I am not a soccer fan, but I do realize that in the sport that they have something at the end of the game called “Additional Time”. Additional time in soccer is stoppage time that delayed the game. This time is added on to the 90 minute regulation time. After the 90 minutes regulation the referee decides how much time to add. I like this concept and believe that it should apply to Burrito Appreciation Month. By my calculations, there were five days where due to travel and locale, I was delayed from or not able to get a burrito. With this said, BURRITO APPRECIATION MONTH IS BEING EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 5, 2011!
Since we have this extra time, I would like to extend a contest to all of our readers. Burrito Appreciation Month is sponsoring an essay contest titled “Burrito Appreciation Month and what it means to me”. Simply put together an essay with your thoughts and feelings towards Burrito Appreciation Month, and email it to theivesiest@yahoo.com. I will personally judge the essays, and the winner will get a free burrito lunch or dinner with me. Sharpen your pencils and get writing!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Cermitas Puebla – 3619 W. North Avenue (Humboldt Park).
I have found that some of the worst words in the English Language start with the letter “C”. Cancer, Chlamydia, and Cardiac Arrest all start with the letter “c”, as does the c-word itself. I would like to add one more word to that list “CLOSED”.
On this Memorial Day, I believe that this nation owes a great debt of gratitude to the members of our armed services, past and present. These brave souls have risked and many lost their lives to defend our country. They have spent months, and sometimes even years away from family and loved ones in order to keep this nation safe. I think it is wonderful that the country takes a day off to remember, but there are certain facilities and institutions that cannot close to remember our soldiers. Hospitals remain open Memorial Day, so do police and fire stations. I will like to add one more institution that should remain open, Mexican Restaurants. If I was a soldier who fought the war, I would most certainly want to be able to enjoy the most American of all Mexican foods on this fine holiday, the Burrito.
Cermitas Puebla, you may have been closed this time, but I will be coming back sometime when it is not a national holiday. Look forward to my post “When a Puebla becomes a casa” when I finally get there.
Until Next Time…
On this Memorial Day, I believe that this nation owes a great debt of gratitude to the members of our armed services, past and present. These brave souls have risked and many lost their lives to defend our country. They have spent months, and sometimes even years away from family and loved ones in order to keep this nation safe. I think it is wonderful that the country takes a day off to remember, but there are certain facilities and institutions that cannot close to remember our soldiers. Hospitals remain open Memorial Day, so do police and fire stations. I will like to add one more institution that should remain open, Mexican Restaurants. If I was a soldier who fought the war, I would most certainly want to be able to enjoy the most American of all Mexican foods on this fine holiday, the Burrito.
Cermitas Puebla, you may have been closed this time, but I will be coming back sometime when it is not a national holiday. Look forward to my post “When a Puebla becomes a casa” when I finally get there.
Until Next Time…
Artegas cocina - Milwaukee WI
I spent the past weekend standing up in a friend’s wedding in Milwaukee. Overall, this was probably one of the most positive wedding experiences I have ever witnessed; the party was great, the couple is awesome, and I felt honored to be able to participate in this wedding experience. The only detail that was overlooked was that I don’t think they realized that they were holding a wedding during the last weekend of Burrito Appreciation Month. A few years ago I did have friends hold a wedding during Burrito Appreciation Month; however, they held the wedding in Mexico. Although they didn’t write it on their invitations or mention it, they effectively were having a Burrito Destination Wedding (I mean why else would you go to Mexico to get married?).
Not wanting to anger the Burrito Gods, I immediately chose
to get a burrito upon my arrival in Milwaukee. Actually, to say I choose may be too strong of a word. Being the burrito junkie that I am, I started to get a strong jones about an hour outside of Burrito Capitol USA (Chicago), and as I was itching and scratching, I asked my friend to drive faster so we could get a burrito. Sadly for me, there is no known medical cure for burrito addiction. I spend a lot of time chasing the dragon of that first time I loaded up on Burritos. At least heroin addicts have methadone, however, medical advances have not brought about a synthetic burrito, and lesser forms of the burrito, like the taquito or the gordita, will not squelch the jones.
