So if you haven't already noticed, I am on a mission to find the best burrito in Syracuse.
Pictured here is The Mission's Peurco Pibil Burrito with Refried Beans, topped with Pico de Gallo, with sides of Spanish Rice and Cabbage Salad. Guacamole and Sour Cream on the side as well.
Peurco Pibil Burrito: $12.50
The burrito meat and filling were both good - juicy, Yucatan style Shredded Pork with Achiote and Orange and creamy Refried Beans lining the interior - but everything else on the plate was generally blase. Dry and bland Spanish Rice, Pico de Gallo that was 99% diced tomatoes, Cabbage Salad that was just awful and tasted like it had been sitting around all day, and Guacamole that essentially tasted like pureed Avocados.
As a Burrito, it was mediocre and as a meal, it was a legitimate let-down.
After visiting The Mission over the last several months, I've jumped onto this theory that its concepts are well-thought and have good intentions, but the food can come out completely bland and uninspiring. I usually end up leaving disappointed 50% of the time after eating here, and the other 50% of the time, I really enjoy my experience and wonder why I don't go back more often. It's such an appealing place, with a cool vibe, originality, and a creative menu, but such a let-down when the food doesn't suffice - perhaps because they have all of the right ingredients of aesthetics, but are missing some ingredients in their cuisine. For instance, would it kill them to add just a bit more cilantro, onions, and lime juice to the Pico de Gallo and Guacamole? God forbid we want some actual flavor in there...
I shouldn't be so hard on them. I just get picky after eating there sometimes. Mainly because some of the food could be elevated with just a few simple ingredients.
At any rate, I would say that The Mission has the best burrito from restaurants that I've reviewed on this blog thus far. A bit too early for an in-depth list, but the ranking would go something like...
1) Peurco Pibil Burrito at The Mission Restaurant
2) Smothered Burrito at Steve's Cantina & Grill
3) California Burrito at El Canelo
This also begs the question: is there a place to get a burrito in Syracuse where I do not need a knife and fork?
