Eating Mexican food in the UK has historically been a disappointingly naff Tex Mex experience that cost a fortune.
But the arrival of places like Wahaca on the scene has seen a marked improvement in authentic cuisine. And now Tortilla – the Californian take on Mexican grub – has pitched up in London. A chain of five (soon to be six) grab and go burrito joints.
California-Mexican denotes a fresher and lighter approach to food which, true to American habits, is also perfect for take-away.
I was invited along to Tortilla’s Market Place store in Oxford Circus for a masterclass in Burrito rolling and was instantly charmed by the beaming team of staff.
Founder Brandon talked us through his vision of bringing a bit of California to London, and his passion for only using the best ingredients. He spent six weeks on his quest to find THE perfect cut of steak – this is one burrito-obsessed guy!
Getting stuck in
Our first challenge was to mash up our own versions of guacamole to be tasted by chef Bruno from a selection of ingredients. Avocado, onion, garlic, tomato, coriander, chilli and lime were all on offer. Rather than follow a recipe we were encouraged to taste as we went along.
I went heavy on the lime juice for a zingy and fresh finish, texture wise I mashed it pretty vigourously as I’m not a huge avocado fan and like it to be smooth rather than chunky. It was interesting how different everyone’s efforts looked and tasted.
Next up it was Burrito rolling time – it was quite nerve-wracking getting behind the counter, but the staff were like a gang of cheerleaders as we all stepped up to have a go. The poor customers looked a bit bemused, but we were having fun! (I’ll point out here that we weren’t actually serving any customers)
It was tempting to try and cram ALL of the ingredients into my burrito, but I held back for fear of failing to be able to wrap it up. There was juicy steak, grilled chicken and braised pork, two different types of rice, guac, cheese, sour cream, pinto and black beans, peppers and onions, and three salsas – hot, medium and mild.
I went with the tender and juicy pulled pork and then a little bit of everything bar the hot salsa. The rolling was successful with a little guidance…
We then sat down to devour our burritos with some really lush beers – I opted for Pacifico.
Fancy trying for yourself?
Well the lovely folks at Tortilla are offering fans of Feeding Boys and a Firefigher the chance to win a free meal for two people consisting of a burrito and a drink per person – either a soft drink or bottle of Corona. And there are two prizes up for grabs!
THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!!!!
There is one main way to enter and a couple of ways to get bonus entries. You must leave a separate comment for each bonus entry otherwise they will not be counted.
1. For your first chance to win please tell me what you like in your burrito by commenting on this post.
2. For a second chance to win please tweet this post Win free burrito and beer at @tortillauk with @cookingkt http://wp.me/pU5T8-GU and comment telling me you have done so along with your twitter username
3. For a third chance please follow me @cookingkt on Twitter and comment to tell me you have done so.
GIVEAWAY RULES
This giveaway is open to all readers over 18 with a UK mailing address. Be aware that Tortilla only has branches in London. The winner will be chosen using an online randomiser and announced in a subsequent post.
As I am allowing multiple entries the randomiser may choose the same person twice, in this case I shall pick another winner until there are two separate winners. You need to leave your e-mail address in order to comment, I am the only person that can see it. Please do NOT include it in the comment.
Closing date: 10pm Saturday 28th May 2011
Good Luck!
Thanks to Tortilla for inviting me as their guest
My favourite thing to put in a burrito is chilli con carne ( Quite Hot ! ) Cheese and salad Yum ! Follow you on twitter @kimmy2849 and have tweeted the competition
in my burrito i like guacamole,salad and chicken.
Have tweeted Win free burrito and beer at @tortillauk with @cookingkt http://wp.me/pU5T8-GU @lucythebaker
Following you already @cookingkt on twitter @lucythebaker
I love chilli con carne
I love cheese burritos 🙂
Refried beans and cheese with a little pico de gallo.
My favourite thing to have in a burrito is refried beans, jalepenos and lots of cheese with a big dollop of sour cream on the side!
I’ve tweeted “Win free burrito and beer at @tortillauk with @cookingkt http://wp.me/pU5T8-GU‘ I’m @dawny_cupcake
And I’m also following you – looking forward to lots of foodie tweets!
@dawny_cupcake
Hey I did follow both of the accounts and sent the twitt needed!
I like my burrito veggie- LOADS of guacamole, cheese, cream, loads of veggies!
yumyumyum
My twitter name is rominicole.
