The AMERICAS
BUDGET GOURMET
BURRITO BORRACHO The result of a happy twist of fate
To think that a little more than a year ago, Mexican transplants Mario Garcia and Alex Coreas were planning to open a grocery store! Then, as they were about to sign a lease for a spot on Dalhousie Street, Coreas suggested taking one more look around. Discovering a shoebox of a space on Clarence Street the next day, they veered off in another direction: they set up a Mexican restaurant, Burrito Borracho (Drunk Little Donkey). They're used to adapting to changing circumstances, however. Just four years ago, Garcia arrived at Carleton University to learn English. Coreas, meanwhile, had moved to the city with his family in 1994 at the age of 12. But though he had completed his degree in economics from the University of Ottawa in 2006, he knew office life wouldn't suit him. He much prefers working with his hands. It was around this time that the two met through a mutual friend at a language school where Garcia was taking lessons. They quickly became friends and, after travelling together in their home country, decided to start a business that would showcase Mexican culture.
They are keeping their Mexican dishes simple - tacos, burritos, tortas, and quesadillas. The formula is also familiar - various fillings, various sauces. But BB's fillings are truly succulent (Garcia's mom, Miriam, contributed original Mexican recipes). These days two cooks and three other employees help keep the restaurant on track. Not that the owners are resting their weary pins yet. Already their hours have been extended - to four in the morning on Friday through Saturday. And the two are planning expansion into the west and east of Ottawa. Funny how a last-minute walk can thwart the best-laid plans. Let's hope for more such happy divergences. 105A Clarence St. http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1532400/restaurant/ByWard-Market-Lower-Town/Burrito-Borracho-Ottawa
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