The Burrito Blog

April 2005

Gargantuan Burrito Mistaken for Bomb

A false alarm caused the evacuation of a New Mexico middle school yesterday. Apparently a burrito was mistaken for some kind of weapon or bomb.

Thanks to Zach, Chris, and Adam for the tip.

Someone called authorities Thursday after seeing a boy carrying something long and wrapped into Marshall Junior High.

The drama ended two hours later when the suspicious item was identified as a 30-inch burrito filled with steak, guacamole, lettuce, salsa and jalapenos and wrapped inside tin foil and a white T-shirt.

...After the lockdown was lifted but before the burrito was identified as the culprit, parents pulled 75 students out of school...the burrito was part of Morrissey's extra-credit assignment.

Whether the burrito contained sour cream is unclear at this time.

This entry is filed in {News}.

Friday, April 29, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Gargantuan Burrito Mistaken for Bomb

The Chorizo Con Papas Sendoff

John's been planning a trip to California to do a little burrito research. For his last meal before heading to Logan Airport, we both had a Chorizo Con Papas (Mexican sausage and potato) burrito, pictured at right.

The burritos here aren't wrapped in foil, a feature I fear I will always desire. I digress.

Greg had the Al Pastor, which was surprisingly sweet, but not overwhelmingly so.

The three of us got the burrito combo, which is a burrito and a taco. Why? We are victims of marketing. The burrito combo was priced the same as a burrito and, you guessed it, a taco.

This Taqueria El Mariachi meal was rated: 6.3.

Friday, April 29, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for The Chorizo Con Papas Sendoff

Ever Eat Cow Cheek?

No? Well, neither had I. Until we hit Taqueria El Mariachi on Wednesday.

Called Cabeza, this cheek taco was actually quite delicious. I've tried Lengua (tongue) and had a less than thrilling experience, so I was a little nervous.

The meat was very soft and stringy, although a little fatty. It's not something I'd eat all the time, but if you're going to branch out and try something wild, this is a safe bet.

Note: the Lengua was not from this restaurant, but from Tacos Lupita.

This Taqueria El Mariachi meal was rated: 6.8.

Friday, April 29, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Ever Eat Cow Cheek?

Welcome to Taqueria El Mariachi

This tiny place sits off of River Street in Waltham, MA (Map). There are only a few tables inside, but each of the 16 or so seats deliver some great dining options.

The menu is actually pretty extensive (click for a larger image) and El Mariachi offers table service, but the prices would have you thinking otherwise.

It's not the most immaculate restaurant I've ever been to, but you should let the food speak for itself. They offer a taquitos, tacos, burritos, chimichangas tortas, plus many authentic mexican plates and a breakfast menu.

On the weekends, you can get some special soups, just like Tacos Lupita.

This entry is filed in Taqueria El Mariachi.

Friday, April 29, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome to Taqueria El Mariachi

The Mexican Restaurant Directory

Today was a big day for this little web site.

It all started with a plug from Boston.com's latest and greatest section this week. This came as a complete surprise to me. Ellen, who works with me, noticed it. Following verification, I went nuts.

As someone who frequents Anna's Taqueria three to five times a week, The Burrito Blog really hit home. Blogger Jonah Feld is "chronicling [his] life through a series of burrito eating adventures," and so far it seems to be a really tasty journey. (Note to Jonah: Your "Buy Me Lunch" link is broken.)

Well first let me say that the link works again. So now hundreds of you out there Mom, you can buy me lunch through PayPal.

Second, it has come to my attention that there are a great many of your favorite restaurants that are beyond my geographic reach.

As a result, I have created the National Mexican Restaurant Directory. The directory is organized by state but allows multi state chains. Please add your favorite restaurant, and share your knowledge with the tortilla loving world. It's easy - there's no registration required.

I made the directory. You have to populate it.

This entry is filed in {Press}.

Thursday, April 28, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for The Mexican Restaurant Directory

President Of The Clean Plate Club

Have a look at this before and after. This was my first time at TaQueria La Mexicana, and I saw the quesadillas were single fold so I went for the plate. Then I decided I was really hungry, so I added a tamale to the order.

As you can tell, they were both delicious. A picture is worth a thousand words.

This TaQueria La Mexicana meal was rated: 8.2.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for President Of The Clean Plate Club

Welcome to TaQueria La Mexicana

Founded in 1995, TaQueria Mexicana offers a wide variety of menu items from Somerville's Union Square (Map). They're open 11 am - 10 pm Monday through Saturday and 11 am - 9 pm on Sunday. That's a good thing, 'cause you should go as often as you can.