Per a Facebook of recommendation from my friend’s mom, I went to Arteagas Cocina in Milwaukee at 1234. S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive (little did she know she was helping to feed the monkey). To start off, let’s talk about the neighborhood. This area of Milwaukee has a strong Chicano influence, and is about the closest thing that you will find to Mexico inside Wisconsin. Being born and raised in Milwaukee, I am appalled that I have never been in this area before. The street was lined with Mexican Restaurants and little shops and stores. It looked like a paradise I would like to spend more time exploring. Once inside the restaurant, the burrito menu was awesome. They have a Burrito Grandismo and a Burrito Gigante, as well as an option for 3 smaller burritos and a Vegetarian Burrito which they actually charge more for than a regular burrito (suck it non-meat eaters).
I decided to order the Burrito Grandismo with Al Pastor. It would be an understatement to say that this thing was awesome! I don’t think that words can describe how perfectly done the al pastor was. All of the other toppings (rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream), blended into what I would describe as an orgasm of taste. This burrito is top of my list in Milwaukee, and worth mentioning in the top burritos I have ever had. 9.5 Wow!
Until Next Time…
Not wanting to anger the Burrito Gods, I immediately chose
to get a burrito upon my arrival in Milwaukee. Actually, to say I choose may be too strong of a word. Being the burrito junkie that I am, I started to get a strong jones about an hour outside of Burrito Capitol USA (Chicago), and as I was itching and scratching, I asked my friend to drive faster so we could get a burrito. Sadly for me, there is no known medical cure for burrito addiction. I spend a lot of time chasing the dragon of that first time I loaded up on Burritos. At least heroin addicts have methadone, however, medical advances have not brought about a synthetic burrito, and lesser forms of the burrito, like the taquito or the gordita, will not squelch the jones.Per a Facebook of recommendation from my friend’s mom, I went to Arteagas Cocina in Milwaukee at 1234. S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive (little did she know she was helping to feed the monkey). To start off, let’s talk about the neighborhood. This area of Milwaukee has a strong Chicano influence, and is about the closest thing that you will find to Mexico inside Wisconsin. Being born and raised in Milwaukee, I am appalled that I have never been in this area before. The street was lined with Mexican Restaurants and little shops and stores. It looked like a paradise I would like to spend more time exploring. Once inside the restaurant, the burrito menu was awesome. They have a Burrito Grandismo and a Burrito Gigante, as well as an option for 3 smaller burritos and a Vegetarian Burrito which they actually charge more for than a regular burrito (suck it non-meat eaters).
I decided to order the Burrito Grandismo with Al Pastor. It would be an understatement to say that this thing was awesome! I don’t think that words can describe how perfectly done the al pastor was. All of the other toppings (rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream), blended into what I would describe as an orgasm of taste. This burrito is top of my list in Milwaukee, and worth mentioning in the top burritos I have ever had. 9.5 Wow!
Until Next Time…
Monday, May 23, 2011
Dona Naty's
OK - this one will be short & simple. Went to Dona Naty's (1815 W. Chicago - Ukrainian Village) on Saturday and had an Al Pastor Burrito and Nachos. I would rate the dining experience as lackluster at best. The Al Pastor Burrito burrito was flavorless and in general not very good. The nachos were a concoction that my buddies 4-year old could have done a better job with Kraft and a microwave. I hate to pan a place that is as well respected as Dona Naty's is in the burrito world, so I will just state the facts. Around 7:30 PM on Saturday May 21, their nachos and Al Pastor burritos were not very good. With Tecalitlan and El Taco Veloz so tasty and close, I can not see going back to Dona Naty's anytime soon.
Hopefully next time I can lighten your day with Burrito Bliss...
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Lord of the Burritos – Burrito Trilogy #2 – Taqueria Cuauhtemoc, Garcias, & Burrito House
Preface – This trilogy is very different than the last, where good things were found at unexpected times and places. In this story, we are going into the all-stars, the heavy hitters, and expecting results. We are tri-winning here! There is no fooling around, no jokes, no clever wit, just burritos, burritos, and taste. This trilogy will take place in acts, and will go from most recent to least.
Act 3 – Taqueria Cuauhtemoc, 2504 S. Kedzie, Little Village – Sunday May 15
Last week I asked a cab driver what he thought was the best burrito joint in Chicago. He directed me to me to Mi Tierra in the Little Village. When I got there it was bright pastel and looked exactly like the Mi Tierra on Belmont in Lakeview. With the said, I knew I need something with a little different feel, so I went a few doors north the Taqueria Cuauhtemoc.