I love pork mince cheese gucamole and sourcream with some jalepenos…what i don’t get is people putting Chilli into Burritos the 2 things are completly different???
Definitely the steak/black beans/rice with cheese and guac (not bothered about the sour cream). Mild salsa for freshness plus loads of Cholula for a kick.
Following you too – @bommy.
I love a steak burrito with pinto beans, cilantro rice, cheese, sour cream and hot sauce (hotter the better) and a bottle of Cholula on the side.
@neasan just tweeted “Win free burrito and beer at @tortillauk with @cookingkt http://wp.me/pU5T8-GU“
Following you as well (@neasan)
Tequila chicken!! mmmmm 🙂
Am off to tweet and am already following you on twitter
@emymc
Thanks for making me very hungry!! x
my favourite is pork.
i’ve done the lot now, retweeted, commented and sent you message on twitter, can almost taste my free pork burrito
My favourite burrito is stuffed full of crispy skinned duck and all the usual sides….yumm!!
Have tweeted your message ( @VickysKitchen )
Already following you.
Chicken, onion, garlic, lime, coriander, ginger
Chile con carne is my favourite filling!
Re-tweeted the message @Isis1981uk
Following you on Twitter @Isis1981uk
guacamole,salad
For a second chance to win please tweet this post Win free burrito and beer at @tortillauk with @cookingkt http://wp.me/pU5T8-GU – DONE @clairew137
For a third chance please follow me @cookingkt on Twitter – done
Strips of chilli beef, mayo, tomato salsa and mozzarella cheese. Yum!
For a second chance to win I have tweeted the message (User ID @emma1111111)
For a third chance I already follow @cookingkt on Twitter (User ID: @emma1111111)
i like my burrito with pork or steak, refried beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and hot sauce… and a beer of course
Gorge bit of fresh avocado and pulled pork. NOM.
sorry, I am a dreadful meateatarian;) I like lots of chilli con carne, guacamole, sour cream, and just little salad for crunch!
I’ve tweeted Win free burrito and beer at @tortillauk with @cookingkt http://wp.me/pU5T8-GU @fionamaclean
and I am following you on twitter;)
I like my burrito with chilli con carne, jalapeños and loads and loads of yummy, sticky cheese.
My burrito is totally vegetarian, no cheese , no cream but lots of tomato salad and coriander.
following you and loving the vibe!
This may sound sad, but I’ve never had a burrito, so I wouldn’t know what filling to have. But if I was lucky enough to win, I’d love to try chilli con carne, refried beans…ohh, they all sound soo delicious.
steak burrito – delicious!!
Grilled fish, coriander, lime juice, and sour cream, yummy for my tummy :}
I like burrito with cheese
tweeted @joanna_kow
Following @joanna_kow
Cheese spread, steak, cheese & maltesers for that little bit of crunch and sweetness. (Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it-AMAZING!)
I love them all to be honest but my fave has to be the melted chesse, pasta (so unhealthy, but worth it!) and fresh salad an a yougurt dressing!
I tweeted @blogatwit
i follow cooking kt on twitter @blogatwit
I love a chicken burrito with black beans and rice. Yum!
I tweeted about the comp-@dejanestpas
I already follow you on twitter @dejanestpas
Chilli & cheese
Tweeted @ericahughes
Following you @ericahughes
my fave thing is soya mince, reconstituted using passata to give it a tomatoey flavour, plus lots of onions and mushrooms
have tweeted as @susanwillshee
following you on twitter too, @susanwillshee
Got to have some sweet potato in there somewhere!
I prefer beef mince – but not many places seem to do that, so I usually get carnitas. Yum!
@nickiem
Tweeted – http://twitter.com/nickiem/status/74452280597942272
@nickiem
I follow you on twitter too, @nickiem xx
A mix of pinto and black beans, lettuce, lots of mild salsa and cheese. The more coriander in the salsa, the better.
I tweeted as well. xdrquinnx on twitter..
I like my burrito filled with a really tasty chilli beef, topped with a nice spicy tomato sauce.
Tweeted – @lebeeuk
Following on twitter – @lebeeuk
steak and cheese!
Feta Cheese, Lettuce, Red Peppers
Juicy steak, fried onions, grated cheese and garlic mayo yum yum
I like chilli beef, cheese, sour cream and salad…. oh and a bit of salsa and a few jalapenoes – yum!!!
I’ve tweeted for you @charbarcrazy
I already follow you :o) @charbarcrazy