The restaurant's a little dark, and the burritos (called burros here) don't come with tin foil, but let the food speak for itself.

The menu was just a little too big for my scanner, so you'll have to read the full menu on their official website. Check out the variety of plates and combinations. It’ll let you try a lot of items at a single meal.

This restaurant is definitely worth a try. I insist.

This entry is filed in TaQueria La Mexicana.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome to TaQueria La Mexicana | Comments (5)

Get Drunk, Buy Felipe's Burrito Shirt

That's all I have to say about that.

This self photo was taken pre-hangover.
This Felipe's Taqueria meal was rated: 7.0.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Get Drunk, Buy Felipe's Burrito Shirt

Business Lunch, Chair Free

So we zipped down Storrow Drive today to hit Sabroso Taqueria. John spotted it this weekend, while intoxicated.

Turns out we bumped into the nice guys from Karmaloop while we were there. They sell clothes online. Buy some.

The burritos were good, although a little on the expensive side at $6.25 - $6.50 each. John and I got the carnitas, and Greg and Zach got the steak. None of us got chairs.

This Sabroso Taqueria meal was rated: 5.5.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Business Lunch, Chair Free

Welcome To Sabroso Taqueria

Located in the middle of Boston's Downtown Crossing (Map), Sabroso Taqueria offers window service to the local shoppers and busy bodies.

Apparently they opened up in early 2005. That's great, because there's really no where that suits my palate in this area of town.

Fajita's & Rita's is only a few blocks away, but that's a little more serious - as in table service.

Sabroso has the process figured out. They use the same tortilla steaming technology as Anna's Taqueria, Felipe's and Boca Grande. Check it out next time you go wander around the Boston Common.

Click on the menu for the full size version. I have no idea what their hours are. I didn't seem them posted and it's not on the menu so call before you go. Oh wait, the phone number's not on the menu, either.

This entry is filed in Sabroso Taqueria.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome To Sabroso Taqueria

Huevo Con Chorizo

Here's a handsome shot of last Friday's burrito from Tacos Lupita. This thing was packed with flavor. You know, they have really been excellent in their delivery. I can't seem to get enough of that place.

This meal was special ordered with no beans, no cheese, and no sour cream.

Disclaimer: no sour cream is standard.

This Tacos Lupita meal was rated: 6.7.

Monday, April 25, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Huevo Con Chorizo

A Bad Sunday Afternoon

I was really in a terrible mood yesterday. I went to Anna's (Beacon Street) on the way home from Harvard Square to cheer myself up with a super steak burrito. Ordinarily I stay away from the guacamole. Based on the sheer volume of burritos I consume, I've got to keep each one as healthy as possible. But this was a craving, so I splurged.

Please note, I was feeling a little woosy before eating the burrito. Historically I've found that a burrito can cure just about any stomach or emotional discomfort.

Two birds with one stone? No. The stomach ache is with me 24 hours later. Anna's, I do not hold you responsible. It's not you it's me.

This Anna's Taqueria meal was rated: 5.1.

Monday, April 25, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for A Bad Sunday Afternoon

Washington DC Burrito Synopsis

In response to a recent comment, "Where did thee find the greatest burrito of our nations capital?" I have decided to share my DC burrito knowledge with you, the reader.

David Szabo, Mike Schwimmer and I stomped all over the city in search of the finest burrito. These establishments include The Burro, Chipotle, Baja Fresh, Burrito Brothers, The Well Dressed Burrito, Lauriol Plaza, Taco Bell, Julia's Empanadas, Las Placitas, and California Tortilla (Bethesda). There are more places you can get yourself some frijoles in DC, but this is what I remember.

Of all these, I have to say The Well Dressed Burrito and California Tortilla were the best. Maybe you could even sneak Lauriol Plaza onto the list of finalists. Watch out for wacky hours at The Well Dressed Burrito. They pull some nonsense like being open 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Monday through Friday only.

California Tortilla has a ton of hot sauces and burrito recipe options but was a little too far away for regular consumption.

The burrito scene in Washington DC was pretty poor, but inspired me to make my own burritos, as mentioned in my burrito bio. This was, of course, a failure, and the lack of tortilla goodness forced me to flee the city.

This entry is filed in {Other}.

Sunday, April 24, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Washington DC Burrito Synopsis

One Plate To Rule Them All

John got the Combination Plate from Tacos Lupita the other day. This was the first time the three of us had seen the $9.00 feast. It's similar in concept to the Mexican Plate at Anna's Taqueria, but a little more serious. Three meats (chicken, pork, steak) and some avocado round this out to give it a little differentiation, and a little more size.

This was a classy meal, although sized for a dinner.

