In the current era of health conscious America, eaters are always looking for a fast, easy, healthy alternative to the big name, boring card board hamburger joints.
Chipotle is the package deal.
It was a busy Saturday, just after noon in the Birdcage Shopping Center off of Sunrise Boulevard.
The decor was simple but yet not boring. Wood molding and corrugated steal lined the eating area and corridor where customers formed a line. Aztec style art of the same material casually decorated the restaurant walls.
The menu is clearly organized in a build your-own-meal sort of way. First you choose the type: burrito, fajita burrito, burrito bowl, tacos, or salad. Then you choose what goes inside: Chicken, steak, carnitas, barbacoa or vegetarian. As you move down the line you can see employees prepare your meal. Next, and perhaps the most important, is the choice of salsa: fresh tomato (mild), roasted chili-corn (medium), tomatillo-green chili (medium hot), or tomatillio- red chili (hot).
I chose three tacos with soft tortillas and barbacoa (braised, shredded beef). I topped my tacos with cheese, romaine lettuce and a combination of fresh and hot salsas. The spice had just enough kick for my cheeks to draw in some extra help from outside air, but not enough to fry my taste buds. It is in my personal belief chips and salsa should be included in any mexican meal but at Chipotle they are purchased separately for $1.65. Regardless of the extra charge I got them and was satisfied with my choice.
Chipotle does serve a variety of domestic and authentic beers and if your feeling a little frisky margaritas are available. But don't expect to get any salt for the brim of your cup; they don't carry it.
At large, the experience was delightful. As we walked in the door my party had ordered, paid and sat down to eat in about five minutes time. All of the seats indoors were full so we opted to sit out side, luckily it was a dry day in autumn. There were umbrellas set up to block the intruding sun but unfortunately they were established in a stationary way and could not be altered to the direction the sun was facing. This was not a very big discomfort considering we were finished with our meal in under an hour.
For two people, two meals, a beer, a margarita and a side of chips and salsa we paid $22.67.
Fresh and naturally raised ingredients is definitely worth paying the extra couple of dollars compared to buying lunch at a popular fast food joint. Nutritional facts are listed with detail on Chipotle's to-go menu which is readily available at check out.
Although there is not an option to pull up to a drive-thru window to pick up your meal there are about 55 conveniently located restaurants throughout the greater Sacramento area. Chipotle also has the option of ordering your meal online to further add to the quickness of your dining experience. And for those with technological advances there is also an application for your iPhone so you can place your order.
Oh and if your costume is delicious, go into Chipotle dressed as a Boo-rito on Halloween and you get a free meal!
http://www.chipotle.com
The writer did a very straight line review, putting in everything you would expect - and want - in a review about whether to check the place out or not.
ReplyDeleteThe price tag seemed high as I read it, but the reviewer did a good job of detailing it all out.
A second read made it obvious why the price was up a little - margaritas and beer.
Arriba!
The best part of this column was the strong and very clever ending with information about ordering on an IPhone as well as the Halloween event.
The Halloween line makes this a very timely review.
Maybe Chipotle will give the reviewer a free meal.