If you haven't watched tv, listened to the radio, or driven past a Taco Bell lately, let me fill you in: Taco Bell recently released their new Cantina Bell menu items. Chef Lorena Garcia (I know her from the now cancelled "America's Next Great Restaurant" on NBC) partnered with Taco Bell to create a new line of fresh and gourmet inspired Mexican dishes. They are even using the tag line "Can Taco Bell do gourmet?"
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?
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
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!
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.
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?
 |
| 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
 |
| Taco Bell Chicken Cantina Bowl |
 |
| 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!
 |
| "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.
 |
| Chipotle bonus - amazing chips perfectly suited with their fresh guacamole |
