Taco Vado — Review by Randy Santel
Spokane, United States — Mexican
Randy Santel completed the Taco Vado six pound breakfast burrito challenge in 22 minutes and 41 seconds, finishing all six burritos plus the optional migas in under the 45 minute time limit. He praised all the burritos for their quality and flavor, particularly highlighting the roasted poblano pepper and avocado varieties.
What was great: All six breakfast burritos were delicious and flavorful, especially the roasted poblano pepper burrito and the avocado/guacamole burrito. The tortillas were wonderful and grilled perfectly, and the burritos were moist with good sauces and cheeses already incorporated. The Tres Leches dessert was also excellent.
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The challenge consisted of six different breakfast burritos, each weighing just over one pound, served with an optional migas appetizer. The six burritos included the Chili Verde with hatch chili beef, the Carnitas with shredded pork, the Barbacoa with shredded beef, the Chili Verde option, the Hatch Chili with green Hatch chilies, the Lulu with avocado and guacamole, and the San Pedro featuring roasted poblano pepper. Each burrito shared a base of black beans and approximately two and a half eggs with shredded cheese throughout. Randy was particularly impressed by the San Pedro with its roasted poblano pepper, describing it as fantastic. The Lulu burrito with its generous guacamole also stood out as a favorite. The breakfast migas, served as an optional starter, contained chili verde beef, eggs, avocado, cheese, corn tortillas, pickled veggies, salsa, and pico de gallo. What surprised Randy most was that none of the burritos contained potatoes, which he noted reduced the amount of chewing required. He remarked that all the burritos tasted good and didn't require additional salsa due to the built-in sauces and cheeses. For dessert, Taco Vado served a Tres Leches cake, which is a pound cake soaked in three different types of milk, garnished with strawberry slices.
The Experience
The restaurant was packed with spectators cheering Randy on throughout the challenge, creating an energetic and celebratory atmosphere. The owner Mark and his staff were welcoming and supportive. The chefs even requested the famous hat turn trick with the taco as a fun moment during the challenge. The burritos were grilled to perfection, and the kitchen staff demonstrated care in preparation. The crowd showed appreciation for Randy's efforts, with applause and cheering at key moments throughout the 22 minute and 41 second completion time.
Value & Pricing
The challenge offered free food if completed within 45 minutes, or a $90 penalty if failed. Winners also receive a hat and the honor of having their name and photo displayed on the restaurant's wall of fame. While specific pricing for regular menu items wasn't mentioned, the restaurant offers breakfast items all day along with normal lunch and dinner tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, suggesting reasonable pricing for a casual Mexican establishment.
Notable Moments
I really don't want to get too cocky, but I'm still feeling just fine.
I'd be lying if I tried to tell you my favorite because I've already said along the way that I never really knew what I was eating.
There's three types of milk here. Three types of milk.
Randy completed the challenge in impressive time, finishing in under half the allotted 45 minutes without prior training. He noted that Katina Eats Kilos, the hometown challenger who went before him, also completed the challenge, and while Randy didn't officially beat her time, he finished his in 22 minutes and 41 seconds without eating dessert during the clock.
The Verdict
Taco Vado is highly recommended for anyone craving quality breakfast burritos in Spokane. Even if you're not attempting the challenge, the regular menu offers delicious burritos with excellent flavor profiles that don't require additional condiments. The restaurant's all-day breakfast service is convenient, and their skill in preparation is evident. For those seeking an exciting food challenge experience with supportive staff and a fun atmosphere, Taco Vado is definitely worth a visit. The combination of quality ingredients, flavorful preparation, and energetic venue makes it a standout destination.