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Niles West News

The Student News Site of Niles West High School

Niles West News

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Better Than Chipotle

PHOTO BY COLENE GIBSON

When most people think of having Mexican cuisine for dinner, they think of Mexican food chains such as Chipotle with their bland burrito bowls and flavorless tacos.  Well, Chipotle doesn’t have anything on Taqueria Los Cuates, a local, family-owned, Mexican restaurant, located at 7301 N. Milwaukee next to Brunswick Bowling Alley.

The food is made by order from fresh ingredients rather than being scooped out of stainless steel bowls and thrown into paper bowls on a plastic tray like Chipotle.  It’s authentic, and it’s amazing.

As you pull into the parking lot, you’ll see a tiny, lonely building with signs in the most of the glass windows that cover three sides of the building.  The tiny restaurant might not look too appealing, but the food will definitely win you over.  It’s like a little taste of Mexico here in the distant suburbs.

When you walk into the restaurant, it might be a little bit confusing because it’s small with only three tables, but they welcome you to eat there or take-out.  You’ll take exactly six steps forward (maybe five if you’re tall), and step up to the counter in front of the cash register to place your order.

PHOTO BY COLENE GIBSON

The menu is listed above your head on the wall and has just about anything you can think of from breakfast to dinner.  They make the generic tacos and burritos taste wonderful, authentic, and unique.

If you’re feeling daring, you can try a meat different than the typical steak, chicken, ground beef, or pork because they also offer cesina (aged meat), lamb, chorizo (Mexican sausage), or tripita (intestines).  They even make vegetarian tacos for the, well, vegetarians.

If you aren’t up for a daring new meat, but still looking for something new, you can order an authentic dish.  They make Tampequena (a char-broiled steak topped with cheese enchiladas), carne asada (a special char-broiled steak), enchiladas, chiles rellenos (cheese studded poblano peppers), and parrillada (a dish made with chicken, steak, pork, sausage, green peppers and onions).

They offer a variety of delicious drinks as well.  There’s the Jarritos, a famous Mexican drink that come in many colors such as orange, brown, or even green.  They have Sangrias, another famous Mexican drink, but without alcohol of course, and they serve my personal favorite Mexican drink, Horchatas, a sweet rice milk.  (It tastes better than it sounds, I promise.)

No matter what you chose, you’ll end up with more food than you could even imagine eating at once, all for about $7 or less.  It’s pretty cheap, but by all means delicious.

There’s an added bonus too: if you spend more than $20, you get another dish for free.  For an order more than $20, you get a free gordita; for an order more than $30, you get a free torta; and for an order more than $40, you get a free burrito.

The service is friendly and fast.  The owner will smile at you as you walk in, cheerfully take your order, and quickly make your food.  As long as you don’t place a large order, you’ll probably have your food in about 10 minutes, maybe less.

Overall, the food is amazing and the taste of authentic Mexican food will have you hooked and deserting Chipotle before you even finish the dish you ordered.

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  • C

    crookshanksispudgyFeb 21, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    It doesn’t have to be authentic in order for it to be delicious.

    Reply
  • D

    DanJan 20, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    The only time I had chipotle was when I puked after the first bite, its not Mexican food, it is processed garbage that is really un-healthy sorry folks, it is a sad truth

    Reply
  • A

    AnonymousJan 10, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    Ok, lets start from the top:
    1. Chipotle is a corporation owned by McDonalds
    2. Calling Chipotle ‘authentic Mexican food’ is like calling Wendy’s German food, since the hamburger was invented in Germany.
    3. I’m not saying Chipotle is bad, it just isn’t real Mexican food.
    4. Don’t make rude comments because of her opinion about which restaurants are better than others.
    5. Lastly, everyone is missing the point of this article. The author is not bashing Chipotle, she is recommending and raving about a good place to eat, but she compares it to Chipotle. How much of this article actually has anything to do with Chipotle? Little to none.

