COLUMN: Super Burrito, super fast
Beef tongue — in Spanish it’s called “lengua” — as in a tongue that used to belong to, and was very much attached to, a once happy cow. When I lived in Moab, Utah, I was lucky enough to indulge in some of the best authentic Mexican cooking I’ve ever tasted. Every night, after the dinner rush at the restaurant I worked in, all of the Mexican cooks would throw together an authentic Mexican dinner for themselves. The greatest part about it was the fact that they let me eat with them; and yes, I’ve eaten “lengua” several times.
A couple of nights ago, I noticed a new restaurant in Providence called Super Burrito Taqueria — also called El Super Burrito — located at 517 W. 100 North, Suite 103. I’m always looking for a legitimate and convenient place to get Mexican food, so I gave it a shot. One of the first things that caught my attention when I looked up at the menu board was that lengua was offered. That’s a good sign it meets the authentic requirement.
I also noticed I was the only person in the place other than a man mopping the floor. I could also see a short, stout Latino or Hispanic cook in the kitchen. Sometimes, being the only patron in a restaurant is cause for alarm. A notion comes to mind: “Do I really want to eat here? It kind of looks like nobody else does.” I decided to throw caution to the wind and order some food.
I was told by the man with the mop that the best two things on the menu were the Burrito Supreme, and the aptly-named El Super. The former is a massive burrito that consists of a homemade soft tortilla filled with the usual fare, such as rice, beans, cheese, avocado sauce and a choice of meat – yes, lengua is one of the choices. I decided to opt for the Burrito Supreme with pork, maybe I’ll try the tongue next time.
Literally, less than 2 minutes after I ordered my food, it arrived in all of its piping, hot goodness on a paper plate.
A red flag goes up sometimes if I get my food too fast. Obviously, it’s better than waiting too long, but it could indicate that a better name for the cook might be “microwaver.” However, this was evidently not the case. After dumping two of the six different kinds of homemade hot sauces on top of my burrito, I chowed down and nothing indicated that any corners were cut.
After tasting, and then subsequently devouring my food, I decided El Super Burrito was likely going to become my new favorite place for Mexican. The greatest thing for me is that it’s right down the street from where I live. For those of you in Logan, get over the idea that Providence is far away — it’s not.
When you see the menu, you’ll agree that the drive is worth it. The most expensive thing available at El Super Burrito is only $7.50, and I know the majority of college students want to pay “free-99” for their meals as often as possible. Anybody looking for an authentic Mexican meal that will fill you up, and not put you in the poorhouse, should check this place out.
My total came to $10, which included a massive gut-bomb of a burrito for $6, a Dr Pepper with unlimited refills for $1.50 and a $2 tip — if there’s a tip jar and/or somebody brings your food to you, do the right thing and leave at least a 15 to 20 percent tip. I’d like to dispel the myth that tipping is optional when you go out to eat. It’s not. And besides, good tippers go to heaven.
I give Super Burrito Taqueria an A for quality of service and courtesy of the staff and an A+ for the food. Do yourself, and your wallet, a favor and check this place out. If going during lunchtime, expect the place to be busy. I went at night and, as I said, nobody else was there.
— D. Whitney Smith is originally from Pennsylvania and moved to Utah 5 years ago. After 11 years experience waiting tables at a total of 23 restaurants, he decided to enroll at USU in hopes of losing his server apron for good. Have suggestions for a restaurant to review? Email him atdan.whitney.smith@aggiemail.usu.edu.