Upon walking in, I know I was in an honest to god taqueria. It was mid-afternoon, and there were a few older men sitting at the counter enjoying tacos and having either a soda or a beer. Spanish was the only language being spoken here. When the lady from the counter asked me for my order, I requested “un burrito carnitas por favor”. In perfect English she answered “you want a carnitas burrito?”, and upon arrival the man sitting next to me who was having much more reasonably portioned tacos said “you are more of a man than me”.
The carnitas burrito I had was one of the freshest tasting burritos ever. The carnitas themselves were unbelievably juicy and delicious. The burrito was topped with cheese, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream. As a whole, this burrito simply rocked, I’ve never had anything like it. Delicious, juicy, and surprisingly light on the stomach. This was easily the best deal I have ever had for $5. It is experiences like this that make the sometimes glutinous exercise of blogging burritos worth while. I recommend the next time that you have a Sunday afternoon free, you head down to the Little Village and go here or one of the many other wonderful hole in the wall taquerias in the neighborhood.
Act 2 - Garcias , 4749 N Western, Lincoln Square – Saturday May 14
Many people have told me they believe this to be the best burrito place in Chicago. Sadly for me, despite all of the burritos I’ve had over all the years, I had never been, so I figured it was time to go, and I didn’t already have any dinner plans for Saturday night.
Apparently, this restaurant had a major facelift a little over a year ago. What was once a true burrito shack is now a very nice, if not upscale looking, restaurant. Apparently, they had also expanded and it had a pretty large footprint, complete with plasma TV’s. Despite the very modern look, I still feel this place had authenticy, it had just added versatility.
I ordered an al pastor y chorizo burrito suizo. This thing was massive. I often wonder what any of the power eaters would look like trying to finish this because I wasn’t even close. In fact, neither of my friends I was with finished their burritos either. Portion control was most definitely an issue; I’d recommend splitting a burrito. Overall, I though it had a really good taste, but the sodium on the chorizo was a bit overdone. I think that sodium on the burrito porks can be a delicate issue. By nature, they are already so sodium rich; that the less is more policy doctrine should be incorporated.
I really did enjoy this restaurant and the experience I had. I went in, though, with expectations way higher than they should have been. I think that this is a lovely burrito place, but by no means the best in Chicago.
Act 1 – Burrito House, 3547 N. Lincoln, North Center – Friday May 13
After catching “This Must be the Band” the Talking Heads cover band at Martyr’s, I popped south a few blocks with my buddy to the Burrito House. It is no secret that I think this is the best burrito place on Chicago’s north side east of the expressway. Last year when I wrote about it, my review simply said “go there 10 out of 10”. I have never had a less than awesome experience here, and this time was no exception.
I had the chorizo y al pastor burrito (are you catching a pattern). There is something about their meat and the way they toast their shells that is completely unlike any other place. The only style points I had to add this time is that I ordered a cup of nacho cheese and as I ate my burrito, I would pour nacho cheese on it. I really don’t think life gets any better than this. My only complaint about this place is that the pork is so good, that I have no idea what the chicken or steak taste like. Once again, do yourself a favor, set down your computer and F*uckin go there! Wow!
Until next time (or the time after if you choose to skip reading one of our blogs)…..
Andy Gehl
Last week I asked a cab driver what he thought was the best burrito joint in Chicago. He directed me to me to Mi Tierra in the Little Village. When I got there it was bright pastel and looked exactly like the Mi Tierra on Belmont in Lakeview. With the said, I knew I need something with a little different feel, so I went a few doors north the Taqueria Cuauhtemoc.
Upon walking in, I know I was in an honest to god taqueria. It was mid-afternoon, and there were a few older men sitting at the counter enjoying tacos and having either a soda or a beer. Spanish was the only language being spoken here. When the lady from the counter asked me for my order, I requested “un burrito carnitas por favor”. In perfect English she answered “you want a carnitas burrito?”, and upon arrival the man sitting next to me who was having much more reasonably portioned tacos said “you are more of a man than me”.
