El Charrito
122 W. Market St., Salinas (831) 424-9446, elcharrito.com
The best burrito begins with the tortilla, the vessel which will convey the medley of meat, salsa, rice and beans inside. El Charrito’s flour tortillas are a food group apart: buttery, thick and aromatic, enticing to all the senses (and yes, they’re made with lard). Then fill it with fall-apart tender meat, spicy salsa and mild beans and rice. Here’s a way to win elections: Give the people what they want. El Charrito’s hot food area became so popular, the multi-generational family business decided a few years back to change things, removing the grocery shelves and updating the restaurant area. You can even order ahead online. But while technology is changing, the quality grub stays the same.