Tuesday, July 15, 2008

A Burrito Bashing


This past weekend, I succumbed to the effervescent lure of Chipotle's. I am always up for a quality burrito, and they are usually hard to screw up. Chipotle's is a chain of Tex-Mex style food which is touted as "Gourmet Burrito's and Tacos". With a plethora of burrito joints in South Florida, would Chipotle measure up to it's competition? I'm afraid not.

When you enter the place, it is striking with its brushed steel and cherry wood decorations. The pigmented cement floor and the ergonomic rolling garbage cans are all extremely attractive and make for an inviting wait in line. The Generation Y staff was enthusiastic and aimed to please. They definitely had the right attitude.

They offer up the 4 basic types of meat (pork, steak, chicken, shredded beef), as either a burrito, taco, salad or fajita. Then add your choice of black or red (pinto) beans, and some plain white rice. As you move down the assembly line you are offered 4 toppings, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and cheese. They do offer one small spoon of fresh guacamole for an additional $1.50. They are lacking in additional toppings. Where is the fresh or pickled jalapenos? No lemons or limes? No cilantro? No onions?? No salsa bar? Forget about the cucumbers and olives. This is where they really fail the test.

Onward to the table, and lets eat! The chicken burrito we ordered was just okay, the chicken was on the dry side, and the rice was very bland, and tasteless. The chicken salad was similarly dull. The high point of the meal was the guacamole. We ordered the guacamole and chips for a nominal charge of $2.50. The guacamole had a a nice texture and was fresh. The chips on the other hand, were inedible. They were cooked with so much salt that they were impossible to chew and swallow.

Overall, I was not impressed with Chipotle's, Their web site touts 114 positive reviews and gives the impression of gourmet dining. I would not recommend eating here with so many good and great options available such as Moe's. If they got their act together, the place has potential. Unfortunately, they get the proverbial "Thumbs Down" today. Give Chipotle's a pass. If you have not read my review of Moe's click here for a great Tex Mex gastronomic experience.


Thursday, July 10, 2008

Do Leprechan's Drink Beer?


There are quite a few Irish pubs in South Florida. All of them have great beer. Most do not do great food. Tucked away on North Andrews avenue in east Ft. Lauderdale is Maguires Hill 16. This dark, smoky, landmark is great place for lunch, happy hour or just to chill out and have a beer.

Every day there are several lunch specials. They change daily and are all reasonably priced from $6.99 to $12.99. They also have a complete menu with something for everyone. One great reason to eat at Maguires is their potato soup. For an up charge of .50 cents you can get a loaded bowl of some great potato soup.

The opening order was the standard fish and chips. This consisted of one large piece of golden fried cod and a healthy amount of steak fries. It was well done and very tasty. It rivaled any English Pub I have eaten at. They keep vinegar on the table for the fries and fish, but unfortunately, they never heard of brown sauce at Maguires. We also ordered a Hot Corned Beef sandwich which comes with a side of fries which was good. It was served on marble rye bread and served warm with extra hot and spicy mustard. Finally the Shepard's Pie was seasoned ground beef over a bed of mashed potatoes. The dish was served hot and the seasoning was just right. Most of the men items excel for pub fare; however, I would think twice before ordering the Teriyaki Chicken. Finally, the beer. They have an impressive selection of imports and drafts although I was a bit disappointed they had no hand pumped ales. They also have a full service liquor bar for those who wish to hit the hard stuff. Service is above average and the servers are very attentive to their customers.

Maguires opens early and closes late. They have live bands on the weekends and a free buffet for happy hour. Pay them a visit at 535 N. Andrews Avenue in Ft. Lauderdale for some good old fashioned publike fun. After you visit Maguires Hill 16, you will know if Leprechan's drink beer.


Tuesday, July 1, 2008

July 4th - Get up and grill


Well it is the birthday of our country once again. We will be 232 years old this year. Although I have been busy, I wanted to remind everyone to have a great fourth, and don't forget to fire up your grill. For those who forgot here is my world famous rib recipe:RIBS!