Chipotle Mexican Grill

FIVE OF MAY

Which also translates into Cinco de Mayo! Yes today is that day. I am not quite sure why we celebrate. I am sure it probably has to do with some kind of battle won and freedom granted. Or maybe its because "The Most Interesting Man in the World" told us we had to party! I could go to Wikipedia but I like thinking its a day we must eat fantastic Mexican food and sip tequila.

For the record, I know that Chipotle is not authentic Mexican food...who can forget that McDonalds use to own them. Maybe Cinco de Mayo represents Chipotle gaining there freedom from the Evil Arches Empire. I kind of like that story. I might add that to the Wikipedia page. It is so much fun adding made up facts to Wikipedia.

I must say that Chipotle has really evolved over the years. I remember I hated my first burrito here. It was too clean and they loaded it full of rice. Rice in a burrito is such a California thing. Rice is a cheap filler. I want meat wrapped in there. That first burrito was 20 years ago, but seems worlds away today.

Recently I've started to appreciate Chipotle and how it has evolved over the years.  McDonalds cutting Chipotle free was probably the best thing that ever happen to them. I really love there message. They use meat that is hormone and antibiotic free. They also try to keep there carbon foot print small by bringing in local meat, cheese and veggies. If a large chain can do this, why can't every business do this. They also recycle there garbage. Yeah I have become a fan but it has taken 20 years.

This location was really good. I've noticed that the menu has been simplified. You basically pick tacos, burritos or a bowl. Then pick the meat. Choose from steak, chicken, veggie or pork. I always get the chicken because I feel like I am being healthy but I think there chicken is to dry. So today I went with the steak and it was more of a pulled baked beef. It just looked so good.

I also had them put my rice on the side. Remember I can't stand it in my burrito but on the side it was good. I also loved that brown rice is now offered.

I also added  black beans, cheese, grilled veggies, mild salsa, medium salsa, hot salsa and lettuce in my burrito. I love salsa and all three looked good, so I went for it.  The girl making my food looked at me a little crazy. You can also get all of this yummy goodness in a bowl if you don't want a tortilla.

I must say that my burrito was full of flavor. It was so delicious. I am really surprised at how far this company has come. I have seen there food evolve for the better.

The price is a little expensive when compared to a other small Mexican restaurants in Chicago. A family of three cost $23 to feed and that was not including drinks. Speaking of drinks they did not have adult beverages here. I want to say that you can grab a beer at the Chicago locations but do not quote me on that. I feel like I've had a beer at the Division location in downtown Chicago.

My little one freaked out a little at the grilled chicken. She are her first taco but then I had to take her chicken off her next two tacos. She was thinking the black grilled marks were spicy. I tasted the chicken and it was not spicy. It was totally dried out. I was so happy I went with the steak.

My wife went with the burrito bowl and it was loaded full of food. I am starting to think that the bowl is the way to go when you are really hungry because it is huge.

This location has about 5 tables outside on there patio.  I also love how they are also capturing wind power.  Again chipotle knows how to help out our world.  Today that 15 mile an hour wind was spinning the blades really fast. It was fun to look up and feel like Chipotle was trying to save our planet.

Between the local ingredients, hormone/antibiotic free meat, recycling and wind power, how can you not like this place! They are doing everything right and more businesses need to adopt an environmental friendly program.

Have a great Cinco de Mayo!

I'm a big Chipotle fan in general, but I have to say that the Gurnee Chipotle is the best one I've encountered. The employees are generally friendly and competent, the line moves very quickly, and for some reason the Gurnee Chipotle burrito just tastes better to me than the burritos I've gotten in Round Lake and Libertyville. The ONLY problem I have with the Gurnee Chipotle is the parking...it is not unusual for me to spend more time getting into and out of a parking spot than I spend waiting in line. All in all, it is a favorite go-to several times a month.

Great value for fresh, better quality meats and produce in fast Mexican food. If you're veggie/vegan centric, you can still get a boat load of tastiness here on the dime.  With options of cilantro-lime rice or brown rice, you also have a bean selection: vegetarian black beans or pintos. The menu states that the meats are hormone and antibiotic free. Great! The building itself features a low-energy footprint and wind generator. It's a smarter choice for great food. The line also moves pretty fast.