The Burrito Blog

June 2005

Master Of The Mini

Every time Junior Burrito Analyst Anthony comes back into town he's got a list of things to do and people to see.

This time, he stopped by his parents' 25th wedding anniversary on his way to Anna's Taqueria.

Instead of one, he picked up two mini quesadillas and a super burrito.

This entry is filed in Anna's Taqueria.

Thursday, June 30, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Master Of The Mini

Bob Marley's Last Burrito

No, seriously, that's what they call it.

It's the jerk chicken burrito from BurritoVille in NY. I had this thing so long ago I hardly remember it - except that there was an overwhelming cinnamon flavor to it.

At least it's different. When you eat this many burritos, change is good.

Here is the formula for change: (new - old) / old.

This BurritoVille meal was rated: 5.3.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Bob Marley's Last Burrito

The Phantom Discovers Burrito Blog

On Friday I got an email from Dan at Phantom Gourmet about Burrito Blog. For those who don't know, Phantom Gourmet is an anonymous restaurant critic ring that rates all kinds of establishments in New England on radio, print and television.

Of course, we met for a burrito business lunch - Qdoba on Comm Ave.

No, Dan is not 'The Phantom.' Dan is the man behind the curtain. And the man behind the curtain likes burritos.

This entry is filed in Qdoba.

Monday, June 27, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for The Phantom Discovers Burrito Blog

Shrimp In The Morning

You've all read my extremism and generosity when it comes to avoiding wasted food.

Dinner at the Sunset Grill is no exception.

The portion sizes are huge here, so even though Cora and I had the appetizer size quesadillas (veggie, shrimp, respectively), we had extra.

'Extra' is code for 'my breakfast' the next day.

This Sunset Grill & Cantina meal was rated: 4.7.

Sunday, June 26, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Shrimp In The Morning

Welcome To Sunset Grill & Cantina

While the Sunset Grill and the Sunset Cantina are technically different establishments, they are sufficiently similar to have a single entry on Burrito Blog. Sorry.

The Sunset Cantina's down by BU (Map) and The Sunset Grill & Tap is lined up next to all the bars on Brighton Ave (Map).

Both offer table service and the real draw is the alcohol. The Sunset Grill doesn't have a full bar but has some unmanageable number of beers well into the hundreds, and The Sunset Cantina has 69 tequilas.

Is it possible to have both quantity and quality? I don't have enough time to find out.

This entry is filed in Sunset Grill & Cantina.

Sunday, June 26, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome To Sunset Grill & Cantina

Not Hot, On Fire

El Burrito Taqueria had an electrical fire about a week and a half ago. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Other establishments on Brighton Ave were also forced to close.

Allegedly, NSTAR or the landlord are to blame.

They should be back in business relatively soon.

This entry is filed in El Burrito.

Sunday, June 26, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Not Hot, On Fire

Structurally Unsound El Mariachi

The other day I had a meeting with the very nice people at Furniture.com. They're right next door to Taqueria El Mariachi.

Well since I'm in the neighborhood...

Although my last experience here was great, this time wasn't so hot. I had the burrito al pastor, and it totally fell apart on me.

Yes, I know how to use a fork and knife.

But I prefer to eat with my hands.

This Taqueria El Mariachi meal was rated: 3.8.

Friday, June 24, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Structurally Unsound El Mariachi

Somewhat Free Burrito At Chipotle

If you buy a burrito at Chipotle today, you are entitled to a free burrito any time on or before June 26th. Just bring your receipt. It's true.

This entry is filed in Chipotle.

Thursday, June 23, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Somewhat Free Burrito At Chipotle

Wheels On The Bus Go Round & Round

As I reported earlier, the lines are shorter at the Harvard Street Anna's than the Beacon Street location.

Yeah, unless of course there's a field trip in progress.

This entry is filed in Anna's Taqueria.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Wheels On The Bus Go Round & Round

I Love (Heart) Burritos T-Shirt

I love burritos. That's no lie.

Get one of these T-shirts and show the world how much you love 'em, too! They're only $15.

There's no printing on the shirt other than I Love Burritos, which means there's nothing on the back, and no mention of Burrito Blog.

Sorry, all sold out. I probably will not be printing up any more.

This entry is filed in {News}.

Monday, June 20, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for I Love (Heart) Burritos T-Shirt

Yes, It Has Tequila In It

After years of complacent hot sauce acceptance, we, the burrito testing team, decided it would be a good idea to experiment with sauce importation.

I tossed this bottle of Blair's Jalapeño Death to John, coworker and Junior Burrito Analyst, at which point he exclaimed, "Yo it has tequila in it!"

This sauce was excellent on my boiled chicken plate - so excellent that I put it on my oatmeal the next morning.

Don't do that.

This {Other} meal was rated: 7.9.

Friday, June 17, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Yes, It Has Tequila In It

Welcome To BurritoVille

With 17 locations in the Tri-State area, BurritoVille offers 11 in Manhattan alone. They specialize in burritos unavailable elsewhere.

