May 5, 2001
Assignment RR 4
This is from my archive of short stories from an early college writing class at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS. Originally published May 5, 2001, I am posting for your enjoyment. Enjoy!
Pulling into the shopping mall parking lot at the corner of College and Quivera St. in Overland Park, it may be difficult to find a parking spot to park your car, but finding one is a blessing all its own. “Mean Mama’s Burritos.” Wow, the name alone was enough to strike fear and interest in me to find out who Mean Mama was, and satisfy a lunch time hunger. I love burritos; especially truly authentic burritos like some I have had in Mexico. The aroma from Mean Mamas was more than enough to hold my interest as I walked through the door of the small, yet well designed eatery.
On the left wall bar style tables were set in place complete with bar stools. On the right and center of the eatery were small round café tables and although very small, they still held all the food for four customers. This provided ample sitting room and plenty of room to walk in and enjoy the atmosphere. The counter was set up was much like the ones you would find at a submarine sandwich shop, long with Plexiglas on the top so you can peer over the glass and watch as they put whatever you tell them onto your food order. Walking towards the counter, I met a bright eyed and extremely friendly order taker. “How are you doing today? Have you been here before?” The questions were asked because he noticed my unfamiliarity with his establishment and the fact that I couldn’t find a menu. The guy spoke to me in a friendly and helpful tone; “My name is Chad, and here is our menu.” He hands me a Mean Mama’s menu. “I suggest the shredded beef burrito; it is our hottest seller. We sell 300 a day.” I looked over the menu to see if there were any better offers. It offered 3 styles of burritos, 3 types of fajitas, and a couple of other Mexican specialties. The menu described the contents completely and although the prices seemed high, the fresh ingredients and the thought of an authentic Mexican experience was enough to sway my decision to stay.
Chad was in his late twenties or early thirties. He had what I call a “California look” with jeans, a fashion shirt and gelled spiked hair. He spoke fast, yet friendly. I could tell he had an entrepreneurial spirit that is hard to find in restaurant owners any more. I placed an order for a shredded beef burrito, and he told me that it was a great choice. I could not help but get excited by the fact my order was taken so quickly, even though the eatery had every seat filled. I watched as he steamed one of the largest tortillas I had ever seen and placed it in a basket. He slid the burrito over and began adding the ingredients. First was the fresh steamed rice with cilantro and then came the shredded beef. It looked more like shredded steak. He piled on the beef and never stopped asking questions while getting the food prepared. “Where do you work? How do you like that? Do you want Pico de Gallo sauce? Hot or spicy? Lettuce?” After piling on the ingredients, the burrito quickly grew so large that the tortilla would barely stay closed. He slid the burrito basket to one of the two distinctly Spanish ladies waiting at the cash register. Neither looked hostile enough to be Mean Mama but I couldn’t resist the urge to ask. “So which one of you is Mean Mama?” The ladies laughed and smiled while one asked me if I would like a drink, and the other rang up the till.
After sitting down to a table and beginning to enjoy the burrito, I watched thirty people being served. Chad, the order taker, actually took breaks in between customers. Undoubtedly, he was very efficient in his work. He was extremely polite to everyone and asked many of the same questions he had asked me while filling their orders. I did catch him fibbing a bit though. Between 3 different customers, I had heard him increase the amount of his hottest seller, shredded beef burritos, from 300 to 400. I wondered if he was aware of his differing and ever changing amounts. Did he change the number as he went along, calculating every customer with an algebraic formula? Or did he just change the numbers to keep his mind from hearing the same thing over and over? Either way, the burrito was delicious and the curiosity of watching a spirited young entrepreneur work his magic on his unsuspecting customers kept a smile interest peaked and a smile on my face.
The burrito was more than I could handle even though I was only half way done. Just too much! And it was hot. I know I asked for mild, but I could feel the tingling on my nose that I get from spicier foods. It brought back memories of Tijuana, Mexico, memories of sipping on a cold XX (Dos Equis, Spanish for “double X’s”) beer with a slice of lime and chewing on the same flavored Mexican treats as I had received at Mean Mama’s Burrito. I had to settle for a diet soft drink to cool the spice. As I was leaving the eatery, I realized that because of the interesting people, the different environment and the terrific food, my day was undoubtedly improved. Experiencing something different can be good for the soul and the stomach. “Thanks for stopping in, I look forward to seeing you back my friend.” A lot of words from someone you just met, but accepted just as well. The burrito was terrific, hot, but tasty none the less. A really interesting place to eat, and I can truthfully say that Mean Mama’s Burrito wasn’t so mean after all.