As a young, naïve freshmen, I spotted my first Chipotle on a drive down Dickson and had no idea it would soon change my life. Sounds a bit dramatic, right? My roommate at the time was from Arizona, so Chipotle was to here as Target was to me-everywhere, and awesome. She about died when I said I had never been so clearly we had to go. September 5th at 7:00pm was the day I lost my Chipotle virginity, and let me tell you-it was the best 30 minutes of my life. P.S. I made that date and time up, but I didn’t make up the fact that it was the best 30 minutes literally ever.
So you might be wondering, what on earth was so life-altering, mind-blowing, and special about this Mexican chain restaurant that was totally hipster geared, with modern art covering the wall, and music in the background that sounded like something that cool friend you have would’ve found an underground concert.
Get prepared, because I’m about to tell you. When I first walked in, I was greeted by an ultra cool-crowd group of workers who I wanted to immediately be friends-especially the guy with the nose ring and the gal with the tats. I noticed next the simplicity of the space. Modern art on the wall, industrial tables, chairs, bars, and the music literally made me get my Soundhound app out and try to see what the song was. Sadly there was so much commotion I couldn’t quite makes out the tune, but I danced to it anyways.Enough about the vibe, now onto the food and why it literally is life-changing. And no, that time I wasn’t being dramatic. I was a little lost when I wanted to order, since to be honest I’ve never been a huge Mexican food eater. But I was brave (LOL) and ordered a bowl with only brown rice, chicken, and cheese. So bold, wow. But honestly it was T H E B E S T bowl of chicken and rice I’d ever had.
I’ll try my best to explain how yum the food was, but I’m not a food critique so bare with me. The chicken is a tad spicier than I’m used to, but that was a change I was ready to embrace, with a giant cup of water on standby of course. The rice, of the lime and cilantro variety, was also oh so delicious. Maybe I’m partial to lime, cilantro, and rice, but hey it tasted fresh and yum so I was sold.
On to the cheese, oh how I love cheese. TMI? Oh well. The Chipotle cheese is possibly a gift from the heavens, because it’s honestly the most delicious thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. Now, some Chipotle critics may not like the idea of a no queso policy, but I can promise you that this yummy variety melts perfectly in your burrito or on top of your bowl.
After trying my first bowl, I was hooked. I have to admit though that I get the same exact order every time. Okay I lied. I switch it up sometimes with getting a burrito or bowl. Huge change, I know. Adding to my addiction, I now have proudly spent many a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday-ok you get the point. I eat at Chipotle a lot.
This may be embarrassing to admit, but I know several of the employees on a first name basis. I’m a groupie, what can I say? Fun fact-on Halloween if you dress up in a costume, you get a $3 burrito! But because I love my Chipotle so much, I had to dress as a burrito. Think about it-a burrito, eating a burrito. Brilliant, right? I’m sure you non-believers are wondering, has this girl even heard of or eaten at Qdoba? It’s basically the same thing right? Wrong I tell you! I did try this, so-called eating establishment once, and I just ‘could not’. It felt as if I was cheating on my beloved Chipotle one and two, frankly the food was sub-par. Please don’t hate me Qdoba lovers! But try to convert; it’s for the better.
Maybe it’s the atmosphere, maybe it’s the uberly cool workers, maybe it’s literally how dang good the food is, but Chipotle definitely is a cult and I’m proudly a follower. If you haven’t lost your Chipotle virginity, I beg you, do it as soon as you can. It’s worth your time. Oh and PS I had Chipotle for dinner, if that’s any indicator of how ridiculous I am.
