A few weeks ago Keith McDuffee (or, as we call him at CliqueClack Central, Your Highness) wrote up a little item comparing three nationally-known burrito shops – Chipotle, Moe’s and Qdoba. After presenting their strong and weak points he came to the absolute and total conclusion that… um, they were all good. Hey, we may need to bow down and kiss his ring when we see him, but that doesn’t mean he’s right all the time!
As a man who has never been to a Qdoba I would like to focus this edition of Fast Food Generation on just Moe’s and Chipotle. And, unlike Keith, I have a true winner between the two that I’ll reveal right now. It’s Chipotle. Though, Moe’s has some strengths as well. No, I am NOT waffling!
My relationship with Chipotle began while working in Bethesda, Maryland. My cube mate at the time used to bring in these humongoid burritos for lunch. When I asked where he was getting them he mentioned the Chipotle that was right around the corner from my office. A place I had passed more than a dozen times without even a glance! Curious, I trotted around the corner, picked up my first chicken burrito, and immediately fell in love.
For weeks afterward I would lunch at Chipotle several times a week (followed by several desk naps not long after). Soon enough I had my wife hooked. Then, rather than driving all the way to Bethesda from Gaithersburg, the company opened not one, but two stores within a few minutes drive. This meant not only could we dine on burritos for lunch, but for dinner as well.
Then, we moved to Delaware. Sadly, Chipotle didn’t move with us. Fact is, for the longest time, we didn’t know where the nearest restaurant was. Eventually we found one, but it was nearly 30 minutes away. Needless to say, a casual lunch or dinner was out of the question.
So, we settled for Moe’s. We discovered Moe’s Southwest Grill during a visit to the Delaware beaches (not the shore, the beaches. You say you’re going to the ‘Delaware Shore’ and the locals give you the stink eye). They had the ginormous burritos with the rice and beans and other fillings and, for the most part, it was enjoyable. The only problems I had were with some rice kernels that had been overcooked and the overall taste of the chicken. But, that was rectified when I switched to a steak Homewrecker, which was much tastier.
My family eventually adopted Moe’s into our home, especially when a branch opened up about five minutes from our house. And, while we enjoyed their food, there was just something missing from our Homewreckers that we enjoyed so much in our Chipotle’s burritos. Perhaps it was the steamed cilantro-lime rice or the chipotle-grilled chicken that we missed. Or, for me, it was the combined taste of the rice, sour cream and cheese when the burrito cooled. I always made sure that the last bites I took were from the rice and cheese portion of the burrito rather than the meat side. It was that much more satisfying for some reason.
Now, after five long, tiring years, Chipotle is finally coming into the Philadelphia region. And, we couldn’t be happier. Sure, the closest restaurant is 30 miles away in Southern Jersey, but at least we venture up there enough to partake in our favorite meal. If anything, it has reignited the love that we have for the fresh ingredients that complete a burrito. And, it has given us some hope that, one day, Chipotle will open up a branch right here in New Castle County, Delaware. Particularly near my office or home, if possible. Come on, Chipotle, make my wish come true!
Clacked by Richard Keller 
on May 27, 2009 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
The problem with Moes is that when you get past the funny names (A Fish Taco Named Wanda) there is nothing that stands out. Its cookie cutter Mexican and while still leagues better than Taco Bell there is just better Mexican fare you can get fast. Maybe if they start making more creative ideas for burritos. After I eat somewhere I dont want the most memorable thing thing to be the name of the dish, it should be the taste.