    Reply
    • L

      LauerJan 11, 2011 at 10:31 AM

      Editors’ note: We allowed this anonymous comment because an actual email address was provided.

      Reply
    • L

      LikeAG6Jan 11, 2011 at 7:18 PM

      Chipotle was never owned by McDonalds. The McDonalds owned a large share of Chipotle stock until 2006, when they divested all of their shares.

      Reply
  • J

    jackJan 9, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Your definition of authentic is inauthentic, as you copied it from a website. Even if we accept your statement that Chipotle is inauthentic, you still do not explain what makes an authentic restaurant better than a franchise. I have eaten at both of these restaurants in fact, so YOU are the ignorant one for assuming otherwise.

    Reply
    • C

      Colene GibsonJan 10, 2011 at 10:15 AM

      Well Jack, I appreciate your interest in the article and your devotion to the NWN. If you’re unsatisfied with my techniques, then feel free to join the NWN and prove you can do better yourself. Otherwise, thanks for the discussion.

      Reply
      • J

        jackJan 10, 2011 at 6:22 PM

        You are welcome.

        Reply
      • J

        jackJan 10, 2011 at 9:59 PM

        I am more unsatisfied with the way you insult your readers!

        Reply
  • J

    jackJan 9, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    I don’t see how eating on plastic trays or out of paper bowls has any effect on the “authenticity” of Chipotle, or how this “authenticity” you speak so highly of has any effect on the flavor or quality of the food served at Chipotle or at Taqueria Los Cuates. You know, you can write a review of a Mexican restaurant and not compare it to Chipotle. But then, would anyone read it? In addition, is it at all possible that one can eat at MULTIPLE Mexican restaurants? Yes! So then why compare it to a multibillion-dollar franchise whose business is not going to be affected in the slightest by this “review.” What about Chipotle isn’t fresh? You can see the employees making your meal! But, since you insist on discrediting Chipotle, if we analyze this piece, the restaurant is authentic because it’s tiny, has a menu above the customers’ heads, they serve intestine tacos, they offer the Spanish drinks of Sangria and Horchata, which are from Spain, and the service is supposedly “fast” and “friendly,” which should be expected in a restaurant that serves tacos. My advice to you if you want to avoid having to defend your work as you have been doing follows: don’t attack restaurants that people like in some bizarre attempt to attract readership, and when you review a restaurant, talk about what makes that restaurant great; you can’t just say that the food is “authentic” or “amazing” without explaining WHY and expect that to translate into a good review. Perhaps try reading some real restaurant reviews and emulating that style. Good luck.

    Reply
    • C

      Colene GibsonJan 9, 2011 at 1:11 PM

      If you have a problem with the way things are being written how about you take the journalism class next year and then write for the newspaper instead of just reading it and bashing it when you’ve probably never written an article in your life. I’m going to continue writing with whatever intention I please because seeing as you aren’t a famous journalist or even some amateur with a single article published I don’t see how you know what you’re talking about. Clearly you think you do, but whether or not you actually do is questionable. Better yet, go work for Chipotle. Oh wait, they probably don’t hire high school kids to help with publicity. In that case, maybe it’s best you just stick to what you know for now and stop trying to insult my writing. If you decide to expand your horizons, maybe you can stop into Taqueria Los Cuates and learn what authenticy is or maybe you can take the journalism class to learn how to write.

      Reply
      • J

        jackJan 9, 2011 at 2:39 PM

        Why don’t you take the class a second time? Just as you are going to continue writing these articles, I am going to continue to comment on them, trying to improve the quality of this news organization. I am not trying to criticize you just for the sake of it. Rather, I want the NWN to be the best it can be, and if that means explaining in simple terms what I believe is wrong with an article, I will do so, as per my rights as an American citizen given to me by the Constitution: particularly, the First Amendment. Rather than I go work for Chipotle, why don’t you go work for Taqueria Los Cuates? Your argument is a weak version of “If you love it so much, why don’t you marry it?” You’re being ridiculous. As you can see, I am anything but illiterate and know how to write. You’re grasping at straws when you should either accept or decline my advice politely without any name-calling. This unprofessional display is extremely disappointing to me as a reader, but fret not, Colene; I am not giving up on you yet!

