What’s All The Fuss About Chipotle Mexican Grill?

In the midst of the ecoli outbreak and several closures of Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant in the USA, Tehya and I decided it was time for me to lose my Chipotle virginity. We’re barve like that! Many of the YouTubers I watch on a regular basis go on about Chipotle’s, in an almost gospel-like manner and how  ‘tremendous’ the mammoth (portions) Mexican inspired food is.

When I hear the word “Mexican” right away I think bold flavors, fresh  ingredients and a combination of textures which makes for an overall incredible dining experience. However, knowing that we were in the food court at Square One in Mississauga (Ontario) I didn’t allow my expectations to runaway. Food court food is what it is!

As usual there was a massive queue, but the sort of assembly line way they process orders, meant the line moved at a very quick pace. Being it was my first time (I believe Tehya had Chipotle’s when she was in California – maybe Vegas?) I asked the first server I encountered about the ordering process (watch the video below) and she kindly explained the options to me. I must say that the entire crew of staff were VERY welcoming and courteous. 

Before we get to the video below, I’d like to touch on the positives and negatives of MY dining experience at Chipotle. I had to bold the word “MY” since I saw this comment on the video a day after I posted it. I think people tend to forget that as with any review, the thoughts shared are the reviewer’s. This person obviously have some level of affection for Chipotle and their experience is unlike mine (which is fully understandable as we all have different tastes and expectations).

Positives!

• get the guacamole (very fresh and tasty) extra charge
• the sort of salad is crisp, no sign of wilted leaves and adds a lightness to an otherwise heavy dish (we got the rice bowl)
• both the tomato and tomatillo (green) salsas are excellent
• wonderful staff
• lines can be long, but they process you very fast
• clean – workstations and all areas within view is spotless
• since it’s a ‘busy’ restaurant, the food turnover is quick – would explain the overall freshness
• environment conscious? (paper take out bags)

Negatives!

• lacked any real flavor
• rather small portions
• can be a bit expensive
• the high glass barrier (between the customer and server) makes it impossible for the server to hear what the customer is ordering. Tehya had to repeat herself several times. We understand the need for the sort of ‘spit’ barrier, so this is not necessarily a ‘complaint’, but an observation.
• food does not travel / reheat well – but this is like most takeout type food?

Watch our #Gallivanting video for the full review.

Now if only I was objective, honest and conformed to A Gaz’s  expectation of dining at Chipotles this world would be such a better place to live!