A Meal With Morgan: Taco Bell

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On that late-March afternoon, my belly so matter-of-factly stated, “Yo, it’s time for some grub.” I was cruising down North Street, and the familiar pink and purple bell materialized in the distance. The corners of my lips turned up as I threw on my blinker to enter the drive-thru. 

This one-hundred-foot stretch of asphalt had become a place of safety and refuge; I might even go as far as to say an oasis on really rough days.

I approached the speaker and shifted the car into park as I assessed my options.

“Welcome to Taco Bell. What can I get started for you today?” came the angelic voice from the other side.

I requested a few extra minutes in case anything other than the usual grabbed my attention. Tacos, burritos and nachos made up the majority of the three-screen spread before me. 

Finding nothing new worth trying, I asked for my standard T-Bell order. The Beefy Melt Burrito (BMB): a small yet mighty member of the menu. 

It lives in the $2 section and is overlooked by many. The BMB is constructed with care, combining rice and ground beef cooked in a savory sauce held together by a handful of melted cheese

While Grand Junction’s restaurant scene is not well regarded, it’s easy to find the cream of the crop if one simply thinks outside the bun. 

At first sight, this might seem like a regular ol’ burrito one can find in the frozen 

One distinct feature of this flavor-filled phenomenon rescues this little bundle of joy from oblivion: Fiesta Strips™.The strips are simply bits of tortilla chips, but they add the light crunch that this burrito so desperately needs.

I admit that the BMB, along with everything else Taco Bell has to offer, lacks authenticity, as it tries to mimic Mexican cuisine. 

The fast-food chain tailors to American taste buds rather than attempts to remain faithful to its cultural roots.

This being said, Taco Bell has become a source of comfort in my adventures with food. 

As far as I go in this world, however many miles I might be from home, I know I can find solace in my dear friend, the BMB