Chipotle, South Beach Style

So, I am on Day 4 of Phase 1 of the South Beach diet. I'm not actually trying to lose a whole lot of weight, or anything. Mainly, I'm hoping to better fit into some clothes that fit me a couple years ago. It's been rough so far - I love me some sugary foods, and I can hardly think of a meal without bread - but I won't go off on those tangents at the moment. I'm here to talk about Chipotle.

I was a late-comer to Chipotle. I had heard good, if cautious, reviews from sources I trusted, but I wasn't buying it. Also, I was put off by the whole McDonald's connection.* When I noticed there was one down in my area, I simultaneously noticed that it had a line that extended clear around the circumference of the store. This was promising, but also discouraging.

Then one day a couple months back, I went to work with a hangover. Heading out for lunch, I wanted something really filling and I remembered Chipotle. I was moving slowly anyway, so a long line didn't seem like it would be a bad thing. I went in, went to the back of the line (which was, as it usually is, clear around the store), and studied the menu. The long line gave me time to figure out their system, which is simple, but not immediately obvious, and actually moved a lot faster than I expected it to. The best thing about the line at this particular location is that, through the set up of the space, they manage to keep it completely separate from the dining area (though not the counters along the windows). It doesn't sound like much, but not having people who are waiting for food hovering over you while you eat makes for a much better dining experience.

By the time I got to the front, I had settled on the Vegetarian Burrito, which was put together in short order. A couple bites later, and I was really impressed. I have heard some complaints about the flavored rice, but I found it to be light and refreshing (compared, for example, with rice cooked in chicken stock - which is tasty, but heavy). On my second visit, I tried a Chicken Burrito, which was also really good but was way too much food. After that, I switched back to the Vegetarian Burrito as my standard meal on subsequent visists. That is, until this week.

Coming up with meals that comply with the strict rules of South Beach: Phase 1 is tough. When I first went to Chipotle, I thought the Burrito Bol (everything that goes in a burrito in a bowl instead) was a ridiculous idea, put out there for lo-carb freaks who were worried about the starch content of a tortilla. I may have been right. In any case, I realized that a Burrito Bol, without rice, was a great option for me! So, my new (and surprisingly satisfying, given my restrictions) standard meal at Chipotle is: Burrito Bol, lettuce instead of rice, black beans, grilled chicken, fresh tomato salsa, and guacamole (which is allowed, though probably in quantities smaller than they give me). Top the whole thing with a squeeze of fresh lime (which you will find by the soda fountain) and you have a nice tasty protein & veggie lunch! South Beach approved!

(The bad news? This lunch plus a seltzer (with a squeeze of lemon!) comes out to $10.75. More than my daily allotment, and also I'd say more than the meal is worth.)

There are two Chipotle locations in the Financial District: 2 Broadway at Stone Street (the one I frequent) and 100 Maiden Lane at William Street.

*I was pleased to find in my research for today's post that McDonald's fully divested from Chipotle in October of 2006.