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November 9, 2009

Geo Burrito rolling up big meals for wide-eyed diners



By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

By Darragh Doiron

The News staff writer

NEDERLAND — Choosing what goes into your own custom Geo Burrito may be challenge enough. Diners then get to watch the staff expertly roll up giant tortillas stuffed with myriad fillings into a heavy, neat roll of foil.

Reggie Orchid has a tip: Unroll the foil a little at a time to best get a grip on your big, handful of food. He doesn’t recommend unrolling his restaurant’s goods all the way, but you can, he insists. It’s all about the freedom.

The new Nederland restaurant is also serving up quesadillas, tacos, nachos and salads at the former Manning’s School Supply building at the Plaza Shopping Center, at the corner of U.S. 69 and FM 365. choice

Burritos are in the name and on the menu, but Orchid says burrito is the concept as well. In restaurant jargon, it’s the name for the service style where customers get to be in charge of their order and watch it get made.

He calls it freedom, but it does demand lots of choices. Those big old tortillas come in white, honey wheat, jalapeno cheese and spinach. Then you have more filling choices, including cilantro lime, healthy brown or authentic Mexican rice; vegetarian refried black or pinto beans; 12-hour marinated carne asada steak, citrus mojo chicken or braised shredded pork (which the menu states is worth driving 100 miles for).

The diner isn’t even nearly done, and must consider cheese, pepper, corn and sauce options.

“It’s unlike anything else around here,” Orchid said.

Beaumont got a Geo Burrito in March. The “casual, laid back and eclectic atmosphere” has reached Mid-County. Geo Burrito’s says its calling card is the quality of its meats, which are freshly charbroiled all day every day. 

This restaurant is in the family with two other popular local names: Novrozsky’s Restaurants and Jason's Deli. The co-founder and CEO of Jason's Deli, Joe Tortorice is the principal owner of Geo Burrito. The first Geo Burrito is located at the old Novrozsky's location on Calder and Lucas. 

Wayne Hale is the artist who gives the logo an earthy feel with leaves, a sun and hand prints designed into the lettering. It’s dubbed Earth’s Best Burrito. Hale credits “his minions” for their contributions.

ddoiron@panews.com

 

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