Most burritos end up igniting a Mexican Revolution in your stomach — but the pollo asado burrito ($7) from the Calexico food cart in Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 is as wonderful as un beso from Salma Hayek herself.
This is the burrito that solves the dish’s central problems of excessive size and conspicuous overstuffing.
Rather, the Calexico burrito is filling, yet can be eaten by hand and — most important — features an excellent blend of flavors.
First, there is the grilled chicken, which is constantly cooking as the chef frantically works his magic under the sweltering sun. The charred chicken is heaped in generous portions onto the corn tortilla, giving every bite a taste of delicious fresh-off-the-grill flavor. Then there is the tasty rice and beans, cheese, a bit of pico de gallo, and avocado crema, which lends a light flavor that complements the generous amounts of Cholula hot sauce that we like to heap on all Mexican food.
Calexico’s excellent So-Cal-style operation is no secret at this point: they’ve won the Vendy awards and have been lauded by just about every foodie in town.
But if you haven’t been able to swing by the Columbia Street Waterfront District for the full menu experience at the restaurant, now’s your chance at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Calexico Food Cart in Brooklyn Bridge Park [enter at Old Fulton Street and Furman Street in DUMBO, (718) 488-8226]is open from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, Thursday through Saturday.