¿Cuál es éste?

¿Cuál es éste?

In Spanish that means, “What is this?” I was asking myself this question this past weekend when I tried Mexican food in Boston.

            I am currently taking Spanish 1, but don’t get too excited. I only know how to say, “Hola, coma te llamas? Me llamo Maureen.”

            Taking Spanish has made me crave Mexican food more than I ever have before. So we tried a little restaurant loved by locals called Fajitas and ‘Ritas. Let me note that by locals I mean local New Englanders who would be surprised by what real Mexican food is.

            Being from Colorado, I get some of the best Mexican food around. I love tacos, smothered burritos, enchiladas, stuffed sopapillas and most importantly chile rellenos. The heat, the cheese, the spice and chile make my mouth water and erupt with flavor.

            Needless to say, I miss this food when I leave my home state. So I was willing to fulfill my craving here in Boston.

            That was a big mistake. Boston’s version of Mexican food includes only fajitas, burritos (without being smothered in chile), quesadillas and salads. No tacos, no chiles, no heat.

            The salsa was definitely from a jar that said “mild.” The chips were from a bag. The tortillas were the only things even remotely resembling something from a restaurant back home.

            I ordered the chicken fajitas. The chicken was a grilled breast. Not chunks marinated in Mexican spices. The red and green bell peppers and onions were steamed, not sautéed in those spices.

            I was disappointed in what New Englanders think is Mexican food.

            Now Boston can do some food right. There are great Asian take-out places, amazing Italian cuisine in the North End and fantastically fresh seafood.

But the next time I get a craving for Mexican, I think I’ll stick to Chipotle or wait for the next trip home.