Alex J.
Yelp
Southern California, born and raised. I grew up spoiled for amazing Mexican fare, with the hands-down best hole-in-the-wall joint in the area being easily our favorite lunch destination as college students.
While the Twin Cities has some decent Hispanic eateries, none ever quite hit the spot. This might either be it or at least the closest I've come yet. It was so good, in fact, that I didn't forget to take a photo after a bite, I just chose not to. Om nom nom!
The Cinco de Mayo/Dia de La Madre street fair was in full effect, so the 20-minute line I waited in might not be typical. Why am I checking this place out instead of enjoying the fair's street fare? The lines for the popular spots are insane, I'm the lead for a short-staffed event, my team highly recommends this place, and I don't have cash on me and am not spending time on finding out which street vendors take card.
"Hi there, what's the difference between a burrito and a California burrito?"
The California burrito has fries in it.
I'm starving, so: "Sure, why not."
With everything?
No idea what that means exactly. Line's long though, and I'm at the only register: "Sure, and a large horchata, please."
Total of somewhere over $15.
Tidy environment, with employees bustling around ensuring clean surfaces and floors. Given the amount of traffic, this was highly appreciated. Super packed due to the event, but I manage a quiet booth to relieve my legs going on 21,000+ steps that day.
My number is called within minutes. They work fast!
There's an indescribable chew to the thin wrapper ingredient of rolled food items when done well, be it the rice paper of a colorful spring roll or the flour tortilla of a hefty burrito. And this, this had that perfect bite to it. I was so taken by that alone that I happily focused on nothing but my food for the next 10 minutes.
First corner bite revealed the glistening crisp-tender fries that somehow associated this burrito with my home state. Second bite smack in the middle uncovered a bright heap of green from a generous helping of fresh, creamy avocado - yes, please and thank you! Third bite showed the savory carne asada I'd opted for.
Why is there lime in my photo? Because I've enjoyed adding lime to cut the overall salt in burritos since my first college order.
Definitely a fan of the California burrito. So much so that I might pass on visiting the location close to me simply because the menu doesn't include that option. And I'll likely be visiting a location soon - already craving another!
Now to update foodie friends that we have a new place to check out!