This Tacos Lupita meal was rated: 8.0.

Sunday, April 24, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for One Plate To Rule Them All

Post Consumption Meditation

Following a phenomenal lunch at Tacos Lupita, Zach Morello sits quietly, simmering in his own satisfaction.

He had a gordita and chicken tamale. Sadly, the tamale didn't photograph well, so instead you get to look at Zach sans tamale. Odds are the tamale tasted better.

PS: Zach is the man. It's too bad he's leaving and taking his keyword skills with him.

This Tacos Lupita meal was rated: 8.0.

Friday, April 22, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Post Consumption Meditation

Baja California Left Me Feeling Small

Sara, John and I went to Baja Betty's today for lunch. I got the California with chile colorado and barbacoa. This thing was a monster. And by monster I mean bigger than the Chile Colorado Monster from Tacos El Charro. Designed by a burrito architect using dos tortillas, the behemoth held the heavyweight title and cost $8.25. I eat a lot, but this was a mistake.

It wasn't the best burrito, but it certainly was the largest I've seen in recent memory.

I feel pregnant, and I didn't even finish it. After 9 rounds, the California burrito had me pleading, 'no mas.'

This Baja Betty's meal was rated: 3.9.

Thursday, April 21, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Baja California Left Me Feeling Small

Welcome to Baja Betty's

Baja Betty's is a little burrito spot in Brookline Village (Map). I think they got going in 1997, while I was in high school. Now at that time I was an Anna's Taqueria faithful, so I only visited Betty's once.

Betty's is an import from the west coast, or so I hear. They sell some pretty big burritos.

It's also one of the only burrito shops in the Boston area with a large selection of hot sauces for sampling. They must have 40 or so on the wall. Give them a try!

Check out the official site here.

This entry is filed in Baja Betty's.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome to Baja Betty's

Goya Salsita A Mi Casa

So my cooking skills have strengthened, if ever so slightly: minute rice and chicken. Let me tell you, Goya Salsita is the key. There are many hot sauces out there, but this one has flavor. I highly recommend it.
This {Other} meal was rated: 6.0.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Goya Salsita A Mi Casa

Harvard Business School (Burrito) Review

I came across this neat little article in The Harbus that pits these four gladiators against each other: Anna's Taqueria, Boca Grande, Real Taco, and El Pelon. The Harbus is the student newspaper from Harvard's Business School. It should be noted that Real Taco no longer exists in Harvard Square, as it has been replaced by Felipe's.

The winner? They chose Boca. We, the burrito consuming people of Boston are the real winners. Competition breeds excellence.

This entry is filed in {News}.

Monday, April 18, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Harvard Business School (Burrito) Review

Queso Asado

I've been meaning to post this for a couple weeks. It was one of the first photos since the creation of Burrito Blog.

It's the queso asado from Yucatan, and it was pretty good. Some baked cheese, peppers, onions and chorizo makes this a tasty little snack. But for $4.00, I'd rather get a little more substance.
This Yucatan Tacos meal was rated: 5.8.

Sunday, April 17, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Queso Asado

Never Let Me Cook

See what happens? I took minute rice and salsa and pretended it was a meal.

Then Rich and I jumped around to a couple house parties and had a great time.
This entry is filed in {Other}.

Sunday, April 17, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Never Let Me Cook

The Escabeche Trial

Turbz and I seem to have a Saturday ritual: breakfast. He had a little work to do in studio 1539, so we walked down to Yucatan for a snack.

I tried the Escabeche soup.

It was simple - just some broth, chicken, and a few strips of onion. I think the Escabeche would stomp out any sickness. I can't wait to try.
This Yucatan Tacos meal was rated: 6.2.

Sunday, April 17, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for The Escabeche Trial

Father, Camera Return Home

My dad just got back from a three week dive trip off the West coast of Australia (near Perth). He brought back some great pictures, although not the one at right. You know sometimes I really miss that place. I've been lied to all my life. The beaches in Massachusetts are not nice. No matter how many lobsters you get to eat, there is nothing nice about a water temperature of 58 degrees.

In addition, he brought back my camera, which means John's will be returned as I continue my burrito hunting mission.
This entry is filed in {News}.

Friday, April 15, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Father, Camera Return Home

Burrito Bone Smears Meal

Just look at Greg's face. The kid's not happy. Now look at his hand. That's quite a large chicken bone. Seconds earlier it was removed from his mouth.

Now some may not care about this vestige of authenticity, but many gringos aren't really used to this sort of thing.

My meal was ok, sans bone. We both had the chicken ranchero: enchiladas for me and a burrito grande for Greg.

