Anybody who lives in the Cambridge/Somerville area knows that there is about a million places to go if you want a gigantic burrito. There’s Anna’s Taqueria, Boca Grande, Filipe’s, Boloco, Qdoba, and a hoard of others. Last year, Chipotle Mexican Grill opened up in Davis Square, and the first thing I wondered to myself was, “What will be different about this new burrito joint?” Well, there is only one way to find out the answers to questions like these, so in I strolled, on two separate occasions, to find out what made Chipotle special.
The first thing that I noticed upon entering the store was that there was a big emphasis on organic and fresh ingredients. The meats are humanely raised and the veggies are all organic. This was a nice concept to see, especially for a chain. Unfortunately, I don’t think that the ideas presented themselves as powerfully when I took a bite of my burritos.
I tried both the Carnitas and Barbacoa burritos, and unfortunately, found both of the flavors trudging amongst the mediocrity of Boston-area burrito chains. Both burritos were ridiculously sized, and were more reminiscent of a tortilla the size of a small hand bag, stuffed with monstrous amounts of rice and beans.
The shape seemed a bit too round to be a burrito, and that caused problems for me when I ate it. The carnitas was so unruly that I ended up with burrito bits everywhere, forcing me to take the knife and fork to the barbacoa.
I think the flavors had potential, but like many chains, the spice mixture was dumbed down for the less resilient palate. The carnitas was bland, though nicely textured, and though the barbacoa showed more promise flavor-wise, it still fell short. Both were filling, and I felt good about the organic bit, but they just weren’t memorable.
The location itself is primo, right in the center of Davis Square in Somerville, and I have seen others popping up all over the place. Also, the décor inside is funky and cool. There was a variety of seating, from bar stools to tables, and even an outside patio seating area, which will be even better when they get their liquor license for Somerville. The staff was standard fare, nothing really special there, though I have heard that the management there are really good folks.
I did enjoy the guacamole and fresh tortilla chips that Chipotle has on the menu. Both of these were very tasty, and worth another look. I have also heard tell that their tacos are tasty, though I have yet to try them. Unfortunately though, I am going to have to go with my culinary experiences and call this place mediocre although, its location will help it out greatly. Chipotle Mexican Grill wasn’t bad, it just didn’t wow me, it merely filled me.