The carnitas burrito I had was one of the freshest tasting burritos ever. The carnitas themselves were unbelievably juicy and delicious. The burrito was topped with cheese, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream. As a whole, this burrito simply rocked, I’ve never had anything like it. Delicious, juicy, and surprisingly light on the stomach. This was easily the best deal I have ever had for $5. It is experiences like this that make the sometimes glutinous exercise of blogging burritos worth while. I recommend the next time that you have a Sunday afternoon free, you head down to the Little Village and go here or one of the many other wonderful hole in the wall taquerias in the neighborhood.
Act 2 - Garcias , 4749 N Western, Lincoln Square – Saturday May 14
Many people have told me they believe this to be the best burrito place in Chicago. Sadly for me, despite all of the burritos I’ve had over all the years, I had never been, so I figured it was time to go, and I didn’t already have any dinner plans for Saturday night.
Apparently, this restaurant had a major facelift a little over a year ago. What was once a true burrito shack is now a very nice, if not upscale looking, restaurant. Apparently, they had also expanded and it had a pretty large footprint, complete with plasma TV’s. Despite the very modern look, I still feel this place had authenticy, it had just added versatility.
I ordered an al pastor y chorizo burrito suizo. This thing was massive. I often wonder what any of the power eaters would look like trying to finish this because I wasn’t even close. In fact, neither of my friends I was with finished their burritos either. Portion control was most definitely an issue; I’d recommend splitting a burrito. Overall, I though it had a really good taste, but the sodium on the chorizo was a bit overdone. I think that sodium on the burrito porks can be a delicate issue. By nature, they are already so sodium rich; that the less is more policy doctrine should be incorporated.
I really did enjoy this restaurant and the experience I had. I went in, though, with expectations way higher than they should have been. I think that this is a lovely burrito place, but by no means the best in Chicago.
Act 1 – Burrito House, 3547 N. Lincoln, North Center – Friday May 13
After catching “This Must be the Band” the Talking Heads cover band at Martyr’s, I popped south a few blocks with my buddy to the Burrito House. It is no secret that I think this is the best burrito place on Chicago’s north side east of the expressway. Last year when I wrote about it, my review simply said “go there 10 out of 10”. I have never had a less than awesome experience here, and this time was no exception.
I had the chorizo y al pastor burrito (are you catching a pattern). There is something about their meat and the way they toast their shells that is completely unlike any other place. The only style points I had to add this time is that I ordered a cup of nacho cheese and as I ate my burrito, I would pour nacho cheese on it. I really don’t think life gets any better than this. My only complaint about this place is that the pork is so good, that I have no idea what the chicken or steak taste like. Once again, do yourself a favor, set down your computer and F*uckin go there! Wow!
Until next time (or the time after if you choose to skip reading one of our blogs)…..
Andy Gehl
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Fart of Darkness
In posts gone by, I have regaled you with tales of my colon, Ted. He's a rascally little guy full of mischief and deceit. He sometimes takes umbrage to my burrito eating ways. His revenge is not immediate, however. Ted is much too maniacal to act on impulse. He will wait...sometimes for hours or days on end before having his vengeance.
Today was that day....
Rewind to yesterday. I chose to partake in a burrito from Allende. It's located on Lincoln and Fullerton near the DePaul campus. I had heard good things about Allende from the co-eds I try to woo back to my tastefully decorated condo. They all gave glowing reviews. Personally, I found the burrito sort of average. It wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't great either. Sort of bland. Allende gets points for having tasty hot sauce though (even though it really wasn't all that hot). All in all I have to give this burrito joint a 6. Those co-eds have under-evolved taste buds apparently.
Allende is located on the southern end of Chicago's "burrito district". A completely made up area roughly bordered by Fullerton on the south, Diversey on the north, Lincoln on the west, and Halsted on the east. Entering the burrito district is not for the faint of heart. It's for brave souls willing to engage in a little danger. Not unlike the Captain Willard character in Apocalypse Now. Ted doesn't like it when I enter the burrito district. He knows bad things reside there. Ted is very much like Captain Willard. And today, I was very much like Colonel Kurtz.
I was riding the bus this morning from my tastefully decorated condo to my meditation lab in downtown Chicago. As is my custom, I sit next to a pretty girl even if there are other seats available. This has never worked for me but I figure all I need is for it to work once.....or twice. At one of the early stops, another girl got on and sat on the other side of me! This has never happened to me before. I began rehearsing my opening lines hopeful for a three way (you never know unless you ask, right?). And just as I was about to open my mouth, Ted appeared.
