It’s funny. This will be my fourth post about Chipotle since Friday… and I’m embarassed. Not just for my blog- but for Midtown too. Why is everyone in my office so excited for Chipotle? And why did I get so caught up in it? I don’t even like Chipotle! It just goes to show how starved we are in Midtown for good food. So sick of the same things day after day, a mediocre overpriced McBurrito is like some sort of Holy Grail of dining. Here’s what I said about Chipotle a month ago, when I heard it was opening in my building:
Well, it hasn’t been three months… but last night I finally discovered a way to enjoy Chipotle. Eating there for free. Free food always tastes better… it’s just a fact. And Chipotle proved that once again last night. We got one of those passes for free dinner on Monday night, and decided to check it out then, rather then wait on line today during free Buritto day (which is from 11am to 8pm by the way).
What we ate, and the Chipotle +/- after the jump…
We decided to try two different burritos…
- Burrito #1- Carnitas, Cilantro-Lime Rice, Black Beans, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole
- Burrito #2- Chicken, Cilantro-Lime Rice, Pico de Gallo, & Guacamole
I have to say, the Carnitas and the Chicken are both good at Chipotle. The carnitas is exactly as it should be. Braised with good seasonings, it tears apart and is nice and tender. And the chicken is good too, if you like your chicken grilled and cut in chunks- which I prefer to the shredded chicken in gravy that a lot of burrito places feature. But that’s where the complements end…
Here’s my big problem with Chipotle. The burrito is already a perfect food item. Get some good meat, put it in a tortilla with mexican rice, good salsa, and good guac, and it’s gonna be good. What’s this cilantro and lime rice shit? Why are the chips covered in lime flavored salt? Can’t you steam the cheese with the tortilla so I don’t have to eat clumps of cold cheese in my burrito? Why do I feel like I’m going into food coma after the fourth bite. I just think they’re trying too hard. There’s just something weird about Chipotle. I know it isn’t just ”Too much salt”. There’s something more then that. I just can’t put my finger on it…
Is it the best burrito you can get in Midtown? Probably. Am I a spoiled burrito snob after living in L.A. for two years? Definitely. Will I forget how I feel and go back to Chipotle in three months? To tell you the truth, I’ll probably be back within three weeks. But I won’t like it damnit! People who run Baja Fresh… if you’re listening. Please… come and save us from this Burrito wasteland. If you can open in Jersey, why can’t you be in NYC????
THE + (What people who like this place would say)
- You don’t need a knife and fork. Seems like common sense, but so many New York places can’t roll a good burrito
- Quit your whining L.A. boy… it’s a good burrito (and sadly it is probably the best burrito you are going to get in Midtown)
THE - (What people who don’t like this place will say)
- The price. It’s amazing how much better Chipotle is when you don’t have to pay $1.75 to add Guacamole to your burrito. Normal for midtown, but too expensive for a burrito.
- No free chips. And on top of having to pay for them, they are covered in this lime salt (that I’m pretty sure they put in the rice too).
- Too much salt all around. I thought it was a fluke the last time I went… but apparently it’s always like that. Call it McDonald’s consistency, I suppose.
- They’re operated by McDonald’s… and it shows.
- You don’t feel so good afterwards
Don’t forget… today (Tuesday 7/18) is free burrito day! From 11am to 8pm, everyone gets a free burrito. We’ll have pictures of the line and updates during the day. If I haven’t discouraged you enough, go have a Chiptole Burrito for yourself, and post your comments here. Today is the best day to go… Chipotle is never going to taste better then it does on the day when it’s free!
Chipotle, 129 W. 48th St. (btw. 6th & 7th Ave.), 212-575-8424
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July 18, 2006 at 10:35 am
You just lost another fan of the blog. The free burrito news was great the first time, but four days in a row is overkill. Good luck.
July 18, 2006 at 10:39 am
I promise today is the last day!!! Tomorrow I’ll be reviewing Yum Thai… and no more Chipotle ever again!
July 18, 2006 at 11:23 am
Burritoville makes a pretty good burrito near midtown. I think 39th and 9th,
July 18, 2006 at 12:29 pm
Not to mention these babies provide almost all of your daily calories. Oink!
July 18, 2006 at 3:34 pm
You should check out Pompano Taqueria, 805 Third Ave. between 49th and 50th, in this under-construction food court place called the Crystal Palace — best tacos and burritos I’ve had in NYC (which, admittedly, isn’t saying much, but this place is solid.)
July 18, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Pompano is definetely on my list of places to go…
July 18, 2006 at 10:35 pm
Just read your blog for the first time today…a friend sent cause we were in line at Chipotle. It was fun. And, just an FYI. McD’s does not own Chipotle nor does it operate it. It is a private company that McD invested in, but since Chipotle went public, it is divesting. From the news in the WSJ this morning, its been a pretty good investment for them. Anyway, happen to know that yes, the chips have fresh lime juice on them and kosher salt and the rice has fresh cilantro and lime juice mixed in. I think it is delicious. Don’t think they are trying to be a mexican restaurant…i read they call it fresh mex. And, the fact that all their meats are naturally raised…no antibiotics or hormones or animal by products in the feed, etc… they support sustainable farming and a hefty percentage of the beans they buy are organic is very cool. I think you protest too much. Perhaps you secretly love Chipotle and are addicted. relax. enjoy. life is good.
