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.

The Best Thai

It's been a while since I visited Panya Thai on 163rd Street and 6th Avenue in North Miami Beach. This hole in the wall, is right next door the original Krispy Kreme. Being a Thai fanatic, there are very few Thai places that can do it right. Panya Thai is one of them.

The place has been fixed up and redecorated sine my last visit and is, well, very Thai'ish. The service staff seem to live in the place as they always seem to be on duty. They are very friendly, and are light on the English, heavy on the Thai. The first thing I notice when I arrive is the number of presumably Thai locals eating here. This is always a good sign.

Everything here is made to order, and the soups are no exception. The Tom Yum Ka (chicken) or Tom Yum Goong (shrimp) are the winners. If you like coconut milk, order the Tom Yum Gai, One note here, the food here is generally on the hot side. Medium is hot. Hot is fire. I order mine mild, and add the supplied spice powder to taste.

For appetizers, the Chicken Larb Gai, is a fusion of fish sauce, red onion, lettuce, rice powder, scallions, and cilantro. It is scrumptious. The Jumping Shrimp are excellent and the Beef Tiger Tear is also a winner.

The staple of the Thai Restaurant are the curries. Panya offers: Red, Green, Panang, Massaman, and Secret Night. All can be had with chicken, beef, pork, or tofu. The Red Curry here is the one that others should strive to be. The Panang Curry has a slightly more peanut taste than the red, and the Secret Night has fried egg in it. All are served with white rice. Also a staple is the Pad Thai. It is served just right with the freshest ingredients. I usually get the chicken or shrimp. They are very generous with their portions and heavy on the chicken or shrimp in all their dishes.

Let me mention the lunch specials here. For $7.95 you can order one of sixteen dishes including any of the curries or Pad Thai. It comes with rice and a salad with that all too famous peanut dressing.

Having eaten Thai food in the South Pacific, and all across South Florida, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. It is the best Thai Food I have eaten in South Florida and savor any visit there. Don't wait and don't keep eating sub par Thai Food. Go to Panya Thai.