November 25, 2007
The best chicken burrito
Many people claim to know where to find the best of something, but I've known where to find the best chicken burrito since 1981, when I was stationed in San Diego. It's located at the corner of Washington and Third, at a place called La Posta, No. 8. I recently returned to see if it was as good as memory serves; I'm glad to say that La Posta is still the best.
Oh, I know, it doesn't look like much: a ramshackle stand with faded paint and a few benches, but the health department gave it an "A" rating, it's open 24/7, and the food is awesome.
The chicken -- all white meat -- is kept in that giant pot on the right. I ordered my burrito and the cook used a ladle to spoon some meat onto the grill, adding tomatoes, peppers and onions, splashing a little water as they sizzled. After a few moments, the cook tossed a giant tortilla onto the grill with a flick of the wrist.
By now I'd managed to salivate all over the counter and the floor -- where's that Piso Mojado sign? -- and it was with great relief that I saw it was time to scoop up the chicken and veggies onto the tortilla and start rolling.
The bright-red hot sauce was the finishing touch. The burrito was piping hot; I burned my mouth, but man-oh-man was it good.
What makes this burrito so darn good? Well, to begin with, they don't tart it up with rice, beans, lettuce or cheese. There's nothing here but chicken, tomatoes, peppers and onions. The quality of all the ingredients is first rate. And the tortilla stays on the grill just long enough to make it slightly crispy.
Did I mention this tasty, filling, best-in-class bit of sidewalk-dining perfection is only $2.73?
It's as good as I remembered. Who says you can't go back again?
All I need is an excuse to go back to San Diego.
And if you don't want to take my word for it, see what the folks at Burritophile have to say.
La Posta No. 8, 3980 Third Avenue at Washington Street in the Hillcrest District, San Diego.
Posted by Mike Lief at November 25, 2007 11:29 PM
| TrackBack