Warm Up #2

As I start this post, I should clarify that it has nothing to do with taking a #2, or the "warming" effects that a burrito can have on a #2, but rather is just the second in a series of Warm-ups.

Today I took a departure from my typical burrito shack routine and decided to try a different type of venue. I went to the cafeteria in the basement of the Chase Tower in Chicago (10S. Dearborn, loop) which I later learned is named Plaza Market Bistro.

Plaza Market Bistro is a great place to go when you are with a group of people that can’t decide on what they want. The cafeteria offers a cornucopia of styles and ethnicities of food. Everything is represented, Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, Stir Fry, Traditional American, New York Deli, etc… While variety may be the spice of life for some, I was able to quickly hunker down to the only thing that mattered to me, the Mexican Stand.

It appeared that the burrito choices were some sort of beef, chicken, and chorizo. When in doubt, I always say ‘go pig’, so chorizo it was. The burrito initially comes with chorizo and shredded cheese that is placed on the soft shell and is warmed on a skillet, toasting the shell and melting the cheese. Once properly toasted, there are a variety of toppings available. I went for cilantro, jalapenos, black olives, sour cream, and rojo and verde salsas. Normally, I am a much bigger fan of burrito places that exude confidence and just make the burritos as they will, instead of using what I call the ‘Subway Style’ where you need to point out what toppings you would like. In this instance, however, the ‘Subway Style’ was welcoming because my direction kept lettuce and a very sickly looking sweet pepper off my burrito.

The burrito was light on the stomach and had a nice flavor to it. The Chrizo was well seasoned, but did not have that overpowering, give you heart burn quality that is often encountered. The toppings nicely complemented the meat and cheese, but in retrospect, of course they should have, I picked them out myself.

Overall, this establishment provided me an enjoyable burrito experience. Being the multi-ethnic cafeteria style place it was, though, I feel that it lacked the integrity that could make it a true power hitter or go to burrito place. To summarize, it was a perfect venue for a warm up during the preseason/spring training, but it would NOT cut it once the real season (May) is here. I’ll give it 5 out of 10.

Until Next Time…..