So recently I was running around northeast Minneapolis attending a bunch of meetings, and got cocky in that "yeah I know my way around I don't need a map I'm cool like that" kind of way. And of course, instead of returning to Minneapolis and finding Highway 394 to take me home, I ended up in Columbia Heights. One would hope that I have learned my lesson, but I fear a similar scenario will take place over and over again, because--ahem--this is not the first time such self-assurance has dragged me off-track.
No matter. It brought me back to northeast Minneapolis around dinner time, and I was hungry, but didn't want to spend a lot of time or $$ on something to eat. Then I spied this:
El Taco Riendo, at 2416 Central Ave NE. It looked like it would fit the bill just fine. Very casual, with counter service. In fact, in some ways it reminded me of Chipotle Mexican Grill. But: this is like Chipotle on steroids. You go up to the counter, and the array of items to choose from is larger and more exotic than anything Chipotle has to offer. You can get tacos and burritos, of course, and quesadillas, but you can also get chiles rellenos, tortas, and chimichangas. Menudo? No problem. And why just have chicken, pork, and beef when you can have chorizo, tongue, tripe, and shrimp? Oh, yeah. I was in heaven. But how to make a decision with so many great options!
It took a lot of hemming and hawing, but I finally chose a chorizo and potato burrito. It was, not surprisingly, enormous, with plenty to take home for the next day's lunch.
Plus I got to try some new-to-me hot sauces:
Nicely spicy.
The service was friendly and fast, the prices more than reasonable given the portion size, and the burrito was delicious. See? Getting lost isn't always a bad thing.
Not lost. Exploring.
Oh yum.
Posted by: Carrie#K | June 03, 2011 at 05:01 PM
yum! I love the small places.. i love aurelias in ep, the chicken nachos are fab
Posted by: cristie lesko | June 09, 2011 at 09:55 AM