Burrito Battle Month #3: Cali Burrito

Cali Burrito
3104 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18103
610.351.1791
Hours:  Mon-Wed 11-8; Thurs-Sat 11-9; Sun 11-7

This week’s review not only introduces you to the winner of Burrito Battle Month—but possibly the winner of Evans Eats overall favorite eateries in the LV & B.  We discovered this spot soon after its opening through an article in Coupon Clipper.  My husband, as usual, was skeptical, but willing to join me in the adventure.  I was intrigued by the story of 2 Lehigh Valley-bred gents returning to this area after 10 years living in California.  They had a vision and mission to bring a Cali-style burrito joint to this area.   

Good sign #1:  They have lived elsewhere & have been exposed to other cultures.  Good sign #2:  The Lehigh Valley has a lot to learn from the dozens of taco/burrito joints along the bike paths of LA beaches. 

Upon first external appearance, it only added to my husband’s anxious doubts, but as soon as we entered, we were put at ease.  There is remarkable success in the California vibe they have brought to the serene, reserved culture of the valley.  It has the relaxing effect of a warm, sunny day and whets the appetite as if you just returned from a morning of surfing.

The crowds have only grown in the last few years and it’s                            easy to tell why…They provide a fresh, healthy, consistent product…served quickly from a friendly, “chill” staff, who add to the experience.  Keep in mind, this is not a Mexican burrito—it’s a California-style burrito…using fresh products with a Mexican flare.   The customized opportunities are endless…not only can you create-your-own burrito, you can choose from one of several –and add your own “hook-ups”:  cilantro, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, crushed chips, pickles, cabbage, or cheese. 

For the health-conscious, brown rice and whole-wheat tortillas can be substituted.  The vegan and vegetarians will enjoy 3 of my favorites:  

The Humboldt (smoked tofu, black beans, brown rice, sour cream & cheese) The Cambria (grilled veggies, black beans, brown rice, guacamole & cheese) & The Nepenthe (falafel, rice, black beans, pickles, tahini sauce).  

The classics include:   

The Big Sur (steak, pinto beans, rice, ranchero sauce and cheese)    

The Old Monterey(chicken, black beans, rice, cheese and quacamole)    

The El Dorado (pork, pinto beans, rice, ranchero sauce and cheese)   

The Mendocino (ground beef, pinto beans, 

                                                         rice, cheese and pico de gallo)  

I personally always check their featured “Burrito of the Week” which is usually a popular creative concoction.  Breakfast burritos are served all day and for the non-burrito lovers, enjoy their quesadilla and tacos.  Are you one who cannot decide between hard and soft-shell?  Cali-burrito has solved the dilemma but using both—a soft shell covers a stuffed hard shell.   I recommend The San Diego (deep fried fish and shredded cabbage).

 

Besides the cool atmosphere & delicious burritos, their best features are the house-made tortilla chips that come with every taco and burrito order, combined with their salsa bar (featuring amazing salsa of the week, salsa verde, mild and hot.)—This definitely puts Cali Burrito above the other option of the LV & B. 

Cali Burrito attracts a hip crowd of all ages, enjoying a meal after working out, grabbing take-out for the wife and kids, or providing a setting for a book-club discussion.  Enter the piece of Cali brought to PA.

Will we return? Definitely—it’s one of our favorite places to introduce friends & family.

Burrito Battle Month #2: Burrito Grille

Burrito Grille
4791 W. Tilghman Street
(Kmart Shopping Plaza)
Allentown, PA  18104
(610) 336-0333
Hours:  Mon-Sat. 11am-9pm

