Chipotle Mexican Grill

I used to go all the time downtown by University Avenue and Front St to go to a gym. Every week it was my routine.  From work, I would drive to get to this gym one block south. During days when I have a bit time to spare, I wished quick nourishment other than the usual sausage on a bun by a sidewalk vendor. I came by last week once again and so many things have changed within this part of Toronto. For that specific time, I came by to try Chipotle Mexican Grill.

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I was invited over by Joannee D’Souza of Faye Clack Communications to get to know the food of Chipotle Mexican Grill and their local initiatives. I once thought that Chipotle was only about tacos and burritos but they have one thing that a rice lover like me would find comfort in. They also sell burrito bowls, which practically was a burrito served in a bowl minus the tortilla. Rice topped with burrito filling!  Growing up with rice in every meal, this was my idea of comfort fast food. Anyone can have a pick of what goes into that burrito bowl and that was another plus. I knew the flavors that I wanted and the flavors I want to combine. What I built was a really good burrito bowl.  Rice on the bottom, piled on with pinto beans, medium spicy salsa, grated cheese, guacamole and steak cubes.  Remembering it made my mouth water.

As I finished up tasting my creation, Joanne started describing to me what was progressively happening that day. That day Chipotle Mexican Grill spearheaded an initiative to raise money for the Holland Bloorview Kid’s Rehabilitation program. Fifty percent of the proceeds of Chipotle Mexican Grill food sold that day would be donated to the Music Therapy program for disabled patients. Another noteworthy initiative was Chipotle Mexican Grill’s program to support local farmers. For the summer, managers of two downtown locations, Front St and the second one at Yonge and Dundas, would randomly hand out Chipotle Mint Currency to customers on site.  These $5 tokens that can be used to buy items in a participating farmers market. Throughout to the duration of the initiative, about $20,000 worth of tokens would be handed out, no purchase of food necessary. All proceeds would go to the vendor of each participating farmers market. Its point was to drive business back to local and small farms and businesses. Check out this list or the schedules of the participating markets where you can use the $5 tokens.

CHIPOTLE FARMERS’ MARKET TOKEN PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Metro Hall Farmers’ Market – June 1st to 30th, 2013
Apple Tree Uptown Market – July 4th, 2013
Apple Tree Ryerson Square Market – August 21st, 2013
Nathan Phillips Square Farmers’ Market – September 1st to 30th, 2013

I got myself three $5 tokens for Metro Hall Farmers Market. I have never been there before. It would be a good way to enjoy this warmer weather to go and get some fresh produce.

I was glad to see one of my favorite places in downtown Toronto to progress on to what it is today.  It is good to know that when I need to recollect and walk again memory lane, I can swing by Chipotle Mexican Grill for a quick nourishment.