stuffed with lime-rice, beans or fajita stuffings, meat (unless you go vegan), salsa, cheese, lettuce, and for an extra fee, guacamole. It is that simple. You choose which meat (steak, pork, chicken, or barbacoa) or vegan, which style salsa (mild, green medium or corn medium, or hot), and other ingredients, and voila, your burrito is built before your eyes.
Other menu options exist too: lately, I find myself going for the soft tacos (3 per order are included in the price); or hard tacos, or a fajita bowl. They even have salads.
That pretty much sums up the menu. They have their own tortilla chips, and you can order from bottle beers, only if you stay on the premises, though. They have a few bottled drinks (fruit juices, tea), and Coca Cola products.
What this experience really boils down to is the flavor. This is not the sub-standard meat you would find at Taco Bell. The food is made from fresh, high quality ingredients, and it tastes wonderful. The cheese is finely shredded but has a great flavor. The sour cream is rich. The guacamole is chunky. I could go on, but I think you get my point.
The pricing is roughly $5 per item. That does seem steep, however, you get a LOT of food for the price. Three soft tacos is a lot, considering the good meat and infinite amount of cheese you get with your meal. For example, the lunch I had today:
3 soft tacos
*chicken
*lots of cheese
*little bit of pinto beans
1 large pop
total:
$6.86
I managed to eat all three, and was quite full afterward. And it tasted oh so good.
Do yourself a favor. Run away from the Bell and toward the Chipotle. You will love it.
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