OAP: "Ristras, Mexican Burrito Heaven"

Ristras, Mexican Burrito Heaven

What do Cyma - Greek Restaurant, Charlie's - Grill and Grind and Ristras, Mexican Grill have in common? All of them have the culinary influence of Chef Rob Goco. Ristras, named after the arrangement of chile pepper pods when hung to dry or for decorative purposes, is the latest Mexican place that foodies are raving about. (Thanks to Maong for the tip. :) )

It is a burrito fast food joint that uses only fresh ingredients, which are slow-cooked. They pride themselves on not even owning a can opener in the restaurant. They also serve margaritas and Mexican/specialty beers.

Ristras Mexican Grill Menu | Albondigas Soup, Chips & Nachos, Enchilada | Burrito, Fajita Burrito, Burrito Bowl, Tacos, Salad | with Chicken, Steak, Carnitas, Barbacoa, Vegetarian | Salsas, Drinks, Extras

Burrito (P290) is the specialty of the house and it can be served with the flour tortilla or in a bowl. You can customize the burrito fillings any which way you like. Use sauteed peppers and onions instead of beans, or have assorted kinds of meat. You have to order from the counter and choose your ingredients.

Here are some tips to help you create your own burrito:

To start off, you need to decide...

Burrito in tortilla or in a bowl?

Cilantro-lime Rice or Chorizo Brown Rice?

Pinto or Vegetarian Black Beans?

Instead of Beans, Sauteed Pepper and Onions perhaps?

Red or Green Chili?

Choice of Meat:

Chicken (marinated for hours in a jalapeno marinade, then grilled)

Steak (marinated for hours in chipotle adobo, then grilled)

Carnitas (naturally raised pork, seasoned with thyme, bay leaves, orange juice and freshly cracked black pepper, seared then braised for hours)

Barbacoa (shredded beef, slow-braised with chipotle adobo, cumin, cloves, garlic, and oregano)

I've tasted the Chicken, Steak and Barbacoa. All of them are good. By default, you will be asked to choose just one from the meat options but you can request to have a mix of meats.

Other ingredients: Corn Salsa, Guacamole, Cheese, Sour Cream and Romaine Lettuce.