Introducing Currito – time to wrap up your Chipotle addiction

Introducing+Currito+-+time+to+wrap+up+your+Chipotle+addiction

Clare Lanscioni, food columnist

Unpopular opinion: I am tired of Chipotle.

After trying it countless times, I have been in search of a similar style restaurant, but with a different taste and more options. My last review of PokeBros came pretty close, but it was too expensive. Currito on the other hand, offers this change of taste at a much more reasonable price.

Ironically, Currito is right across from Chipotle at the Willow Road location, but it is a completely different experience. With the sleek black-tiled walls and wood-paneled furniture, this healthy, customizable restaurant is organized and clean. As you approach the counter, you are greeted by a line of fresh ingredients that you can choose from to create a customized bowl. You can also pick from a selection of pre-planned meals which are highlighted on the menu board. Wraps, salads, and smoothies are options to eat as well.

To start your meal, there are several different bases to choose from. Specifically, some grains available are cilantro lime rice, brown rice, tri color quinoa, and farro. If you would like to go a different route, your base can start with greens or a combo with your grain of choice as well. Depending on your preference, you can then add chicken, steak, or tofu.

Although I have many positive thoughts about Currito, the only con was that it took some time to order. For a new restaurant, it is important to have speedy service. The wait wasn’t obnoxiously bad, but it has room for improvement. However, the food definitely made up for the delay. 

My bowl contained brown rice, chicken, arugula, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, almonds, hummus, and spicy cashew sauce. I genuinely do not have one bad thing to say about this bowl. It was delicious. 

The peppery arugula paired perfectly and provided a fresh crisp balance with the creamy hummus. The seasoned chicken tasted like it came right off the grill. The soft bite of the sweet potatoes and chickpeas all came together nicely to contrast with the crunch of the almonds. The flavors blended together so perfectly and the spicy cashew sauce had that lingering kick to create an amazing bowl that cost about eleven dollars compared to an estimated fourteen dollar Chipotle bowl.

My mom dined with me and she had a bowl with tricolor quinoa, chicken, arugula, cucumber, carrots, sweet potato, edamame, mango salsa, almonds, and vinaigrette. I personally did not enjoy hers as much as mine because I thought it tasted a little dry. The vinaigrette wasn’t very apparent when eating it so the bowl needed an additional sauce to help bind it together. 

Even though my mom didn’t have the same experience as me, that had nothing to do with the restaurant itself. Creating your own bowl has its perks, but there are risks if you combine a bunch of ingredients that don’t match up well together. However, Currito’s created bowls looked very attractive, so I would recommend choosing one of those if you want to keep it simple. 

Currito was both delicious, nutritious, and the presentation of the bowls were very appealing and the price was quite affordable. I would highly recommend it. 

Currito is the change of taste I needed. I recommend stepping away from Chipotle and giving Currito a chance.