Chipotle Mexican Grill

The Chipotle branch on Upper Street is proof that the old ‘never judge a book by its cover’ line still rings true. Had I not ventured inside the ‘Mexican grill’ in Angel at the beginning of an evening when I knew it was wise to fill up on food I would perhaps forever have lumped this beautiful Mexican food shop in with the McDonalds’, Burger Kings and KFC’s of this world. Thank the Lord.

Not only is Chipotle simple, fast and clean but it also sells beers. This already marks it up from a lot of fast food joints. Pacifico, Modelo Especial? Yes, please. Even eating in is a pleasure as we take up the back table overlooking a vintage ice cream shop on Camden Passage.

However, while beer, comfortable seating and a delightful view are all fairly high on my list of desires in any eating establishment, the food is the key. At Chipotle it is pretty much burrito or nothing, except for sides like guacamole and tortilla chips. Choose from pork, chicken or beef to be piled along with pinto beans, black beans, hot sauce, sour cream, cheese, rice and lettuce in a tortilla wrap. I opt for the pork. And I opt right. The salty juiciness of the meat melds with the other ingredients in a way that can only remind you why the burrito is one of the world’s greatest food inventions. My only criticism is that the hottest sauce available wasn’t hot enough but with three types of Tabasco on the tables that was soon put right. I leave feeling satisfied. Comfortable, full (for the price of £10 for burrito and beer) and excited that I’ve met a new friend. Their name? Chipotle.