Decorah, Iowa has long been famed as the center of Norwegian-American life. The city provides the Norwegian culture and heritage millions (actually maybe only a few hundred) yearn for to fill the emptiness left by them and the homeland. Everyone, no matter who you are or where you are in life’s journey, is a little bit Norwegian in Decorah. Even with this magnificent, firm identity, Decorah has recently changed its appearance.

December of 2016 saw the opening of the B.A. Burrito Company’s new Decorah branch. For the sake of the community I ventured to the new establishment. The trek is not a long one from the majestical campus of Luther College. Keep this in mind, fellow students, as you look for new means of attaining convenient food. The burrito company is on College Drive just before you cross the Upper Iowa. For those who don’t venture off campus unless it’s a Friday or Saturday night, the eatery is located next to the famed local watering, Roscoe’s.

Pulling into the available parking I could hardly dismiss that the parking was diagonal! What an inconvenience for those who enter the side. Entering the allocated space from the opposite entrance would put you rather up creek without a paddle. I held the moderate distaste of this in my mouth until I realized there is straight-in parking available on the other side. Coming to terms with this, I proceeded to exit my automobile and enter the establishment.

The eatery has remodeled the inside of what appears to be an old mechanic’s garage. The facade doesn’t exactly yell "come, eat, burrito," rather one gets the feel of "come, park, get your oil changed". The design does add charming character to the establishment. The main windows facing the street resemble garage doors where the original doors to the shop lived. The mind is already intrigued before stepping foot inside.

My hand, wrapped around the handle of the door, is ready to continue forward with this experience. I slowly open the only barrier between me and this fine dining, and as the door swings open I’m struck brutally with the overwhelming smell one might experience in the finest burritorias of Mexico City. Holding onto the door for dear life I stumble as I’m overwhelmed in the same manner one might if punched in the gut by the grace of Jesus Christ himself. I regain my strength and beg the lord for mercy as I enter the room. What riches have I discovered.

I don’t remember much from standing in line other than trying to keep my calm composure. I am a highly regarded (by myself) food critic after all. Before I knew it I was at the front and ready to place my order. I took a deep breath and asked for the Dynamite Steak burrito, and yes, I would like to add guacamole for a dollar extra. My burrito craftsman went directly to work without missing a beat. Much skill, what professionalism, such burrito. The careful placing of rice, the draining of the meat, perfect application of their signature dynamite sauce, all culminated into this fresh pressed tortilla. I made for my meal and sat at a table.

There it sat on the tray. There my dynamite steak burrito sat on its brown tray wrapped in a blanket of foil. With my arms extended and my hands open I grabbed this burrito and lifted it up. My thumb and forefinger gently took enough of the foil away to reveal the delicate soft flesh of this magnificent burrito. Mouth open, I prepared myself for the first bite as it moved closer to my lips. Everything happened in less than a few seconds, but those moments felt like a precious eternity.

I took the first bite. The teeth separated a tiny portion from the body, and I began to chew. This was an ordinary action until the taste met my tongue. What grace! This divine mana! I felt a warmth surround me almost as if I was being embraced by God himself. There was the rice. The pico de gallo too! Oh the dynamite sauce and of course the bacon bits. A delight to the senses! What more perfect harmony exists on this Earth?

I swallowed. My transcendent dream broke, and a singular tear rolled down my cheek. I was back within my own body. I stared down at the burrito within my grasp. Nothing but joy could come from you my darling.

My trip to B.A. Burrito Company concluded as I finished the rest of my meal. I saw people come and go. Children smiled. Cars passed by. I laughed. I cried. I went to B.A. Burrito.

I would offer this establishment up to anyone looking for answers in their life. What is my purpose on this planet? Are we alone in this universe? Did the CIA kill JFK? I believe all will receive a little more enlightenment upon venturing to the eatery. The place has a certain, how the French say, “Jenny say squaw”