At first I thought it was just the bus going over a bump in the road. I shook it off and tried to speak again, but this time Ted roared more loudly. I began to sweat. I sat back in my seat and tried to breath. He roared again, more loudly this time. No one heard but me but I knew what was coming. The end was near. My mind began to race. I began to recite T.S. Eliot. "..shape without form. Shape without color." I was going mad.
I began to talk to Ted: "Are you a silent assassin, Ted?" He did not respond. I grew agitated, angry. I lashed out at him, "You're an errand boy sent by grocery clerks to collect a bill." He rumbled loudly at this point. I knew my time had come.
I pushed my butt as far down into my seat as it would go. I considered standing but that would only put my rear at nose level. I considered a prayer but before I could decide on an appropriate religious incantation, Ted struck. He was indeed a silent assassin. I sat frozen with fear as the gas seeped from my body. I hoped it would not smell but that hope was quickly proven false. The smell was horrific. It not only cleared out the two girls seated next to me, but the entire back of the bus. Even the Turkish guy who probably never showers was offended. I sat alone wallowing in my own stink. The day was Ted's. He destroyed my very soul.
The horror.
The horror.
The horror.
Just wait until this weekend, Ted. I'm eating Ethiopian food you son of a bitch.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Burrito Trilogy #1
Hello... welcome back…it’s been a minute…sorry for the hiatus...let me explain…
I was down in the Big Easy from Wednesday night 5/4 until the past Monday night (yes 5-days & nights in NOLA) doing a burrito mission. I will admit that a bachelor party and a 120-hour bender were part of the experience. I’ll also admit that eating a lot of burritos and converting people over to the burrito were not. Despite my actions, however, everyone knows and understands deep down I was there for a higher purpose, the burrito.
Upon my return, I was incarcerated for about 60 hours over the last five days at my place of employment. Sadly for me, the Burrito Blog does not provide me a living income and I need a means to end, the end being of course delicious burritos.
During my hiatus, I did receive some comments asking whether I would come back and what was going on. Happy for me, it means that someone actually reads this blog, so I will take no offense to any nasty remarks; and while I do realize that it is sacrilege that I did not post on Cinco De Mayo, much like Santa Claus taking Christmas Eve off, I have come back with a burrito trilogy. This Trilogy has three parts and I will tell you all three parts:
Part 1 – The Scene is Cinco De Mayo, Thursday May 5, in New Orleans, LA (NOLA). NOLA may be one of the best cities in the world to visit, especially for those who harbor a love for great food, live music, and the drink. Although NOLA cuisine is amazing, they are born with a tongue for the Creole, and the burrito is at best hidden behind the scenes. In the land of hedonism, I did not know where I would find my burrito sanctuary. Turns out it came in a place by the name of Juan’s Flying Burrito. The name Flying Burrito scares the hell out of me…
…Rewind 12 years…In college, a good friend of my coined a move called the ‘Flying Burrito’. He would run full speed and hurl himself into the air. During flight, he would level himself out horizontally into a position that he believed looked like a 'Flying Burrito’. Then, he would continue his flight into some really drunk person who was seated. Usually, the person who was hit, due to their state, would not feel a thing, but the real victim would be the piece of furniture they were seated on. Most times, that furniture would belong to a really sweet and really cute coed who was kind enough to have us into her apartment for an after hours party. Needless to say, after the damage and destruction caused, we would be forced to leave and go home empty handed. I would like to go on record as saying that I hate the flying burrito and I blame that move at least partially for never meeting my future wife, whoever she may be, in college.
…Fast forward to a better time, the present. …Not sure what to expect at Juan’s, I decided to behave, fit in with the culture, and order a Jerk Gator Burrito. Jerk Gator Burrito, what a wonderful fusion food! Here I was, enjoying a wonderful burrito, and at the same time being immersed in the Cajun culture. Juan’s, you get my stamp of approval!