For example, you can get the tempeh, the tofu, or the paradoxical vegetarian chorizo.

Chorizo is sausage.

Anyway, they have quite an extensive menu: tacos, salads, wraps, quesadillas, enchiladas, nachos, flautas, burritos, and free delivery. Click on the menu for a readable size.

This entry is filed in BurritoVille.

Thursday, June 16, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome To BurritoVille

Cilantro Lime Rice And I Have Words

Of all the burrito serving establishment I've been to, only one serves cilantro lime rice: Chipotle. Why?

Is it because this style of rice tastes best?

Is it because this rice is the easiest to cook?

Is it because the Chipotle chefs are the most creative, the most daring, and the most skilled?

No. So why does Chipotle use cilantro lime rice? The world may never know.

This Chipotle meal was rated: 4.1.

Wednesday, June 15, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Cilantro Lime Rice And I Have Words

My Very First Adobada Taco

After looking at the menu for a solid 5 minutes letting everyone cut in front of me, I decided I had to go with the adobada taco. I've never seen that on other menus, which means I had no choice but to try it.

Despite its being a little lopsided, I was pumped to give this a try. Adobada is spicy, marinated pork.

I was very impressed, but it's too greasy to eat everyday. My compliments to the adobada chef.

This Taco Loco meal was rated: 7.1.

Monday, June 13, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for My Very First Adobada Taco

Want Some Guacamole With That?

I'm not sure what's more ridiculous, the fact that Chipotle charges $1.75 for guacamole, or that they give you a pint of it. This was Erica's meal. Fortunately she likes guacamole.

The 'burrito bol' (like Taco Bell's 'grilled stuft' they insist on gangster style spelling) is really served on a plate.

There's no hip way to misspell plate. I've tried.

This Chipotle meal was rated: 6.0.

Sunday, June 12, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Want Some Guacamole With That?

I Am Forced To Reexamine Everything

I've always been a believer in the steamed tortilla. The process is equal in importance with the ingredients. Anna's, Boca, and Felipe's all steam their tortillas. In fact, I'm not sure I've had a burrito without a steamed tortilla that really amazed me.

Until Taco Loco.

Like Taqueria Cancun, they put veggies in the rice. Maybe this rice was better, or maybe I'm just used to it. They also grill the burrito after wrapping it in foil.

Lesson learned. There's more than one way to make a burrito.

This Taco Loco meal was rated: 8.3.

Saturday, June 11, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for I Am Forced To Reexamine Everything

Welcome To Taco Loco

Taco Loco lives in Somerville, MA, just under the route 93 overpass (Map). Please don't confuse this Taco Loco with others of the same name in Connecticut, Alaska, Oregon, or El Taco Loco in Pennsylvania. They are unaffiliated.

Apparently, Taco Loco (The Crazy Taco) is an uncreative name. Surprise, surprise.

Still, there's nothing typical of the Sommerville installation. There's a little room for seating, and plenty on the menu. They sell burritos, tacos, plates, pupusas, quesadillas, melts, soups and salads. And the prices are reasonable.

This entry is filed in Taco Loco.

Friday, June 10, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome To Taco Loco | Comments (1)

I Go To NY, Appease Chipotle Fans

That's right. This picture is the real deal. Trust me - my Photoshop skills are nonexistent.

I'm really at Chipotle. A post with my experience will soon follow.

Unrelated: do any tax experts out there know if I can deduct travel expenses against Burrito Blog's $3 YTD revenue? Thanks. Just kidding.

This entry is filed in Chipotle.

Thursday, June 09, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for I Go To NY, Appease Chipotle Fans

Welcome To Chipotle

If only I had a burrito for every time I heard someone say, "Hey! Where's Chipotle on your site?!" I'd eat a lot of burritos.

I eat a lot of burritos anyway.

The truth is that Chipotle has yet to come to Massachusetts. I've had many Chipotle meals at multiple locations in the DC / VA area, so I'm no stranger. The, "You have to try Chipotle" emails and comments can stop.

There are over 450 Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants in the US, owned by McDonalds. Yahoo Finance has the facts although you won't find that on their official site.

This entry is filed in Chipotle.

Tuesday, June 07, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome To Chipotle | Comments (9)

The Cosmic Cantina Expert Speaks

Jessie told me to go to Cosmic Cantina. I was not so impressed, but apparently I went to the wrong one:

Jonah: so I went to cosmic cantina
Jessie: where at
Jonah: NYC. NC was just too far away
Jessie: yea, but the nyc one isnt as good, so don't judge based on that. but whatd you think??
Jonah: eh. it's on www.burritoblog.com
Jessie: oh. ok this is sad, but i promise you the durham cosmic is the best
Jonah: what?
Jessie: chapel hill is next best and then nyc
Jonah: have you been to all 3?!
Jessie: yea
Jonah: you have an expert opinion! can I quote you?
Jessie: are you kidding?

