No passport necessary, folks. No need to convert the moula. Keep the bags unpacked, and get on board because this column is dedicated to exotic cultures in your own backyard. I present to you, the fourth stop on our Around the World series! For this installment, we’re switching things up a bit and taking this Around the World Fiesta from El Burrito to Hacienda La Michoacana!
That’s right. This excursion took me and travel partner Amy Strauss to not just one, but two stops off Bridge Street. Maybe our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, or maybe our schedules were a little more flexible. Who knows?! Determination was in motion, but with one minor snag — where to first? Well, I was experiencing some hunger pains and there was only one prescription the doctor ordered, a Burrito. That settles it! To El Burrito!
El Burrito
El Burrito has been home to a number of spots I used to frequent. Basically, all breakfast joints, until now. Once Buff’s and later, Irish Joe’s, El Burrito is the newest and most talked about spot on the block and on our radar. Yes, a great addition to our Around the World checklist.
Now I didn’t know what to expect. As I entered El Burrito, it seemed to uphold a lot of the same charm of its predecessors (look and feel wise), but the menu placed before me was a game changer. Like a Burrito, this menu was loaded! You had your Quesadillas, Appetizers, Tacos, Enchiladas and of course, Burritos. Lots of Burritos. And as enticing as the Burrito Al Pastor or the Burrito de Carnitas stuffed with shredded Pork sounded, Amy and I felt we’d go the Steak route for the Burrito portion and do up a Quesadilla with some Grilled Chicken. Stick to the basics most suitable for this occasion. Easy peasy! Right? Welllll….
The game plan was simple. Amy and I would split a Burrito with some Sweet Potato fries, which seemed off being a Mexican joint, but we’re on board. And for good measure, we’d also share an order of Quesadillas. You know, keep it light because after El Burrito, we were making our way down the block to La Hacienda for cocktails and Tacos.
Yeah, this didn’t go as expected.
I can’t imagine anyone being able to tackle one Burrito on their own. For $8, you truly get your money’s worth. These are jam packed from top to bottom (mostly middle) with flavor. The tortilla is drizzled on top with Mexican cheese. Coursing through the center are refried beans, steak, cheeses, avocado, lettuce, tomato and sour cream. After finishing my half, trying to polish off one single Quesadilla seemed like a task. Splitting a single triangle? Doable.
I will say the next time I make my way to El Burrito, I need to give the Quesadillas some solo lovin’. These were made exactly how I like them. For starters, they stay well composed without falling apart the second you take a bite. Very light and fluffy. The chicken and cheeses balance one another very well, not making these an overly cheesy or overly chicken-y experience. Just be warned people, the complimentary chips and salsa they bring before your order, eat sparingly. Save room or you’ll find yourself with leftovers. But hey, is that a bad thing? I walked out with two Quesadillas! Score.
Hacienda La Michoacana
Amy and I packed up our luggage — laptops and cameras, and made our way to Hacienda La Michoacana. I thought after a little walk, maybe, just maybe, we’d work up an appetite to sample the best from Hacienda La Michoacana. Then again, we weren’t traveling to Mordor. We were going a couple blocks. This Taco thing is NOT going to happen. El Burrito, job well done. What we could really use, were some cocktails, Hacienda-style.
Like El Burrito, Hacienda La Michoacana felt familiar, being that I’ve been in this building a number of times when it was the 101 or Baxter’s. Some things felt similar, but with some minor La Hacienda touches — the painting on the back wall was a dead giveaway.
The Menu almost seems endless, but when the last thing you can think about is food, process of elimination came full throttle and the decisions were obvious — drinks. As much as I’d love to sample some dishes from Hacienda La Michoacana for this adventure, I think some Mexican-inspired cocktails will do the trick.
Now, what I really was feeling was a beer, and what I was really feeling beer wise, was a Tecate. But my trusty Phoenixville Traveler and Hacienda La Michoacana bartender felt it might be best to spice it up a notch. Twist my arm why don’t you? Well, they weren’t kidding and with open (now twisted) arms, the Michelada entered my life.
What exactly is the Michelada? If you want to get “technical,” good ole’ Wikipedia threw this piece of knowledge at me:
The word “chela” is a popular way to call a beer in Mexico. When you ask for a chela you are asking for a cold beer. “Mix” comes from the mix of sauces added to the beer. Therefore putting the two words together Mix-chela sounds like Michelada. Others argue that it stands for “Mi Chela Helada,” meaning “My cold beer.”
This little number I ordered, was much like a Bloody Mary with all the same charm, but the heart of Tecate Beer. I’m not even a huge Bloody Mary fan, but if this had a Facebook Page, I’d “like” it! Tasty, rich and full of flavor. And yes, I licked the rim of the glass.
Let’s shimmy the bar stool Amy’s way. What’s this? I see a green concoction in a Martini Glass with a Cucumber slice. She sips. Now, I don’t know EXACTLY how she said it, but Amy described this like an experience at a Day Spa. Say what now? Let me get a swig of (sip) okay, I’ll take her word for it. This cocktail is listed on the menu as the Pearl Cucumber made with Pearl Cucumber Vodka, Triple Sec & Lime Juice. This is very tasty, light and exactly what you need after a full on session of Mexican grub. Better than a siesta! Salud, Hacienda!
This completes our journey to Mexico. Didn’t go 100% as expected, but was a 110% awesome experience. Until then, join me on my next destination as I see what other diverse flavors Phoenixville has in store! If you’ve followed my trips, you’ll know Phoenixville continues to surprise me. Enjoy!