        Reply
        • C

          Carmen ShamoonJan 10, 2011 at 4:22 PM

          LOL if I could marry Chipotle I WOULD!

          Reply
  • L

    LikeAG6Jan 8, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Good article.

    Reply
  • M

    marwib1Jan 7, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Everyone needs to relax. Yes, chipotle is good, and delicious. Yes, all those other places are good also. But you can’t bash this girl for writing a review, FROM HER OWN OPINION! People have to realize…not everyone loves chipotle. More then half of the comments are from people who haven’t even eaten at Taqueria Los Cuates. So you shouldn’t be comparing the two, if you haven’t even given one a fair chance to judge it. I LOVE chipotle, but maybe I’ll love this place too. Thanks Colene for sharing my possible new favorite restaurant. And get over yelling at Colene, cause you’re defending a chain restaurant that offers people food that is so bad for our bodies? That’s what’s sad..not Colene’s opinion. Chipotle won’t care if you guys say nice things..their in it for the money, so get over yourselves and stop freaking out. If you’re so bothered then go to Chipotle to calm your nerves and eat a burrito. Honestly.

    Reply
  • H

    Holly JensenJan 6, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    Okay. I don’t know what you’re talking about, but chipotle is great. How can you even claim that their burrito bowls are “bland” or that their tacos are “flavorless”. If they truly were, nobody would eat there. And I’m not saying that this place isn’t great either, but if you’re really just “reviewing” this restaurant, then why even bother bashing chipotle? You should just stick to what you knew about Taqueria Los Cuates. Because clearly a LOT of people love chipotle. And if you really thought you would get a positive response from all of this, then you’re just plain ignorant.

    Reply
    • C

      Colene GibsonJan 7, 2011 at 10:34 AM

      Considering that I have eaten at both places, I am sticking to what I know. I think the more important question is if the people complaining actually understand what they are saying. Unless they have eaten at both places, I don’t see how they can judge that Chipotle is better. If they have, then I can respect that. Also, the point of me bringing up Chipotle is that it grabs the attention of the students reading. I am well aware that a large portion of the student body eats at Chipotle, so incorperating it makes them read the review and maybe even go to the place the review is actually about which was NOT Chipotle.

      Reply
  • R

    Rebecca YunJan 6, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    This place sounds wonderful!

    Obviously, those of you who like Chipotle are sadly mistaken. “Chipotle” isn’t even a real Spanish word. On the other hand, “taqueria los cuates” means “the guy’s taqueria”. Many authentic Mexican restaurants will name their shops something Spanish, not some made-up word like “chipotle”. To add, many chain restaurants (including Chipotle) don’t serve authentic foods. Sure, Chipotle might have some spicy foods, but that has nothing to do with its authenticity. Anyone can make food spicy, but only a few can call their food “authentic”.

    Colene, thank you for this wonderful review! I will definitely stop by sometime soon. :]

    Reply
    • J

      jackJan 6, 2011 at 11:01 PM

      “Chipotle” is a type of jalapeño used in many Mexican dishes, not a made-up word.

      Reply
      • M

        Maggie WibrightJan 7, 2011 at 10:28 AM

        Jack…you probably googled the word “Chipotle”

        Reply
        • J

          jackJan 8, 2011 at 2:05 PM

          I actually knew what it was, but thanks for the assumption. Either way, I am correct, and you’re a troll. This entire article used the clever tactic of attacking a restaurant that is obviously very popular with Niles West students to get comments/views. It clearly worked.

          Reply
        • J

          jackJan 9, 2011 at 11:30 AM

          I actually knew what it was, but thanks for the assumption. Common knowledge, really. Either way, I’m correct… So what was the point of your comment, Maggie? To be rude.

