California Tortilla: A Fresh New Look!

The New Look

California Tortilla launched its new brand with a focus on fresh quality ingredients and small batch recipes made fresh all day long.  Additionally, the physical locations are getting an update, highlighting the food, with open display kitchens and bright new decor.   Fans of California Tortilla need not worry as the Wall of Flame will remain a focal point with 75 hot sauces for complimentary in-store use or for purchase. 

Chips, Salsa and Guac

The flavors and combinations were crisp and spicy, fresh Roma tomatoes, Hass avocados, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.  I loved the hand made guacamole and queso, the gooey melted cheddar coats the salty corn tortilla chips perfectly; both went well with the chips and the steak and veggie quesadillas.  As much as I try to remind myself, I always fill up on chips, salsa, guacamole and queso before my entree.  These were well worth it. 

Caribbean Fish Taco 

The inspired taco bar showed the best of the ingredients of the burritos and tacos on the current menu at the California Tortilla locations. There are plenty options for all tastes.  My favorite was the Caribbean Fish Taco.  A blackened fillet of tilapia, coated with Mexican spices and grilled is served with mango salsa, Caribbean sauce, Romaine lettuce and a lime wedge on a warmed soft tortilla.  The flavor combinations were perfect.

Honey Lime and Sunset Veggie Tacos

In a very close second place, came the Korean BBQ taco, a wonderful mix of sweet and savory, a grilled marinated steak taco with Kimchi slaw, Korean BBQ sauce, salsa, scallions and sesame seeds.  Also quite popular, were the Honey Lime taco, a grilled mesquite chicken with honey-lime sauce, fresh salsa and Romaine lettuce and finally the Sunset Veggie taco, with grilled vegetables, black beans, spicy sunset sauce and chopped cilantro.  The tacos really embodied the fresh ingredients and full flavor theme of California Tortilla.

I was also excited to see California Tortilla's participation in the community with local non-profit organizations.  At the event, California Tortilla donated $2500 each to DC Central Kitchen,  Manna Food Center in Montgomery County, MD and Philabundance of Philadelphia, PA.  They've also had an ongoing partnership with Share our Strength, a national non-profit dedicated to ending hunger nationwide.  It was nice to see the dedication to supporting charities that serve so many in need.

The re-branding was a great success and I must say I am a new fan.  I can't wait to check out the DC area locations and have the food again.  It's definitely one of the best tacos in town.