Welcome to Week One of the A1A Battle of the Burrito. This week's contender is Robburrito's in Melbourne Beach.
What I ordered: Monster burrito, smoked beef brisket, rice, beans, no cheese, and their "slawsca" which is Robburrito's own concoction of shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with their salsa fresca.
Cost: $13.32
Presentation: 7/10. Somewhat left something to be desired, however when you look at Robburrito's as a whole, it remains in line with the style of joint. Upon walking in, the smell of smoked meat envelopes you and a Rolling Stones concert on the tv was a welcomed surprise. With eclectic interior decor blending classic movie posters, Jimmy Buffett Florida beach style ornamentation complete with hanging string lights, the basket/paper serving style fit right in and it would almost be odd if it was any other way.
Authenticity: 0/10. With the headline on their website stating "This is not a Mexican restaurant...THIS IS THE GREAT AMERICAN BURRITO" it's clear they're not trying to fit the mold on this one. They've set fire to the mold, burned it to the ground and built their own. Which brings me to my next point...
Flavor Balance: 10/10. Wide as the Grand Canyon. Barbecue tones seep in from the smoked meats and coleslaw texture with the rice and beans carrying the traditional burrito aspect of it. It took a few bites for my palate to adjust to the vast array of textures with their respective flavors. Truly something new, unique, different, and nothing even remotely similar to anything else I've eaten.
The Wrap: 9/10. Whoever is wrapping these Monster burritos, which come in around 26 ounces, needs a raise. Not only was the tortilla wrapped nice and tight, they also wrapped wax paper around the outside to keep it together as you chow through it. Dinged one point for falling apart a bit at the end, but what burrito doesn't?
Overall: 8/10. Robburrito's are not refining a classic Mexican dish nor are they advertising they're attempting to. If you're looking for a traditional burrito, you may want to keep looking. If you're looking to expand your horizons and bend your palate over one of the most unique combos, this is your spot. Robburrito's is throwing the rulebook out the window and serving up truly, the Great American Burrito.
Check out Week 2's contender here: Cantina Dos Amigos in Indialantic.