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.

Eat hard tacos while you still have teeth

Moe's Southwest Grill was on the short list for today's lunch in east Ft. Lauderdale on the 17th Street Causeway. Any place that names it's burrito the "Triple Lindy" deserved a lunch date from my office. In addition to the "Triple Lindy" (Back to School), you have the "Joey Bag of Donuts" (My Cousin Vinny), and the "Art Vandalay" (Seinfeld). Okay, they have catchy names but can the food match Moe's wit?

While I normally stay away from fast food chains, Moe's Southwest Grill is an easy exception. Normally, I leave burrito's at Taco Bell; however, Moe's takes the Tex-Mex style to a new level. They offer several varieties of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, fajitas and salads, and they all have catchy names based on famous movie and television shows.

On any menu item you pick beef or chicken and add black or red pinto beans with rice being optional. You can surround this base with a hard shell, soft shell, burrito shell or salad. I had a chicken burrito with pinto beans and rice, made by an enthusiastic employee who enjoyed producing his craft. As you slide down the assembly line, you are overwhelmed by a variety of fresh toppings. I topped my overstuffed log with fresh jalapeños, fresh cilantro, lettuce, onion, salsa and took a side of Moe's fresh guacamole.

Once I shelled out a very reasonable $8 for my combo that included tortilla chips, the side of guacamole and a drink, I was face to face with the salsa bar. Moe has four salsa's up for grabs. I preferred the green tomatillo sauce, but he has hot, medium and mild red salsa's to suit all peculiarities and tastes.

Moe's has location's in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach and are nationwide. They have a winning combination of menu items and do it all right. Check out Moe's online here. I thoroughly enjoyed Moe's and you will too.