Whenever I tell people that I’ve never eaten Chipotle before, I usually get one of three reactions:
1) Empathetic: “Wow, I feel so sorry for you. That’s just so sad, you don’t even know what you’re missing. Hm, such a shame.”
2) Offended: *jaw drops* “You’re insane!!!!!”
3) Concerned/urgent: “Stop. Absolutely not okay. I’m going to take you to Chipotle. We’re going. Tomorrow. There’s literally no time to waste.”
I recently realized that it was my duty as a college student and food-lover to try Chipotle for myself and see what all the rage is about. I decided to take up Reaction #3 Friend on her offer and off we went to Chipotle.
Photo by Heather Harris
After waiting in line for 15 minutes (which apparently is a miracle compared to usual line lengths), I made it to the front. I quickly learned that there is some kind of Chipotle language that everyone is expected to know before setting foot into the restaurant.
The girl behind the counter just stared at me, smiling, waiting for me to know what to say. I didn’t know what to say. It was like being a freshman and having to ask someone where the bathroom is in the library. Awkward. Embarrassing.
Note to other newbies: Go with a friend. Have said friend brief you on how the ordering process works so you don’t look like an idiot when you get to the front of the line and don’t know how to communicate with the experts.
Once I figured out what to say after a few awkward seconds, I decided to start with the least daunting of the menu options: the bowl. I ordered brown rice, black beans, sofritas, mild salsa, corn, guac and lettuce.
Photo by Santina Renzi
Wow.
The first bite was more magical than I imagined it would be. The combination of the cold guac and the warm sofritas was so right. The fact that the guac was an extra $1.95 made it seem slightly less right, but guac this good really is invaluable.
I went with the mild salsa because it looked so nice and fresh and chunky, but it wasn’t spicy enough. Definitely going to give medium a try next time, even though its greenness makes me feel a little uncomfortable.
I basically inhaled the entire thing. It was like this was the first day of my life and I was breathing air for the first time. So natural. So right.
Photo by Santina Renzi
Final verdict: I like Chipotle. A lot.
Stay tuned for my next adventure: the daunting monster burrito.
Photo by Santina Renzi
Already addicted to Chipotle?