Part 2 – Fast forward to the following Tuesday, May 10. The Scene is Wrigley Field, Chicago Illinois. I am offered free bleacher tickets to a Cubs game from work. Normally, due to my hatred of the Cubs, and the fact the Ricketts family is anti-burrito (reference burritophile post ‘Warm-up #4’, 4/9/2011), I avoid Wrigley. This night, however, was different. It was beautiful out and I was able to catch up with a good friend who enjoys the Cubs and sadly is leaving town soon. As we got to the seats, I saw a group of good friends who were randomly at the game and just happened to be right by us. Just seeing their faces brought me into a happy place, and then they went above and beyond. After a long day of work, I did not have enough time for dinner and I was starving. Furthermore, Wrigley treats its burrito lovers like it does their smokers, second class citizens. For either a smoke or a burrito, you essentially have to leave the stadium. When we went over to say hi to my friends, they revealed a contra band bag of Taco Bell and offered me a free 7-layer burrito! Another burrito miracle! Needless to say my tummy went home happy.
Part 3 – Fast forward to following Thursday, May 12. The scene is West Chicago Avenue, around Damen. Once again after a long day I met some friends for a drink or two. As I was about to go home, all I was looking forward to was a warm bed and sawing some logs. About to leave, a friend of mine who I previously thought only possessed above average intelligence looked at me and said “All I know is I’m headed to El Taco Veloz”. El Taco Veloz, what a genius! Turns out he was a mental f*cking genius! El Taco Veloz was as wonderful as I remember it Cinco De Mayo 2010, when I first met the Burritophile. It was a great al pastor burrito, but one warning, the Margarita’s taste like tang.
There are three lessons to be learned:
1. Sometimes the greatest joys come from people, places, and times that you least expect them.
2. Good things come in threes
3. Great things happen on Days that begin with ‘T’. I was born on a Thursday, December 22, 1977…Rewind 33 years.
I was down in the Big Easy from Wednesday night 5/4 until the past Monday night (yes 5-days & nights in NOLA) doing a burrito mission. I will admit that a bachelor party and a 120-hour bender were part of the experience. I’ll also admit that eating a lot of burritos and converting people over to the burrito were not. Despite my actions, however, everyone knows and understands deep down I was there for a higher purpose, the burrito.
Upon my return, I was incarcerated for about 60 hours over the last five days at my place of employment. Sadly for me, the Burrito Blog does not provide me a living income and I need a means to end, the end being of course delicious burritos.
During my hiatus, I did receive some comments asking whether I would come back and what was going on. Happy for me, it means that someone actually reads this blog, so I will take no offense to any nasty remarks; and while I do realize that it is sacrilege that I did not post on Cinco De Mayo, much like Santa Claus taking Christmas Eve off, I have come back with a burrito trilogy. This Trilogy has three parts and I will tell you all three parts:
Part 1 – The Scene is Cinco De Mayo, Thursday May 5, in New Orleans, LA (NOLA). NOLA may be one of the best cities in the world to visit, especially for those who harbor a love for great food, live music, and the drink. Although NOLA cuisine is amazing, they are born with a tongue for the Creole, and the burrito is at best hidden behind the scenes. In the land of hedonism, I did not know where I would find my burrito sanctuary. Turns out it came in a place by the name of Juan’s Flying Burrito. The name Flying Burrito scares the hell out of me…
…Rewind 12 years…In college, a good friend of my coined a move called the ‘Flying Burrito’. He would run full speed and hurl himself into the air. During flight, he would level himself out horizontally into a position that he believed looked like a 'Flying Burrito’. Then, he would continue his flight into some really drunk person who was seated. Usually, the person who was hit, due to their state, would not feel a thing, but the real victim would be the piece of furniture they were seated on. Most times, that furniture would belong to a really sweet and really cute coed who was kind enough to have us into her apartment for an after hours party. Needless to say, after the damage and destruction caused, we would be forced to leave and go home empty handed. I would like to go on record as saying that I hate the flying burrito and I blame that move at least partially for never meeting my future wife, whoever she may be, in college.
…Fast forward to a better time, the present. …Not sure what to expect at Juan’s, I decided to behave, fit in with the culture, and order a Jerk Gator Burrito. Jerk Gator Burrito, what a wonderful fusion food! Here I was, enjoying a wonderful burrito, and at the same time being immersed in the Cajun culture. Juan’s, you get my stamp of approval!