This Boca Grande Taqueria meal was rated: 3.9.

Friday, April 15, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Burrito Bone Smears Meal

3 Super Burritos, 1 Meal, 1 Man

Read that again. This is a true story. Phil Jonas (pictured at right) ate three super burritos in one sitting. It was this past winter, and it was unforgettable.

Phil orders his burritos 'con todo' which means they're huge.

Witnesses to this rare event were Rich, Ethan, Tilden and me. We demanded he try. Phil hardly flinched until the final bites of the third burrito went down.

Following this gross overindulgence Phil insisted we walk around for 15 minutes or take him to the hospital.

This Anna's Taqueria meal was rated: Ridiculous.

Thursday, April 14, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for 3 Super Burritos, 1 Meal, 1 Man

Furnari Claims Misnomer

On Qdoba's Queso Burrito a.k.a. Incredible Three Cheese Burrito

The incredible three cheese burrito is not incredible...at all.

-John Furnari

He said the three cheeses are stored in a vat prior to application to the tortilla. Although impressed by the inventory of hot sauce, Qdoba's general quality was not enough to make the grade for this seasoned burrito sampler.

John also claims he received discriminatory stares for declining frijoles.

This Qdoba meal was rated: 2.8.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Furnari Claims Misnomer

Badly Needed Enchiladas

It's been some rough times at work. I love typing in boxes, but this is getting ridiculous. Just when I thought I was going to crack, this handsome chicken enchilada became my knight in shining armor.

Thank you, verde sauce.
This Boca Grande Taqueria meal was rated: 7.7.

Monday, April 11, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Badly Needed Enchiladas

Welcome to Qdoba

Qdoba is a large (over 171 locations in 31 states) chain burrito restaurant. It's owned by Jack in The Box. Don't believe me? Read the profile in Yahoo! Finance or this message on the Qdoba site.

It's actually quite unbelievable that a restaurant started only 10 years ago could grow so quickly to an empire, especially when they require a net worth of $3 million to open a franchise. Ok, enough corporate burrito bashing.

There’s a Qdoba in the food court in the Prudential Mall (Map), one on Huntington by Northeastern (Map), one next to The Paradise (Map) and one in Cambridge’s Porter Square (Map).

This entry is filed in Qdoba.

Monday, April 11, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome to Qdoba | Comments (16)

Disaster Strikes - Wapo Style

After weeks of planning, I finally made it to Wapo Taco on Saturday. It was a beautiful day, and I had spent the night previous fixing this blog so the burrito motivation was flowing. Turbz and I zipped down to the square and strolled into Wapo.

Unfortunately, the camera I'm using while my Dad has mine down under wasn't behaving properly, so I have no pictures. Consider yourself spared. This thing was ugly.

It was basically unprocessed Taco Bell. I ate a supermarket flour tortilla, wrapped around some ground beef, and Tostitos style salsa with shredded lettuce. The burrito came with rice. Oh, and it was left open on one end like a chicken Caesar wrap.

My burrito 'Wapo Style' was really a large soft taco.

This Wapo Taco meal was rated: 1.9.

Sunday, April 10, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Disaster Strikes - Wapo Style

Welcome to Wapo Taco

Wapo's a new entry in the Boston burrito game correction: they've been around for some time, settling in my 'hood - Roslindale. It's right in the square (Map), actually, but I hadn't been there in the yet since they opened.

Seth Shuman's little sister told me it was good. Plus I also saw the cashier at Macy's Liquors eating a burrito and she said it was from Wapo Taco.

I had a little trouble getting there, 'cause they're closed on Sundays and Mondays, and they shut the door at 8 during the week.

This entry is filed in Wapo Taco.

Sunday, April 10, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome to Wapo Taco | Comments (9)

Tijuana Ty

Ty gave me this picture of himself in Tijuana earlier this year devouring some authenticity.

You can even see it goes straight from the grill into his face. I need to go to Mexico.

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This entry is filed in {Other}.

Sunday, April 10, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Tijuana Ty

Tacos El Charro To Close

Thanks to Rich for the tip.

Jose ''Pepe" Gutierrez, 58, and his wife, Aida Navarro, 53, are hanging up their aprons, which has locals loading up on the enchiladas and preparing for serious culinary withdrawal.

Gentrification is certainly a factor, but the couple that runs Tacos El Charro says they're simply tired.

The building, which they bought for $150,000 at the end of 1992, is listed for $599,000. The restaurant will stay open for at least a few months after an offer is accepted.

I expect to eat there a bunch more before the doors are closed for good.

I've got to try the goat stew.

This entry is filed in Tacos El Charro.

