What’s Cookin’: Holy Guacamole, Chipotle’s Opening

chipotle%20Black%20Logo.jpg

Okay, so it’s not the first in the area, and there are nearly 700 others in the country, but Chipotle is opening at Southcenter Square—today!

Culinary Institute of America grad Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle in Denver in 1993, not quite expecting it to grow into the chain it is today. Anyone ever been to one? We have a bunch of burrito places in Seattle, ranging from local and national chains to little taco trucks, so feel free to chime in on the comments with your thoughts.

Chipotle prides itself in serving “food with integrity.” No artificial colors or flavorings, and no trans fats. They support sustainable agriculture and use naturally raised meats. In fact, they’re the largest restaurant buyer of such meats, and also of avocados.

And we love avocados! If you do, too, then be one of the first 100 to the store opening at 11am (hurry!), and you can get free “lip guac” along with other goodies. We called customer service to ask if there’s actual guacamole in the lip balm, but they didn’t see any in the ingredients. One can dream, right? And not one, but three, will win free burritos for a year at today's opening. If you’re one of the lucky ones, then we’ll really expect a report on the quality—and the quantity!

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jay in Food on May 16, 2008 10:15 AM

Comments [rss]

Aris

There's already a Chipotle in the U District on 42nd and University.

I've had better burritos myself.

Katelyn

Mama's has pretty good margaritas, that's for sure. About on par with my mom's margaritas, anyway!

ChrisB

Hey, what can I say but I like Mama's. First restaurant I've ever found named "Mom's" that actually lived up to mom's reputation. To hell with Nelson Algren. :)

dawdler

Chipotle SUUUUUCKS! They make bland, poorly-wrapped burritos. They are tastless and dry.

Having lived in both Southern and Northern California, I can definitively say that -- IN MY OPINION -- Seattle is MAJORLY lacking in good burritos.

Katelyn

Mama's Mexican Kitchen sucks, so I wouldn't dream of comparing Chipotle to Mama's either!

ChrisB

The one in Northgate is open, I ate there last weekend.

I really like them for what they are: fast food Mexican. I wouldn't dream of comparing them to Carta de Oaxaca or Mama's, but when I'm feeling a need for an inexpensive spice fix, I'll gladly go there.

Yes, I know there are some great taco trucks out there, but they're not convenient to where I work and live so I've had to forgo the experience.

Simonian

What is it about Denver? There's a pretty good noodle place there that is trying to make the same leap Chipotle did with a very similar dedication to good ingredients and principles. Can't remember what it's called at the moment, but oh well.

charmac

Chipotle is much much much better than taco del mar. I'm vegan and so can't speak for their meats, but everything else is quite good. My girlfriend used to work for an architecture firm that did a large portion of their locations so she would often get get free burrito cards (they were playing cards that came in a pack, but with free burrito info printed on them). MMM. Getting hungry.

sben

I've found them surprisingly not bad (though it's no taco truck).

Katelyn

I love guacamole, I love Chipotle's guacamole... but "lip guac" sounds too gross to try.

Jack

There's a Chipotle at Northgate mall now too. Not sure if it's open yet...

ozmafan

i had a couple of very unimpressive experiences with chipotle's burritos during college and have sworn them off ever since. call me crazy, but taco del mar = delicious!