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| - My first experience of what I would qualify as true BBQ occurred a few years ago now when Blackstrap BBQ opened down in Verdun. I remember hearing about this new Southern BBQ joint opening and being interested enough to go on the first Friday they were open - getting in just before they ran out of meat - and being in awe of the level of smokiness and juiciness that the crew achieved with their meats. From that moment on, it was pretty clear to me that I would go whenever Dylan Kier and his pit mastery would go next. That thought process is what brought me a few times over the past month to his most recent project, a small burrito joint called Tejano BBQ Burrito.
Located in St-Henri right beside Bar de Courcelles and nearby many of my favorite different culinary spots - quick shout out to Campinelli, Rustique, Leche and Grumman 78 - Tejano feels primarily set up as a take out joint although there is a small sitting area with about 7 stools. The space is sparse - plain white walls with old partially sanded down wood used for the counters. Some smooth laid back music in the background. The menu printed on paper tacked above the ordering counter. The look is definitely in keeping with its older brother Blackstrap BBQ - functional and sparse with just enough of a style and vibe keeping with a southern BBQ joint.
But let's be honest - you don't go to a Burrito space for the decor. It's all about the food of course. At present, the menu is short and concise - burritos (regular and XL sized), tostadas, salads, guac, salsa and chips. For the burritos and tostadas, there are 3 meat options (smoked chicken tinga, chorizo pulled pork, rancho cumin brisket) and one vegetarian (black beans and hominy). Once you make your selection of a base, you can add either re-fried beans, black beans and hominy (if you went with a meat) and/or rice then a collection of different vegetables (pico de gallo, red onions, radishes, jalapeños, peppers, corn, etc...) followed by cheese, fresh lime juice, house guacamole, hot sauce and/or sour cream.
In terms of the burritos, all those options leave you with a fully stuffed burrito and a rather filling one as well. I tried both the pulled pork and the brisket options in burrito form. In keeping with Dylan's work at Blackstrap BBQ, the quality of the meats is impeccable. The pulled pork has that little heat from the chorizo and is wonderfully tender and juicy. The brisket is the same with just a subtle touch of the cumin which gives off a smokier element than the pork. In terms of the other ingredients, I enjoyed both bean options although I'm not sure I would enjoy a black bean and hominy burrito on its own - a meatless burrito just seems wrong to me. All the vegetables are fresh and crisp. Loved the creaminess of the guacamole although I'm not a huge fan of it being the only ingredient that costs extra to add in. Overall, excellent burritos that would be a regular lunch option for me if I worked anywhere nearby (which I don't sadly in this case).
The new menu item for me here was the Tostada which I had never heard of before. Basically, a burrito bowl - all the same ingredients pilled over top a crispy tortilla shell. The crisp shell was good but honestly, other than the texture change with that crispiness, it's not all that different from the burrito. A different presentation but given how I loved the burritos, I think I'll stick to those personally.
Reasonable price, good quality and quantity of food and quick service - All in all, Dylan, Clara and Co. have a great concept going with Tejano BBQ Burrito. It has only been open for about a month now but given what I've enjoyed, I suspect we will hear about this spot a lot more and very quickly in this new year. That particular corner of St-Henri is quickly becoming one of my favourite areas to enjoy food wise... I think i'll be visiting even more often in 2015!
Cheers!
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