Eat Good

Chipotle has long been a staple of my Tex-Mex diet and when I noticed it here I leaped for joy! With its origins close to the University of Denver Chipotle was made for the college student. When you walk in the savory aroma of grilled chicken, steak, beef, the fresh pico de gallo, and guacamole all mix to create a distinctly Mexican grill atmosphere. The customary greeting from any one of the great in-house employees always contains the antagonizing question of burrito or taco. Any Chipotle fan will tell you the next question concerning your beans is anything but easy. They come in black and pinto but the kicker is the extra grilled onions and peppers they don’t tell you about. They cost a little extra but a careful examination of the taste will prove they are well worth the cash lost. Following that dilemma you are faced with the cold hard facts of chicken, beef, steak, or a mix (a personal favorite of all three I like to call the suicide). Next comes the salsa. For beginners I would recommend the mild but if you’re feeling risky the only way to go is hot. The last part of your masterpiece involves the toppings: sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and guacamole (extra). Chips and salsa or guacamole is always a plus just be careful and make sure you can finish because the portions aren’t for the faint of heart. And please don’t forget to place a dollar in the tip jar; you probably just made some dorky-faced kid’s weekend. Located just off 9th street downtown Columbia, Mo it’s a great location if you’re just getting out of one of those long lectures over by Middlebush. And if you’re worried about the food integrity don’t get your britches in a bundle Chipotle prides itself on acquiring its food from naturally raised family farms where humane treatment is customary. Steve Ells’s vision of a casual dining stop making great burritos is now a landmark to the student population of Columbia, MO. If you don’t believe me, come and try some for yourself . . .