Another unassuming Lehigh Valley shopping plaza provides a burrito that holds its own in this month's Burrito Battle.  A simple menu and a friendly young staff are eager to help you customize your burrito, taco or salad. 
Similar to the "Chipotle-style" mentioned in last week's entry, it guides you through the ordering process:  Choose your meat (steak, ground beef, shredded beef, chicken, shrimp or fish--also offering vegetarian),
and then add your toppings--including cilantro-lime rice, black or pinto beans, cheese, sour cream and a few salsas.  They also offer BBQ or buffalo sauce and guacamole. 
Chips and salsa or queso can be ordered separate.  Promoting a family-friendly environment, they offer a kids' menu and "lite" menu for the smaller appetites. 
My favorite feature besides the high table and chairs was the delicious mahi-mahi burrito. If I returned, I'd love to try a BBQ shrimp burrito...a slant on the traditional burrito but delicious, flavorful options.  My husband ordered a classic-the chicken burrito with the works-cheese, sour cream, black beans, guacamole, etc.
A solid product and a clean, bright environment encourage a return to Burrito Grille, an easy-to-miss Tilghman St. Shopping Plaza find.

Burrito Battle Month #1

Burrito Works

818 W. Hamilton St.

Allentown, PA 18101

484-223-3805

This month will focus on local eateries that emphasize a single product:  the burrito.  Did you know the Lehigh Valley is encouraging a burrito battle?  Readers, who gets your vote?

We'll start by telling you about a new addition to Allentown’s Brew Works, proving to be a solid lunch spot for downtown Allentown.  They claim to serve all-natural, local, sustainable, organic meats and produce.  When I sought to confirm this detail, I didn’t receive too much information other than a certainty that the salsas were made with fresh produce.

Burrito Works’ concept is similar to the chain, Chipotle (closest location-Montgomeryville).  It simplifies the order process into 3 steps:

1.       Choose a burrito, burrito bowl, tacos, quesadilla or salad

2.       Choose chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian

3.       Choose rice, beans, cheese & salsa

In spite of this straight-forward menu, it includes ideal selections for each option…I recommend the corn salsa. If you like it spicy, try pineapple habanero or pico el diablo. 

Other stand-out features of their burrito:

• To remain true to its name, the meets and beans are marinated in different brews of beer, providing a distinct flavor.

• You watch them make it, thus encouraging consumer customization.

• They mix the ingredients, putting it into a warm tortilla—each bite will burst with the various elements.

• For those who need some assistance in creating their burrito, they offer signature burritos. I went for the vegetarian offering, “On the Green”, which included brown rice, black lager beans, pinto ale beans, salsa verde, sautéed vegetables, guacamole.

• The price is right at $6.95

• For a flare from the traditional burrito, they offer pizzapatas—a grilled flatbread with “mexi-italian toppings.”  Sound strange? Another example of the American liberty of fusion meals.

Burrito works is bright but slightly stark in ambiance, limited seating, and unfortunately offers bagged chips instead of tortilla chips. 

Would I return?  Probably not, unless I had a lunch meeting or jury duty in Center City, Allentown.  However, if you want to join the local BURRITO BATTLE, include this in your adventure.

Bagel Month #4: Johnny's Bagels

Johnny's Bagels
472 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA  18018
610-861-8299
additional locations:  Westgate Mall & Lehigh University Campus Square

Downtown Bethlehem is a charming location for any restaurant or retail business and happens to include an ideal spot for a quick and delicious breakfast or lunch.  The warm lighting, long & narrow layout blends modern & historic in this corner spot visited by tourists, locals & college students.  Ideal for take-out if you can't grab a seat because of the usual morning crowd.

Johnny's serves a boiled bagel--definitely prime choice in the Lehigh Valley for overall best bagel based on size, density, and flavor (along with NY-style authenticity).  Served with a variety of cream cheeses or a delicious variety of egg sandwiches-one cannot complain about the selection.  I've heard great things about their large menu of lunch sandwiches and look forward to visiting again   sometime.  Johhny's also serves delicious brews of fair trade coffee, some coming from One Village Coffee, a local group with a great mission.

My favorite feature:  the window view red leather couches...where I have shared memories of conversation, breakfast and friends--a great view of Main St. Bethlehem and eye-catching art for the window shoppers.