July 26, 2006 at 3:42 pm
I love mexican food, everything from the high-end stuff to taco bell, but I just can’t stand chipotle, something about it really does seem off to me. Stuff that should be hot is cold and stuff that should be spicy is bland and I agree with your assessment that the lime flavoring really is pretty weird.
As a simple alternative, there is a mexican cart on 50th between 6th and 7th that has tasty and filling burritos. I just had that for lunch today, and I have no regrets. The beans are the best - they’re creamy and peppery with a great texture. Go up two blocks and try it. (most people here prefer the beef to the chicken, but they are both pretty good)
July 26, 2006 at 3:44 pm
Funny you should mention that cart… I ate there a few days ago- and will be writing about it on Friday!
July 26, 2006 at 6:34 pm
Yaa!
(Except I hope it doesn’t get all crowded now)
September 28, 2006 at 9:05 am
[...] It’s been a few months since I last ate at Chipotle, and the craving for a burrito is back in full force. “I could really use a burrito. I’m sure Chipotle is not as bad as I remember it! Look at the gigantic lines! Everybody loves Chipotle… i’m sure it will be delicious!” Luckily my original post serves as a reminder of how I feel (”Free Chipotle is the only good Chipotle“), and I decided instead to hit up Burritoville with a friend from work. [...]
November 8, 2006 at 12:09 pm
[...] I love burritos, and have often lamented about the fact that there is not a good one in Midtown (here, here, here and here). More than anything that comes from past experience, and experiences. I have had some truly great burritos over the years, that hold special places in my heart… the Carnitas Super Burrito at Anna’s Taqueria (Boston), the Chicken Mole Burrito at Casa Diaz in Los Feliz (Los Angeles), the Baja Chicken Burrito at Baja Fresh (locations everywhere in the U.S. except Manahattan!), the Huarache I had two weeks ago at the Ballfields in Red Hook, and finally, the gigantor Carnitas Burrito at La Costena (Mountain View California)… it’s what all carnitas burritos aspire to be. [...]
November 13, 2006 at 5:04 pm
I’m from Texas, where there is a Chipotle on EVERY corner and I hate this place. I don’t understand the hype of it. However, if Freebirds ever makes it to NYC, I recommend it! Now that’s an awesome burrito! I’m going to NYC in May, and I love your blog!
February 11, 2007 at 5:56 am
Hi Iam an englishman living in Sweden
Ihave been reading your page and I wonder about one thing.
What the hell is a burrito ?
Is it a type of donkey and why the heck do you have such a fascination for it ?
April 28, 2007 at 8:52 pm
ROFL, you have no basis on which you can bash Chipotle if you think there “Fresh Tomato Slasa” is a “Pico de Gallo”. Clearly your knowledge of burritos is very, how shall we say, limited. So maybe when you call yourself a “…spoiled burrito snob…” you ment to say “snob”. kthxROFLpwnd
April 29, 2007 at 1:10 am
P.S. They use kosher salt and regular table salt, not lime salt. And Chipotle never was and never has been owned by MCdonalds. MCdonalds was merely an investor.
August 2, 2007 at 12:21 pm
they make a pretty good, quick burrito, and you write. what with all the software at your disposal, how did u manage to misspell two words in the early paragraphs? U don’t do ur thing correctly, how can u critique anyone else? look up ‘compliment’ in the dictionary; stop through at ‘than’ if u have a moment
November 8, 2007 at 12:29 pm
While visiting our grandchildren in Denver, we were treated to a delicious lunch at Chipotle…..Upon our return to Boca Raton, Fl. we were thrilled to learn that there is a Chipotle on Glades Rd. just a few miles from our home in Century Village……..I would be happy to write about and promote CHIPOTLE in our condo newspaper THE REPORTER, which is delivered to over 8000 residents in season. My 2 monthly columns are “FOODS - FACTS - FICTION and MYTHCONCEPTIONS” and “A VEGETARIAN’S VIEWPOINT”.
If at all possible I would appreciate receiving complimentary, introductory coupons, which I will be happy to offer to our readers as an inducement to try CHIPOTLE….If you need to reach me by phone (561) 487 4281…….BEST WISHES Judy Lipman
March 5, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I don’t know what’s wrong with you, I love Chipotle, it’s healthy, all natural, and they have a vegetarian menu. You are the first person I know that does not like it.
April 17, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Here in Tucson people are also excited about Chipotle. I don’t get it either. It’s kind of the Subway of the Mexican food world.
Put everything you’d normally get on a plate with a burrito–the burrito, beans and rice, in one tortilla, and eat. But less control over what gets in each bite.