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The Fresh Alternative: Caliente's By Veronique Saiya Just how fresh is Caliente’s California Style BurritoShop?Just ask owner Cal Garretson—he will tell you, "I don’t even own a freezer. I am fanatical about fresh food. It costs a little more to do it this way but the product is worth it. To see a customer’s reaction the first time they have one of our California Style Burritos makes all the extra work worthwhile." Garretson’s good instincts must have led him to sense Macon’s need for the "fresh alternative." Such restaurants were sorely lacking in Macon before his arrival. The restaurant seems to have captured what many Americans want in their food choices these days. Garretson understands that people are much more health conscious than ever before. Consequently, he recognizes the importance of using ultra-fresh ingredients, many of which are vegetables in their raw form. His cooked foods are absent of lard and all animal-based fat. He also offers a large variety of vegetarian-friendly entrées. Along with Garretson’s good instincts, he also possesses an entrepreneurial spirit—he was just 25 years of age when he opened Caliente’s in September of 2002. Having just recently celebrated his restaurant’s first birthday, Garretson already has plans to branch out with new locations in Macon, Warner Robins, and Milledgeville. Upon entering the relaxed restaurant Caliente’s customers simply walk up to the burrito bar and place their orders. While waiting for their food customers can either stand there and watch their food being made or have a seat on one of the near by bar stools. The decor is simple but suits the casual atmosphere of the restaurant. It’s a "seat yourself" policy, and there are several teal colored booths to choose from plus a few tables as well as a bar area. The menu on the wall offers a variety of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, as well as a salad, a Mexican Pizza and a host of extras that can be added to any entrée. Although the menu offers diners guidelines as a means of helping them to narrow down their choices, a diner can basically have any item customized to their liking. In other words, if your selection does not already include something you like, simply ask for whatever "extras" you need. Your choices of "extras" include chicken, steak, black & pinto beans, cheese, roasted peppers, guacamole, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and cheese dip. On my first visit, I found an entrée that incorporated exactly what I wanted without needing any extras whatsoever. I ordered The Mother of all Burritos, otherwise known as "The M.O.A.B.," consists of two tortillas, double meat, double beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and lettuce. Needless to say that when ordering it, I was completely unaware of its gargantuan size. Apparently you can have your polaroid hung on the wall if you are able to finish it in one sitting. The M.O.A.B. was terrific! I loved the homemade salsa with it’s fresh tomatoes, diced peppers, and cilantro. I could taste the freshly squeezed lemon juice in the guacamole. The strips of steak were tender and had a nice, grilled flavor that was complemented by the black beans. The tortilla was warm and soft. I chose the flour tortilla, but I hear the spinach tortillas are great too. I found the meal to be a deliciously refreshing change from the often tired Mexican meal! Vital Stats Cuisine Price Range Delivery Seating Child
Provisions Extras CALIENTE'S 881 Wimbish Road |
