Students are fortunate enough to have diverse Mexican burrito restaurants nearby. Two fan favorites that compete for the burrito dominance are Chipotle and Qdoba. Many would say that the two burrito joints are exactly the same or that the only difference is the queso at Qdoba. However, this is not quite true.
My typical Qdoba order consists of ordering a burrito. I start with a flour tortilla and next add cilantro-lime rice and black beans. I then add three-cheese queso and guacamole. For salsas, I prefer roasted chile corn, salsa roja (hot) and fiery habañero salsa (extra hot). Finally to finish off the burrito I add lettuce, cheese and fajita vegetables. The concoction produces a creamy fiery burrito that hits the spot on most occasions. Before my personal choice to not eat meat outside of the house, I would enjoy steak on my burrito instead of guacamole.
My typical Chipotle order is at least a once-per-week delight. I begin my order with a fan favorite, the Quesorito, which consists of a quesadilla grilled around a burrito. To begin the creation of the Quesorito, I add half cilantro-lime white rice and half brown rice. Next, I add plenty of black beans and fajita vegetables, mostly onions. Chipotle does an excellent job of creating different salsas, and I prefer roasted chili-corn salsa, tomatillo-red chili salsa and extra spicy tomatillo salsa. Since I no longer choose steak for my Quesorito, my favorite part of the burrito, the guacamole, comes free. The creamy taste comes from the addition of sour cream, a little cheese and romaine lettuce. Finally, my secret ingredient is the salad dressing. The honey-chipotle vinegary taste adds a special flavor. This concoction reveals a fiery, creamy Quesorito that satisfies any hunger.
Personally, I am in love with Chipotle. The quality of food you receive at Chipotle is exponentially better than Qdoba. The tortillas are softer, the guacamole is a million times better, the combination of flavors diversifies more and, all-around, the atmosphere of Chipotle is much simpler than Qdoba. If you prefer meat on your burrito, the steak at Chipotle is much fresher and moretasteful than at Qdoba. The salad dressing at Chipotle adds a little kick that is incredibly satisfying. Overall, the quality of ingredients at Chipotle puts Qdoba to shame.
However, many students disagree with me. The queso and variety at Qdoba overpowers the freshness of Chipotle.
“Qdoba is better because they have queso,” senior Connor Kramer said. “You need queso on burritos; a burrito is nothing without queso.”
Social studies teacher Mr. Mark Goldenberg said that he is a big fan of both restaurants.
“But I would say Qdoba because it’s closer to me, and I go there more frequently,” Goldenberg said.
Another teacher is also a big fan of Qdoba and promises she will visit Chipotle in the near future.
“Qdoba is better because I like the wide variety of items on the menu, and even when I go with my vegetarian friends, they have food options too,” science teacher Ms. Kathy Burnett said.
However, not everyone is jumping on the Qdoba train. Many feel that the quality of food at Chipotle is superior to that of Qdoba.
“Chipotle has the best burrito in town,” senior Alex Yao said.
For some, the freshness and quality of food takes precedent over certain items on the menu.
“Chipotle is better because the food has a fresher taste, particularly with the meat,” senior Michael Gu said. “Also, their salad dressing on a burrito is unreal.”