This entry is filed in Cosmic Cantina.

Tuesday, June 07, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for The Cosmic Cantina Expert Speaks

An Episode Of Huevos Rancheros Envy

Ordinarily, the huevos rancheros at Tacos El Charro come with beans, but Rich asked for rice instead.

The photo does this meal no justice. Once he started eating, I was overcome with food envy. Breakfast time or not, I'll be back soon to have a plate of my own.

This Tacos El Charro meal was rated: 6.5.

Sunday, June 05, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for An Episode Of Huevos Rancheros Envy

Innovation Al Pastor

For years, there wasn't a single menu change at Anna's Taqueria. Don't call it the Brookline burrito dark ages - Anna's is a finely oiled machine.

A few months ago, al pastor was added to the menu.

They're pushing the taco, pictured, but you can order a burrito or quesadilla al pastor.

It's probably the greasiest thing on the menu, but works great as an snack to precede a burrito.

This Anna's Taqueria meal was rated: 7.1.

Saturday, June 04, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Innovation Al Pastor

The Princess And The Pea

This was just something I had trouble getting used to at Taqueria Cancun. Check out that rice. Itty bitty diced carrots, pleas, and corn remind me of frozen cafeteria food.

I suppose that's an unfair thing to say. I'm just not used to it.

I had a steak burrito, which was really good. It came with jalapeños without my asking, so bonus points there. I just couldn't help but notice the peas in my tortilla mattress.

That makes me the princess.

This Taqueria Cancun meal was rated: 6.8.

Friday, June 03, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for The Princess And The Pea

I Am Off The Vanilla

Bloggers have a true burden these days. The internet is unforgiving, and the readers are expect perfection.

Pressure, pressure.

I'm very proud of this project, but criticism is inevitable:

NO EAST BOSTON? Get off of the vanilla (Anna's, Boca, etc.) and try some authentic. Check out Taqueria Cancun. Come on boys, you've got a lot of responsibility if you're going to have a blog. Kick it up a notch.

The important thing is to listen and improve.

East Boston: I've been to Taqueria Cancun and Taco Mex, and the vanilla is no more. Reviews to follow.

This entry is filed in {News}.

Friday, June 03, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for I Am Off The Vanilla

More To Love

I redesigned Burrito Blog for your viewing pleasure.

I cut the default setup in place of three columns. We've just been to so many places (and plan to visit so many more) that the restaurant list was messing up the page layout.

This entry is filed in {News}.

Thursday, June 02, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for More To Love

The Goat Stew Taco

I've been waiting to try this for a while. I haven't even seen goat stew tacos on any other menus. Last time at Tacos El Charro, the Caldo De Mariscos diverted my attention.

This time, nothing would stop me.

I had to take a bunch of pictures 'cause goat meat is not exactly photogenic. Rich said, "It looks like something I raked in from the yard."

Perhaps. It gets bonus points for being exotic.

This Tacos El Charro meal was rated: 6.6.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for The Goat Stew Taco

Give A Man A Fish, Or A Taco Plate

You all know I hate wasting food.

When Sean didn't finish his taco plate on Saturday, I was faced with a decision: make myself sick or make someone's day.

We chose plan B.

Being that it was the first nice day of the year, we skipped our plans to catch Star Wars in favor of Newbury Street.

For whatever reason, the less fortunate were in hiding. After over an hour, we finally found a guy who looked like he could use a hand, or a taco plate and a fist full of plantains.

He was very happy. So were we.

This entry is filed in {News}.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Give A Man A Fish, Or A Taco Plate

Seano Likes Taco

Sean got some kind of taco combination plate at Taqueria Cancun on Saturday and we spilt some plantains. His plate came with three tacos, guacamole, rice, and refried beans. That's a little pricey for $9.00, but it looked really, really good.

I had food envy. Bad.

This entry is filed in Taqueria Cancun.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Seano Likes Taco

Welcome To Hacienda Restaurant

It was Family Night at Hacienda, and the Schwimmer family decided to go to one of the hidden jewels of great Mexican food in North Jersey.

We went to Hacienda (official site with free coupons) in Paterson (Map) which was so packed we had to park illegally in an adjacent parking lot. After a few margaritas my dad was feeling giddy and ordered enchiladas: one steak, one chicken.

I had the same.

The meal came out looking like a masterpiece painting. The enchiladas were great, but could have been a little better with some hot sauce. All told, Hacienda fed 5 people plus 6 margaritas and a nacho supreme appetizer for about $15 per person.

This meal was directly followed by Italian Ices at the Lyndhurst Pastry Shop, of course.

New Jersey coverage by Junior Burrito Analyst Mike Schwimmer.

This Hacienda Restaurant meal was rated: 6.5.

Wednesday, June 01, 2005 by Jonah. Permalink for Welcome To Hacienda Restaurant | Comments (3)