Sunday, March 17, 2013

Dr. ToeThumb or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Quesarito

Two weeks ago our own tiny dictator called me, and others in the G:TB family, out for not stepping up to the plate (pun intended), seeking out, and downing the mythical, off-menu Chipotle "quesarito". For the uninformed, a quesarito is a burrito that uses a quesadilla as a wrap.   After an initial demurrer, my "toe-thumb" and I decided that if we could take on the KFC Double Down or two grease truck sandwiches, we could rise to the quesarito challenge.

One fake mustache, one real mustache, one guy filled with sandwiches.
The quesarito has received a bunch of interest lately, much of it prompted by the "Fast Company" article linked by Rob.  The article, while focusing on the quesarito, is actually a larger discussion of "secret menu" items at various fast food restaurants.  According to various sources, including this Ranker list, Chipotle has six secret menu items.  Most of the items, like the single taco and fresh cilantro don't seem all that secret.  The only ones that really stand out as secret are the quesadilla and the quesarito, mainly because they are tough to make using the standard Chipotle line equipment.      

Since the quesarito requires additional time to make, most sources recommend going outside of normal dining hours.  Last Tuesday, a 2:30 PM trek to the nearest Chipotle in midtown Manhattan was aborted because there was still a long line.  Undaunted, after enlisting the support of my co-worker Teresa, we headed off to a Thursday 3PM date with destiny.  When we arrived, Chipotle was almost empty and the line was staffed by only two people.  The only thing now was to order the beast.

When discussing this mission with Mrs. Marls, she inquired whether there was some Larry Craig-esque toe tapping signal, which, instead of leading to illicit airport sex, would grant access to the cheesy delights of the Chipotle secret menu.  Alas, there is not toe tapping or "wide stance"required.  All that is needed is finding a bored group of Chipotle workers, a little patience, and a willingness to look like an unbridled glutton.   Luckily, we had all three.

The person who took our order had no idea what a quesarito was but offered to make us a quesadilla.   While this was not what we wanted, it was the opening we needed.  Clearly this guy had a willingness to go into the clandestine world of off-menu mexican fast food.  From there it only took a little explaining to coax a quesarito out of him.   In fact, after he finished wrapping it up, he advised that he was going to make himself one for lunch.

At this point, the only thing left was to sit back and enjoy.

Note the toe-thumb and oozing cheesy goodness
It is so choice.  If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

15 comments:

rob said...

two posts in a row about heroism. marls, your service to mankind will not be forgotten.

Mark said...

So choice. I used to say that all the time. Time to bring it back.

T.J. said...

Marls is a mad man

rob said...

and a baaaad man

TR said...

I am about to hit the gym. I'm guessing I'm the only NJ reader in the group who has such lofty aspirations today.Zman's 1 AM "we're heading to the local bar now" was too late to allow for a meet-up at the mini-summit.

But at least I saw Abigail Breslin sing an inspirational song last night about a 4 y/o girl with a brain tumor. Par-tee.

rob said...

marls, did your lady colleague also attempt the quesorito?

Marls said...

You were missed TR. Not sure the Chatham bar scene was ready for having a pack of aging, lubricated frat guys released on it at 1 am.

I drove back to the city about 1:30, just as Johnny C was talking about needing to take it up an notch and Mr. Guy was ordering carbombs for the lot.

Marls said...

Rob, she did not. She decided to take them up on the offer of a quesadilla. From all reports, it was good as well.

Danimal said...

anyone else working today?
and as i do, i look down and out my office window to lynch's irish pub in jax beach as the line begins and bagpipes play. it is sunny with blue skies & 70 degrees. not feeling sorry for myself at all.

Marls said...

I'm working too. Weather not quite the same, but it still blows.

zman said...

Working is fun!

rob said...

tribe baseball worked today - doubleheader sweep of delaware to win the weekend series.

Whitney said...

Back in Norfolk after a 7 Hour road trip with Ian. Now heading to a tent full of people to drink Guinness, followed by going to the chieftains show. Rock star.

Excellent mini-summit. Kudos to Zman for hosting. Dave needs to describe his athletic feat from late night.

Marls said...

Is the Teej passed out face down in a pool of his own sick somewhere in the greater Melbourne area? Did Mark kill a drifter after the Gators lost? Inquiring minds want to know.

rob said...

this 1983 nc state 30 for 30 is predictably phenomenal