I Totally Ate It After Falling for Burritos

Lately, I’ve been falling hard for burritos — literally. There’s just something about this tantalizing Mexican creation that takes my feet right out from under me.

Let me explain. This past week, the klutz in me was on full display after I had just feasted on an amazing burrito. While descending a staircase, I missed the last step and — you can imagine what happened next — briefly caught air before ultimately falling flat on my face. Embarrassing! With a scraped elbow and a bit of a bruised ego, it’s safe to say that I totally “ate” it!

I’ve since recovered from my mis-step and I’m well enough to share with you some of the tastiest burritos out there. But watch your step, loyal readers, as these beastly creations may knock you over!

Wahoo’s Fish Taco

I don’t know about you, but after a day at the beach I definitely work up an appetite. What I’ve found is that nothing can fill this surge of hunger more than a tantalizing burrito from Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Specializing in “California-Mex” cuisine, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, located at Ward Gateway Center and Kahala Corner, makes it a point to serve everything fresh, utilizing only the best of ingredients. And while there’s a plethora of options on the menu ranging from nachos, quesadillas, salads, soups, sandwiches, tacos, burritos and more — my choice always happens to be Wahoo’s famous Outer Reef Burrito ($7.99), featuring a gigantic flour tortilla stuffed to the brim with ohee rice, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, savory black or spicy Cajun white beans, lettuce or cabbage, your choice of filling (blackened or flame-broiled fish, blackened or flame-broiled chicken, pork, shrimp, grilled steak, mushrooms, banzai veggies or tofu) and fresh salsa.

Talk about complete and utter goodness with every bite! Imagine succulent pieces of meat or fish combined with a zesty salsa and an array of veggies, combined with hearty rice and tortilla to give it substance. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

To kick it up a notch, I prefer to order my Outer Reef Burrito “Christmas-style” topped with red and green sauce — the red sauce being an enchilada sauce and the green, a fat-free roasted pepper cilantro sauce. Trust me, these sauces just add to what already is “perfection.”

So, the next time you’re in the mood for some “Cali-mex” cuisine, head on over to Wahoo’s Fish Taco and grab a margarita while you’re at it. You deserve it!

El Charro Mexicano Aiea Restaurant

Readers, you all know how much I adore food, right? Some people eat to live, but I live to eat! (I know — surprise, surprise.) And while it’s definitely difficult for me to pick a “favorite” restaurant, I must admit that El Charro Mexicano Aiea Restaurant is one that’s hard to top.

Having just opened its doors six months ago, El Charro is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team John and Sofia Ramirez. John is from Mexico and Sofia is from Uruguay, so judging from their Central and South American backgrounds alone, I knew I was in for an incredible culinary treat.

Sure enough, on my early morning venture to this Mexicano restaurant, on the third level of Aiea Shopping Center, Sofia kindly presented me with two particular burritos that were, well, out of this world!

The first to grace my palate was the SUPER Charro Burrito ($12.99), and the name says it all. Of all burritos, this one entices diners with a 12-inch flour tortilla stuffed with grilled chicken, steak, rice, beans and cheese. Topped with a special El Charro red sauce and melted cheese, the burrito is served with traditional rice, beans and pico de gallo.

“A lot of customers order the SUPER Charro Burrito because they like the flavor of our carne asada steak,” Sofia says. “What we strive for at El Charro is to give the best fresh-tasting Mexican food to our customers, even serving fresh, homemade salsa and chips.”

A favorite burrito of Sofia’s that is not on the menu, but can be ordered a la carte or with rice and beans, is none other than Sofia’s Burrito ($8.50, $10.50 with rice and beans). This burrito can be ordered with grilled steak or grilled chicken and features roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and mozzarella cheese in a 10-inch flour tortilla.

“It’s a way lighter burrito compared to the SUPER Charro Burrito and it’s a bit more healthy because it has all the veggies in it,” Sofia explains. “It has so much flavor — it’s a perfect option for lunch because it’s not too heavy.”

In other words, Sofia’s Burrito won’t give you a kanak attack. But really, every now and then a kanak attack is totally worth it when it comes to muy caliente cuisine!

Serg’s Mexican Kitchen

Experience a taste of Mexico at Serg’s Mexican Kitchen right in the heart of Manoa Valley. As a lover of all foods South of the Border, I often frequent Serg’s when that craving for some delicious carne asada hits.

Chef and owner Sergio Arellano runs this restaurant, along with a second location in Waimanalo, with the help of his wife and business partner, Claudette. The food here speaks for itself as the restaurant is always bustling with those yearning for delicious and affordable cuisine.

Carnivores take note: The next time you find yourself at Serg’s, make sure your taste buds are all over the Carne Asada Burrito ($8.75). This mouth-watering burrito gives diners a taste of electrifying homemade carne asada steak with guacamole and pico de gallo, paired with a side of beans and rice.

But beware — an explosion of flavors will hit you with every bite. I recommend having a horchata on the side to help wash down this ultimate beautiful burrito.