On 2012-05-10, gtr > wrote:
> On 2012-05-10 04:24:04 +0000, Sqwertz said:

>> I can't stand those big honking California-style burritos filled with
>> rice and beans sand a couple tablespoons of meat, of the "Una Mas"
>> style.

Yeah. Those suck.

I recall the first ....and last... time I went to Una Mas. I got take
out and when I got home and saw how little the pieces of fish in my
fish tacos was, I took it back and demanded my money back.

> I don't know why you're calling that "California-style".

I lived in NorCal and that style was quite common. It was most
associated with taquarias frequented by immegrant Mexican labor.
Lotta filler for less $$$. The first time I saw one was a super-taco.
I swear ta' gawd, I thought the lady who'd jes bought it had her
infant child in her arms. I later realized it was a super-taco, fulla
rice and beans.

>> Can't remember the other chains that did that, but I'm sure
>> there's a shitload of them now. They started invading Austin, too.
>> But they aren't taken too seriously, thankfully.

I always ate at the dives. Real shit holes that cooked up some serious
authentic Mexican food for dirt cheap.

> Oh, I don't eat at chains. That's because I can't find a decent
> combination plate for less that about $15 bucks at El Torito or
> something. At my local mom and pop places I can get the same for $8.

OMG, El Torito! I've never liked them. Fortunately, they and a
string of other crappy Red Lobster type chains died off when the dot
com bubble burst. ET, in it's heyday had a few good days. We usta go
to the cantina in ETs. They had a Thur loss-leader fajitas hour where
the'd sell this awesome steak fajitas for $.50 ea. Their 5 layer
chicken bean dip was also to die for. Unfortunately, their pitcher of
margaritas didn't have enough booze to give 4 yr old a buzz and the
rest of their menu was crap.
y
I started getting GOOD food when a carnicería opened up around the
corner. Fresh carnitas, cracklin's, lard, fish, etc. I miss that.

nb

--
vi --the heart of evil!
Pitbull: "a gun you can pet" --Bill Burr