Mexicali Blue earns top marks for its loaded short rib burrito with house-butchered meat that cooks for seven-plus hours.
What does it take to make a burrito shine?
We’re not talking just a “hey, this is good” reaction either. Instead, we’re thinking of a two-hands experience that involves copious napkins and more than a few “mmms” and eye rolls of delight along the way. Is it an abundance of cheese? Or perhaps a slathering of spicy sauce over a bean- and guacamole-filled wrap? Does it have anything to do with whether it’s meat-filled or veggie-friendly?
Whatever it is, Mexicali Blue has the secret formula down. And Food Network agrees.
In a recent roundup, the food-focused network named the Hudson Valley’s very own Mexican eatery as home to one of the 33 best burritos in the nation. Mexicali Blue is one of three New York restaurants to appear on the list (the others are in Binghamton and Brooklyn, respectively), with a majority of the locations heading west toward California.
It wasn’t just any burrito that caught Food Network’s eye, either. Mexicali Blue, which has locations in both New Paltz and Wappingers Falls, earned accolades for its short rib-stuffed tortilla wrap, which is, as one might expect of an acclaimed burrito, quite the labor of love. It begins with house-butchered ribs that are cooked in Modelo Negra beer, herbs, and spices for seven to eight hours before they’re fall-apart tender.
From there, the meat gets loaded into a tortilla alongside vegetable rice, black beans, pico de gallo, onion marmalade, guacamole, coleslaw, cilantro, and a sweet spicy chili sauce so divine you won’t need to make use of Mexicali’s extensive selection of hot sauces. The tortilla itself is customizable and can be swapped for a gluten-free or whole wheat wrap, or even served “naked” on a plate, as preferred.
Along with the Mexi-California, the Steak & Shrimp, and the Skirt Steak burritos, Mexicali’s short rib concoction is one of the more expensive burritos on the menu. One taste, however, is all it takes to convince you that it’s worth every penny.
P.S. If you go, plan to stop by during happy hour from 3-6 p.m. during the week when tacos are half-price and beers and margaritas are available for cheap. Whatever you do, just be sure to order the burrito!