Tuesday, March 25, 2008

El Burrito Jr



Burrito Bandito Review #2
El Burrito Jr.
Address: 919 Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Located on the corner of PCH and Ave B
Tel. 310-316-5058
The Burrito- "The Special 'C'"- 2 Bean & Cheese burritos, chips, salsa and a drink, all served up in a white paper sack.  This is the best value in all of burrito-dom... EVER!
The ultimate beach Mexican joint. El Burrito Jr is situated on PCH a couple blocks from the water, and occupies an old Weinerschnitzel building (you know one of those red & yellow A Frames).  Nothing beats rolling up to El BJ's on a perfect South Bay day (you know, sunny, 75 and in the middle of January), rubbing elbows with the locals and enjoying some beany, cheesy goodness.
El BJ's proves the rule that less is more.  Despite all the great choices on the menu, the most popular item by far is the "Special 'C'".  These two lovlies come wrapped in foil and shoved in a white paper bag, with a bunch of whole fried tortillas and salsa.  Perhaps it is the lack of accompanyment that makes the refried beans taste so good.  Regardless, they are a bit saltier and a bit runnier than most.  They could also be made with lard, which would immediately explain why they are so amazing.  To top it off, this combo costs a measly $3.25.
As any great Mexican joint, there is more to it than just the food.  In order to get these delicious dishes, you are going to have to earn it.  El BJ's is almost always crowded and with the orders going in and out of the same window, things can get messy... especially at lunch time when the scene is reminiscent of a Southwest Airlines flight.  At this point, one of two things can happen.  You can get mad at the shaggy haired surfers, high school kids in hoodies, office workers (who inevitably have gigantic orders that they swear they called in a half hour ago) and the utter lack of that distinctly American idea... forming a line.  Or you can kick back, relax and realize this is all part of the experience.  Trust me, the food will be worth the wait.
They do allow you to call your order over the phone.  However, if it is crowded, you will still have to squeeze (elbow, shove, mean-mug) your way to the front of the pick up window while doing your best impersonation of a Wall Street stock trader- hold up your hand and begin shouting your order number).  And PLEASE don't forget your order number because you will given all kinds of dirty looks from in low-rise jeans and Uggs.
Once you have your tortilla wrapped treasure in hand,  find a spot on the patio and enjoy what you have worked so hard for.  And Remember, No Loittering.
Ratings:
Size: 6" x 3" x 1"- 18 cubic inches time 2 for a total of 36 cubic inches. 4/5
Chips: Whole tortillas, fried on site.  They look nice, but sometimes have an inconsistent texture. 3/5
Salsa: tasty with a medium kick. (be sure to ask for a couple extra packs, they get stingy sometimes...). 3/5
Dr. Pepper Check : Yup 5/5
Service: the service is great, the mob scene at lunch is crazy, but it just adds to the experience. 4/5
CA Health Inspector grade: A 3/5
Dollops: 5/5- Hey, for $3.25, there is no better bargain in Burrito Land!

El Sombrero



Burrito Bandito Review #1
El Sombrero #2

Address: 1157-B Artesia Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA
Located on the corner of PCH and Artesia
tel. 310-376-5005
The Burrito: Burrito Sombrero- ground beef, refried beans, rice, cheese, lettuce on a flour tortilla.  Covered with ranchero sauce, cheese and guac.  Served on an incredibly hot plate.
Its no mistake that the first burrito to be bandito'd comes from the Bandito's favorite Mexican restaurant, El Sombrero #2.  I know, i know, you have may questions.  How can a place in a strip mall parking lot be on the top of the Bandito's list?  And what happened to El Sombrero #1?  Listen closely my friends.  The Bandito longs for days past, when after a day of playing beach volibol, he would saunter up to Manhattan Ave. seeking to fulfill his desires.  Suddenly the Bandito's nasal cavities would be filled with the heavenly aroma of gigantic burritos.  Who could resist?  Remember, the Bandito is human, just like you, except he wears a mask wherever he goes, to protect his true identity.
Ahh, those lovely days.  But they came to a tragic end on a winter night in 2007 when El Sombrero caught fire and burned to the ground.  The Bandidto wept passionately for days on end.  Eventually, the grief drove him to El Sombrero #2, where everything is the same, except it is an strip mall on PCH and Artesia.
Enter the Burrito Sombrero.  A stunning creation that comes to the Bandito covered in ranchero sauce & cheese, with a d0llop of Huuuuuaaaacamole on top.  But the true beauty lies within.  Ground beef, refried beans, rice, cheese & lettuce lie waiting to blossom with the touch of a fork.  A hearty reward, certain to satiate any appetite.  Plus, it is served on a plate that burns hotter than the Bandito's passion for beany cheesy goodness.


Ratings:
Size: 9" x 4" x 1.5" for a total of 54 cubic inches. 5/5
Chips: fired fresh daily, so you know they are crispy. 4/5
Salsa: High marks for the generous amounts of cilantro involved. 4/5
Dr. Pepper check: Nope. 0/5
Service: Much respect was paid to the Bandito and his companions. 5/5
CA Health Inspector Grade: A. 3/5
Overall Dollops: 4/5