Saturday, April 09, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Tacos El Charro To Close

Shield Your Eyes

I would never, ever do this.

Andrew!

What are you thinking? The tortilla will never come out of the microwave the way it comes out of the steamer.

The man was desperate. Both he and the burrito have all of my sympathies.

This entry is filed in {Other}.

Friday, April 08, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Shield Your Eyes

I Return To My Roots

It's been about two weeks since I had lunch at the JFK Anna's. What's gotten into me?

This was a boiled chicken plate with no beans. Please pass the extra hot sauce. Thank you.

PS: The woman at the counter seemed perplexed as she watched me photograph my food. I have no shame.

This Anna's Taqueria meal was rated: 6.6.

Friday, April 08, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for I Return To My Roots

Picante Flautas Plate

While a little light for around $7.00 this little veggie delight fakes you out with some healthy mumbo-jumbo. The tortillas are deep fried, and then there are the chips. I made the mistake of not asking for pinto beans.

The good news is this was the first warm day in Massachusetts since last September.

This Picante Mexican Grill meal was rated: 4.0.

Wednesday, April 06, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Picante Flautas Plate

The Chile Colorado Monster

This thing was huge. I was really hungry Sunday morning, so I had a slice of pizza before going out for a burrito. Big mistake. First you get chips and salsa here, and then a 4 lb. block of burrito madness.

I can't put my finger on the cause, but I didn't feel so hot after this one. It might have been the pizza. It might have been the burrito. It might have been the combination or the quantity.

Learn from my mistakes.

This Tacos El Charro meal was rated: 4.5.

Tuesday, April 05, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for The Chile Colorado Monster

Welcome to Tacos El Charro

Located on Centre Street in Boston's Jamaica Plain (Map), Tacos El Charro has it all put together. They've got table service, great prices, authenticity, mariachi, and an alcohol license. Plus I think they're open until midnight on most nights.

The burritos come on a plate without foil, so you'll probably be stuck with a knife and fork. Oh, and they're gigantic.

This entry is filed in Tacos El Charro.

Tuesday, April 05, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome to Tacos El Charro

Ty Releases His Rage

Soho in Brighton isn’t exactly a Mexican spot, so I'm not going to add it to the list of restaurants. But Anna's doesn't serve liquor, so after a long Friday we hit the bar.

My manager, Ty Velde, shows this feeble quesadilla who's in charge.

This entry is filed in {Other}.

Monday, April 04, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Ty Releases His Rage

Friday's Gallina Review

So this was a real treat. Don't let the image fool you - the soup reflected the flash and so it looks a little wacky in the picture.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into here but I was pumped to give it a try. The Sopa de Gallina had big chunks of potato, zucchini, and turnip (educated guess) in it with some chicken meat on the bone. Two tortillas, hot sauce, onions and cilantro were served on the side.

Now I'm not a bird anatomy expert, so I can't quite say what part of the chicken this was. I think it was near the chest though, 'cause I saw a big rubbery tube that might be a central part of the circulatory system. My bad grades in 10th grade bio are screaming, "aorta" but it could be the bird's rear exhaust for all I know. Anyway, the soup was delicious, and I did not eat the mystery piping.

This Tacos Lupita meal was rated: 7.8.

Sunday, April 03, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Friday's Gallina Review

Agua, Minus the Bear

Stopped by Beacon tonight with Greg to get a regular steak burrito with a double agua on the side to help kick the hangover from Nick's bash the night before. That water sure was delicious. Then we drove to Providence to get our faces melted by Minus The Bear.

That picture's not from tonight - Middle East Upstairs about a year and a half ago.

This Anna's Taqueria meal was rated: 4.2.

Sunday, April 03, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Agua, Minus the Bear

Quesadilla Lupita Style

The rest of the search department, also known as the Tortilla Analytics Team (TAT), got the quesadilla for lunch. Each gave the meal high marks for being less greasy than tri-fold quesadilla establishments like Anna's and Felipe's.

Frijoles come standard on the quesadillas here. Bonus.
This Tacos Lupita meal was rated: 8.6.

Friday, April 01, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Quesadilla Lupita Style

It Was A Sopa Sale

I've been waiting to try the Gallina for a few weeks now. I tried to go there last week but Tacos Lupita was closed for Good Friday. To my delight, it was on sale. Regularly priced $7.35 after tax, today's special price was $7.09. I didn't notice, but when the guy at the counter saw me taking a picture of this sign, he explained that it was a special price to move a little extra product. Yeah, whatever. Is this WalMart? The Gallina review will be posted soon.
This entry is filed in Tacos Lupita.

Friday, April 01, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for It Was A Sopa Sale