Friday, February 19, 2010

Boy do I have exciting news. Ever since my arrival in Dublin, I've been on the hunt for a good burrito. Every place we tried had something funky about it -- no taste, potatoes (truly the biggest abomination to happen to the burrito. keep your spuds outta my tortilla!), huge and expensive, etc. The best burrito in town, in my opinion, was Cafe Azteca on Lord Edward Street (across from the Kinlay House).

Well, today on my way home from the Chiropractor, on the corner of Lower Baggot Street and Pembroke, I had to rub my eyes to make sure I wasn't seeing things:

It said "Pablo Picante. Californian Burrito Bar." Thank my lucky stars I happened to have a few bucks on me, an empty stomach, and enough time on my hands to wait in the line that reached the door.

As a vegetarian, I am very particular about what's in my burrito. Obviously, no meat, which means that the thing has got to be good because there's no meat to hide behind. But I don't like grilled veggies in my burrito, either. Or sour cream. Or guacamole. I always get beans, rice, salsa, and cheese. And that's it. I like to order it the same way everywhere so I can accurately measure how good a place is. Yes, I am scientific about my burritos.

When I got up to counter to order, I immediately got good-natured guff for being an American wanting to "customize" the order (rather than order one of the specific burrito packages on the board), but the guy was very funny and friendly, and my burrito only cost 5.50e. While I was waiting, I took some photos of the cool decor in this tiny takeout joint:



I ate my burrito while walking down the street (one of the many wonderful things about burritos), and even though I got refried beans instead of the black beans I wanted, I actually LOVED the beans, and the spicy salsa was exactly the perfect level of hot. All in all, it was just as good if not better than any burrito I could get back home, which is saying a lot!

When I got home, I immediately looked them up and friended them on facebook. I hope they stick around for a long time. And maybe open up a shop a little closer to Stoneybatter!

8 comments:

  1. How can you tease me like that? What's the address???

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  2. whoops! I edited it in -- Corner of Lower Baggot and Pembroke!

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  3. Thanks for the tip! It sounds great - will definitely be checking it out.

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  4. My husband JUST mentioned this place to me today. How weird! I think we're going to go check it out tomorrow! Another Chipolte-like place is opening on the Millennium Way. I check their progress every day! Here is their website: http://www.boojummex.com/

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  5. I think I ate at the Boojum in Belfast! It was good! It reminded me of this chain in Boston called Boloco. YAY for Burritos!

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  6. Awesome! I saw an ad for this on a bus stop awhile back and went nuts trying to find it online to no avail - I'll be going there tomorrow.

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  7. Wait until you see the wrestling mask I brought back from the Yucatan.

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  8. The place on Millennium way is now open. Burrito was really good plus they are getting a beer license! Hope they have Negra Modelo.

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