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Fresh Tortilla Express

Sun., April 16, 2006

The gods were punishing me for waiting until this morning to complete my taxes because Jimi invited me over for a Easter brunch of homemade waffles that I had to begrudgingly decline. But later in the afternoon, by which time I’d checked my math and wrapped up the paperwork, Katie called to invite me to a Film Forum outing.

We had originally planned on going to the Chipotle around the corner for dinner, but Katie decided it’d be cheaper and better to “go local” and eat at Fresh Tortilla Express around the other corner. It’s Mexican food, made by Asian people and depicted on a menu board above the counter in unappetizingly color-leached photos. But it was cheap and tasty. I noticed the dish I wanted and eventually ordered, guacamole nachos, had a small dot next to it on the menu board, as did several other items. What did it mean? Bonus side dish? Extra-spicy? Recommended? I had the following exchange with the two Asian people behind the counter, both of them wearing white paper hats.

Me: What’s the dot mean?
Man: Dot?
Me: The dot next to some of the menu items.
Man: Dot?
Me: [pointing to dot] That dot.
Man: [to woman] Dot?
Woman: No dot.
Man: [to me, in satisfied agreement] No dot.

At home later, I was looking at the carryout menu and discovered that the dots mean the dish is vegetarian. I also found this aggressive and curiously written warning:

NOTICE BEWARE OF IMITATORS USING OUR MENU
“Fresh Tortillas”
to Provide their foods. Make no mistake, we are the one & only restaurant on Varick Street who can guarantee our high standard of quality. If you encounter any imitators, please inform us by calling 212-242-3520 so that we can take legal action against them

I think that I speak for myself and for the legal council of Fresh Tortilla Express when I say “Dot!”

Fresh Tortilla Express

Tags: 52 Meals Project (2006) | Comments have been closed.