After I read the description of the Chicken Cantina Bowl, I instantly thought of Chipotle. There is nothing featured here that I couldn't already get at my local Chipotle: "Citrus herb marinated chicken, flavorful black beans, guacamole made from real Hass avocados, roasted corn and pepper salsa, a creamy cilantro dressing, and freshly prepared pico de gallo, all served on a bed of cilantro rice."
Today I decided to tackle both the Taco Bell and Chipotle bowls to see how they stacked up. Are you ready for a throwdown?
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| Who will be the winner? |
The competitors:
Taco Bell and Chipotle (fast food/quick service Mexican food)
The challenge:
Chicken Cantina bowl vs. chicken burrito bowl
Cost:
$4.79 Taco Bell and $6.25 at Chipotle
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| Taco Bell Chicken Cantina Bowl |
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| Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl |
Flavors:
The Taco Bell Cantina bowl is standard (see description above) with a choice of chicken, steak, or meatless. You can customize at Chipotle. Substitute black beans for refried or brown rice for white, take or leave the lettuce, choose from 4 salsas and the protein of your choice (chicken, steak, barbacoa, carnitas).
Service:
I love the convenience of a drive thru that Taco Bell offers (especially during the crazy afternoon storms we've been having) but the team at my local Chipotle can't be beat!
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| "Chipotle: Like Subway but with Mexican food" |
Taste:
The best parts of the Cantina bowl were the corn salsa and guacamole. I really could do without the cilantro dressing which had a tang to it. My first bite of rice was crunchy which was a disappointment. I did not see or taste any cilantro in the rice at all. The chicken was bland and I could not tell it had any marinade on it at all. It seemed like just a bigger piece of same old chicken that Taco Bell has been using for years.
I would be happy with just rice and guacamole mixed together in a bowl from Chipotle. I love the fresh cilantro pieces I encounter in my bowl, and the chicken is packed with marinade. The corn salsa is not roasted, but after today I wish it was.
Chipotle offers sour cream and cheese which are not featured on the Cantina bowl.
Overall:
The Taco Bell Cantina Bowl is a quick and easy lunch option at an affordable price. However, if you have more time and a couple extra dollars to spare, visit Chipotle instead.
So... can Taco Bell do gourmet? Not quite as good as Chiptole, but I will not be taking Chef Lorena on her money back guarantee either.
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| Chipotle bonus - amazing chips perfectly suited with their fresh guacamole |
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