The Great Burrito Debate: Fiesta Del Sol Express
3 Comments Published by Keith on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 5:59 AM.
[Disclaimer: Yup, this is a music blog. But, as some of you know, burritos are a passion of mine (second to music, of course). So please excuse the brief lapse from music coverage as I discuss a burrito joint in my search for the best burritos in the land. I know, I'm silly.]
Sitting on a corner in downtown Des Plaines, a suburb of Chicago, Feista Del Sol Express is rather unassuming. But from the moment I first walked in, I liked the place. The staff (those of them that spoke English, that is) was very friendly and helpful, making me feel right at home. Fiesta Del Sol Express operates somewhere in between an all out “joint” and a restaurant -- although take out is common, I ordered in, where I was served the burrito on a real plate. But, it should be noted, you order at the counter. I wonder, should I have left a tip? Anyway, the home-style atmosphere of the place is very welcoming, and I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch. The burrito was very tasty, with some home-made spices bringing out flavor. If you needed some more kick, they offered the traditional options – green sauce that is flavorful but not to hot, and red sauce that is spicy but not too flavorful. I can deal with that; I just put on a little of both for the perfect combination. In addition to the delicious burrito, Fiesta Del Sol Express provides a complimentary basket of chips and salsa, which was a much enjoyed bonus. Now, I did have a few qualms with my meal, despite my enjoyment of it. They use a pinto bean paste, not the actual thing. Also, rice is not standard, but comes on the side of the more expensive meal. Lastly, I didn’t think too much of my al pastor meat. But the burrito and service as a whole was so inviting that I’ll likely give them another shot with a different type of meat. Overall, it was pretty tasty.
Fiesta Del Sol Express is located in Des Plaines, IL. Full ratings and rankings below:
Overall Burrito Quality: +
Atmosphere: +
Sauces: ++
Burrito Size: +
Guac: +
Wrapping Job: +
Efficiency: +
Cost: $3.95/$5.95
Guac Cost: $1
Naturally-Raised Beef? ?
Lemon/Lime: NO
Toothpicks: YES
Corporate/Home-style: Home-style
THE VERDICT:
1. Chipotle
2. Anna's
3. El Pelon
4. Felipe's
5. Boca Grande
6. Boloco
7. Fiesta Del Sol Express
8. Baja Betty's
9. Qdoba
10. Taco Burrito King
11. La Bamba
12. El Famous Burrito
Sitting on a corner in downtown Des Plaines, a suburb of Chicago, Feista Del Sol Express is rather unassuming. But from the moment I first walked in, I liked the place. The staff (those of them that spoke English, that is) was very friendly and helpful, making me feel right at home. Fiesta Del Sol Express operates somewhere in between an all out “joint” and a restaurant -- although take out is common, I ordered in, where I was served the burrito on a real plate. But, it should be noted, you order at the counter. I wonder, should I have left a tip? Anyway, the home-style atmosphere of the place is very welcoming, and I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch. The burrito was very tasty, with some home-made spices bringing out flavor. If you needed some more kick, they offered the traditional options – green sauce that is flavorful but not to hot, and red sauce that is spicy but not too flavorful. I can deal with that; I just put on a little of both for the perfect combination. In addition to the delicious burrito, Fiesta Del Sol Express provides a complimentary basket of chips and salsa, which was a much enjoyed bonus. Now, I did have a few qualms with my meal, despite my enjoyment of it. They use a pinto bean paste, not the actual thing. Also, rice is not standard, but comes on the side of the more expensive meal. Lastly, I didn’t think too much of my al pastor meat. But the burrito and service as a whole was so inviting that I’ll likely give them another shot with a different type of meat. Overall, it was pretty tasty.Fiesta Del Sol Express is located in Des Plaines, IL. Full ratings and rankings below:
Overall Burrito Quality: +
Atmosphere: +
Sauces: ++
Burrito Size: +
Guac: +
Wrapping Job: +
Efficiency: +
Cost: $3.95/$5.95
Guac Cost: $1
Naturally-Raised Beef? ?
Lemon/Lime: NO
Toothpicks: YES
Corporate/Home-style: Home-style
THE VERDICT:
1. Chipotle
2. Anna's
3. El Pelon
4. Felipe's
5. Boca Grande
6. Boloco
7. Fiesta Del Sol Express
8. Baja Betty's
9. Qdoba
10. Taco Burrito King
11. La Bamba
12. El Famous Burrito
Labels: Burrito
Keith,
Are you serious? Chipotle is at the top of your list? I. Don't. Understand.
Had my first Chipotle down in NYC a few weeks ago and my burrito fell apart as I was eating it. It FELL APART. My friends told me, "Yeah, you better get a fork." What self-respecting burrito falls apart and requires a fork to finish it?
Looking forward to meeting you up in Boston sometime and setting you straight on Boca Grande. They totally dominate Anna's.
Yours truly,
Joshua
I know, I know. I get serious flack from the traditionalists for my love of Chipotle. My burritos usually stay together, but I know it's not a tight wrap, nor do they mix ingredients, or melt the cheese... But for whatever reason, I love me Chipotle burritos.
As for Boca Grande beating Anna's? Rubbish.
Well, you are right about one thing. Chipotle burritos are like babies. Tasty tasty babies.