          Reply
    • C

      Colene GibsonJan 7, 2011 at 10:22 AM

      Thanks, Rebecca! I appreciate your comment and it’s nice no know that there are some people in our school that are open to trying new things and haven’t been brainwashed by franchises.

      Reply
  • L

    Lauren PapucciJan 6, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    I dont know what youre talking about, i love chipotle more then my dog rocky!!!

    Reply
    • R

      Rocky PapucciJan 12, 2011 at 12:27 PM

      ouch.

      Reply
  • C

    ColeneJan 6, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Hey guys, sorry to hear you aren’t a fan of non-chain resturants. Considering you probably haven’t tried the resturant this is actually reviewing, maybe you should go there at least once before you freak out so much. Sometimes it’s nice to break away from the chain resturants like McDonald’s or Taco Bell or Chipotle to try something new. Who knows, maybe you’ll even realize you like the food. Thanks for your interest in the story though.

    Reply
    • J

      jackJan 6, 2011 at 9:09 PM

      Just because your article is attacking a chain restaurant that is obviously well-adored by the majority of your readers (interesting choice, by the way) does not mean that we are not fans of non-chain restaurants. That very assumption is quite condescending, as is the rest of this article. However, I do appreciate the fact that you are trying to broaden our culinary tastes, I just wish you had gone about it in a different way.

      Reply
      • C

        Colene GibsonJan 7, 2011 at 10:26 AM

        This article is not meant to sound condescending nor is it. A review is one writer’s opinion about something. I chose to write this review to bring attention to some places that haven’t been noticed by students because too many franchises have left people ignorant of authentic and delicious food. No where in the article did I write, “Chipotle is the worst place in the world and everyone who eats there is stupid.” It’s an opinion. If you don’t want to expand your horizons, then don’t go. Continue going to Chipotle and enjoying your ignorance.

        Reply
        • J

          jackJan 8, 2011 at 2:08 PM

          You didn’t have to compare it to Chipotle to bring attention to it. Calling people ignorant for not eating at your favorite restaurant is just wrong. What makes a restaurant authentic to you? Having Latino employees? Not being a bilion dollar corporate-run franchise? I find this questionable.

          Reply
          • C

            Colene GibsonJan 9, 2011 at 1:02 PM

            Well, the definition of authentic is something that is real and not copied. (You can check that on dictionary.com if you want.) Seeing as Chipotle has been copied all over the US, I’d say that’s pretty copied. Also, have you eaten at this resturant that the review is about? I’d guess not, which is the point of calling someone ignorant because they’re speaking about something they don’t know anything about. I’ve eaten at both, but seeing as you’re the one making a big deal about not comparing it to Chipotle I think the more important question is have you?

  • J

    jackJan 5, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    how can you call their tacos flavorless? that’s obviously not true when plenty of people can’t eat the steak because it’s too spicy. how’s that for flavor? also, horchata is originally from spain. but hey, can’t wait to go eat some intestine tacos! yum. and $7, that’s about the same as chipotle. soooo you’re just trolling, this article is invalid.

    Reply
  • C

    Carmen ShamoonJan 5, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    What?!?!
    NO!!
    Chipotle is ahhhmazing
    its life changing!!
    I would give up my left leg for a burrito with extra sour cream!

    Anyone who says anything bad about Chipotle is just mean & cold hearted
    But dont worry I’m here to help you see the light..Meet me at Chipotle at 4:01 p.m
    its on me 😉

    Reply
  • T

    Thomas VillamilJan 5, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    I agree with joe, as a mexican myself, i believe chipotle really captures the mexican cuisine spirit better than Taqueria Los Cuates. Chipotle is everything that is right in this world, and if it was taken away, i would renounce my mexican heritage.

    Reply
  • T

    TJ PoopingerJan 5, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I love chipotle and you are both rude and inconsiderate. CHIPOTLE IS THE BEST!!!!!!

    Reply
  • J

    joe rashidJan 5, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    this is outrageous. i love chipotle, and it pains me to see someone bash it so thoroughly. you m’am are a disgrace

    Reply