Part 2 – Fast forward to the following Tuesday, May 10. The Scene is Wrigley Field, Chicago Illinois. I am offered free bleacher tickets to a Cubs game from work. Normally, due to my hatred of the Cubs, and the fact the Ricketts family is anti-burrito (reference burritophile post ‘Warm-up #4’, 4/9/2011), I avoid Wrigley. This night, however, was different. It was beautiful out and I was able to catch up with a good friend who enjoys the Cubs and sadly is leaving town soon. As we got to the seats, I saw a group of good friends who were randomly at the game and just happened to be right by us. Just seeing their faces brought me into a happy place, and then they went above and beyond. After a long day of work, I did not have enough time for dinner and I was starving. Furthermore, Wrigley treats its burrito lovers like it does their smokers, second class citizens. For either a smoke or a burrito, you essentially have to leave the stadium. When we went over to say hi to my friends, they revealed a contra band bag of Taco Bell and offered me a free 7-layer burrito! Another burrito miracle! Needless to say my tummy went home happy.
Part 3 – Fast forward to following Thursday, May 12. The scene is West Chicago Avenue, around Damen. Once again after a long day I met some friends for a drink or two. As I was about to go home, all I was looking forward to was a warm bed and sawing some logs. About to leave, a friend of mine who I previously thought only possessed above average intelligence looked at me and said “All I know is I’m headed to El Taco Veloz”. El Taco Veloz, what a genius! Turns out he was a mental f*cking genius! El Taco Veloz was as wonderful as I remember it Cinco De Mayo 2010, when I first met the Burritophile. It was a great al pastor burrito, but one warning, the Margarita’s taste like tang.
There are three lessons to be learned:
1. Sometimes the greatest joys come from people, places, and times that you least expect them.
2. Good things come in threes
3. Great things happen on Days that begin with ‘T’. I was born on a Thursday, December 22, 1977…Rewind 33 years.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Cinco De Mayo Eve
Sometimes, the eve of an event eclipses the event itself. For many American families, Christmas Eve has become a bigger event that Christmas Day. Many people feel socially defined by what they do on New Years Eve, but it is much more rare to hear talk of what people are doing New Years Day. Halloween was established as the eve of All Saints Day (hallows eve). I’ve been to a lot of great Halloween Parties, but I can’t tell you that I’ve ever been to a bitchin’ All Saints Day party.
I would like you to think about this today, the Eve of Cinco De Mayo. Just because the big day is tomorrow doesn’t mean you can’t let loose a little tonight. While it may not be realistic yet that CDM Eve would eclipse the holiest of all burrito days, it’s a good idea to at least try to have a little fun with it.
To celebrate the holy day, I will be headed to New Orleans. Unfortunately, the po’ boy is king down there, and I have missionary work to do to try to spread the word of the burrito. Converting people is not easy work, but if you want to start a revolution, you need to be willing to roll up your sleeves. I’m sure when I’m there that I will be longing to get back to the Burrito Capitol of the USA, Chicago.
Until next time……..
Monday, May 2, 2011
Las Asadas Take 2
After my powerful dream I had the other night, I started looking into Frued's writings about dream interpretation, trying to make sense of what I had experienced in my sleep. Unfortunately, Frued did not study burrito dreams, so I was left with no help. After reading his work, I was only left to wonder that if Frued had done less blow, would he have had a better appetite for tasty burritos? If he had experienced the burrito, would he be able to help me to understand the inner meanings of my dreams? I guess we'll never know, but this is a good advertisement warning against the evils of cocaine.
Anyways, not fully understanding my inner feelings, I wanted to keep things local to usher in Burrito Appreciation Month, so I went to Las Asadas. I hate to review things twice (Reference "In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb" June 2010), but at Las Asadas I make an exception. Last June, I gave it an 8.5, this year 9.0. Get the Burrito, Ger the Super Burrito, get whatever you would like, just make sure to go there and have a burrito there for Christ's Sake!
Until the next time when I go to a new place....
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Welcome to Burrito Appreciation Month 2011!
Viva Burritos!
It would take more than Ben Affleck (or Jennifer Lopez) to make me forget about burritos. About the only thing would be death and since I don't plan on dying any time soon, I will not forget my duty to you, our faithful reader, on this the most wonderful of all days; the first day of BURRITO APPRECIATION MONTH. We look forward to giving you the best in burrito news and reviews from around the globe as we celebrate the greatest culinary invention of all time.
Good burrito eating to you all!
Burritophile
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