Where Are the Local Mexican Restaurants Near Me?

What is a Burrito?

A burrito consists of a large flour tortilla rolled around with various fillings depending on what kind of burrito it is. A typical chicken burrito, for example, can consist of shredded chicken, Mexican rice, refried beans, lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and cream.

You may ask, what is the difference between a burrito or a wrap? Let me tell you!  A burrito is normally served hot while a wrap is normally served cold. Also, a wrap may not have that delicious Mexican SABOR (translation: flavor).

History of the Burrito

The literal translation of burrito in English means little donkey. It is thought that a donkey was used to describe this food because of all the different things a donkey would carry on its back when traveling to and fro. Similarly, a burrito can contain many different ingredients.

The exact origin of the burrito is unknown. 

I love a great mystery, by the way. Don’t you?

One theory is that a man in Mexico named Juan Mendez made a living by selling tacos on a street stand sometime during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). 

He rode a donkey to transport his materials and food to and fro. It is said that Mendez used large flour tortillas to keep the food warm by wrapping them up inside. 

People eventually took a liking to this new kind of taco.

Another theory is that there was a street vendor in the 1940s who used to wrap food up in large tortillas and sell them to poor children at a local school. Apparently, this vendor used to call the school children his burritos (little donkeys). 

A burro (donkey) was a term used to refer to someone who was dumb. 

Eventually, this name was used to refer to the food.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? MAYBE?

Burrito Variations

I used to love eating many different kinds of burritos when I lived in Southern California – breakfast burritos included! Even if they are not authentic, you can find so many good options at your local Mexican restaurants nearby.

As mentioned before, there are many different types of meats that can be included in a burrito. I personally like shredded chicken or carnitas (pork). You can also choose beef or even lengua (cow tongue) or tripa (intestine) if they offer it. You’ll most likely find lengua and tripa at very authentic taco stands, however.

There are vegetarian options if you choose to not have a meat-filled burrito. For example, you can order a good ole bean and cheese burrito. Or you can order a bean and rice burrito with sauteed vegetables – just like you would at Chiptole.

Lucha Libre Taco Shop

On a side note, if you’re ever in the San Diego area of Southern California, I TOTALLY recommend eating at Lucha Libre Taco Shop.

It was featured on the TV show Man vs. Food. Every time I’ve gone there is a LONG line wrapped around the building … but for good reason! It’s GREAT and soo worth it!

They’ve got so many different (and DELICIOUS) taco and burrito options. Some of their unique burritos include:

Undefeated Seafood Burrito

• Blackened Mahi or Shrimp
• Jack Cheese
• Cabbage
• Pico de Gallo
• Black Beans
• Serrano Sauce

Ado-haba Pina California

• Adobada Pork
• Grilled Pineapple
• Fresh Fries
• Sour Cream
• Jack Cheese
• Pico de Gallo
• Pineapple Habanero Sauce

Chorizo Breakfast California

• Eggs
• Pork Chorizo
• Fresh Fries
• Jack Cheese
• Sour Cream

Keep in mind, they also have tacos and hotdogs. So, there are plenty of options for all kinds of eaters.

Fun Fact: The restaurant is filled with TONS of luchador (freestyle wrestler) masks, costumes, photographs, and paintings (think of the movie Nacho Libre). Just stepping inside the restaurant feels like an incredible museum attraction!

Luca Libre is a GREAT local Mexican restaurant near San Diego (or at least it’s Mexican-inspired).

Breakfast Burritos

As mentioned earlier, you can’t go wrong with a breakfast burrito. Nowadays you can have them stuffed with just about any breakfast item such as eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, or potatoes.

Speaking of meat, have you ever had chorizo? It’s mentioned briefly when I talk about Lucha Libre Taco Shop. Chorizo is a part of Mexican cuisine you’ve got to try! It tastes great in breakfast burritos and tacos.

What Is Chorizo and Where Do You Get It

Chorizo is ground sausage (usually pork but sometimes beef) that is highly seasoned. Due to the seasonings they put it in, I’ve always seen it as a reddish-orange color. The basic seasonings typically include the following (and maybe some more depending on the recipe):

• Chili Powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Ground Cloves
• Mexican Oregano
• Salt

The texture of chorizo looks very similar to ground beef. Also, I normally see chorizo paired with eggs–scrambled eggs if used in a breakfast burrito or taco. 

Depending on where you live, you can find chorizo in the meat section of grocery stores. I live in an area that doesn’t have many international food options in their local grocery stores. However, I found that I have better luck finding international foods at Super Walmarts.

There is an even better option out there! Depending on where you live, you should check out your local carnicería!

What Is a Carnicería

A carnicería is a Mexican meat market or butcher shop. You can find all different kinds of meats and cuts of meats that you may not find at your local American butcher.

Can you find lengua at an American butcher shop? 

I remember going to a local carnicería where I lived in Southern California and seeing the piles of cow tongues just staring at me through the glass counters (although they don’t have eyes I could sense them glaring at me).

You should check it out sometime!

The tongues look so rough! I don’t know how they don’t hurt the cows’ mouths haha.

Unfortunately, if you don’t live in an area with a heavier international presence, you might have better luck finding a carnicería closer to a large city.

The good news is you can always find plenty of good, authentic Mexican recipes online! I recommend Isabel Eats.

Burrito Dessert

So, we already spoke about breakfast burritos and regular burritos … how about we talk about burrito desserts? There’s always time to talk about dessert, right?

Check out this dessert I found on a webpage from The Santa Barbara Independent (Let me tell you about it, too)

So, looks like there was a burrito week event that occurred in Santa Barbara, CA recently. They had different participating restaurants serve their burritos for this event. The Andersen Danish Bakery had their own sweet version which they called The Sweetest Little Burrito. 

For the “tortilla” they used marzipan (a confection made of sugar, honey, and almond meal). They drizzle Earl Grey tea icing for the “crema” (or sour cream). Mocha cream is used for the beans and shredded kiwis and strawberries are used to imitate sliced bell peppers.

Burrito Fusion and Evolution

If you don’t know this by now, I’m all about fusion foods (I’m sure many of you are, too). What is fusion? Fusion cooking combines different culinary traditions or dishes into one plate or meal. I get so fascinated by these things!

In this same article by The Santa Barbara Independent, I found that there is a restaurant called Little Kitchen that sells the Tikka Masala Curry Burrito. What!? I love me some good Indian food!

So, this Tikka Masala Curry Burrito uses Indian food flavors inside their burrito. This burrito is filled with jasmine rice, dark meat chicken, and a creamy curry tomato sauce. It’s paired with an Indian raita sauce made from yogurt, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, and spices.

Oh my gosh! Why can’t we have one of these in Pittsburgh!?

Have you heard of a Frito Pie Burrito? It’s a thing! It was featured on the Rachel Ray Show a while back. It’s basically a large tortilla filled with ground meat, queso sauce, and whatever other things you want but it’s gotta include the special ingredient–Frito chips. You can watch the YouTube video below.

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