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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Cafe Rio Anonymous


Hi, I'm Hannah, and I'm addicted to Cafe Rio's sweet pork burritos.

I have been free of Cafe Rio for exactly two weeks now. While living in Utah, I eat the scrumptious meal at least 2-3 times a week. I miss the thick, fresh tortillas. I miss the upbeat, fast-paced restaurant atmosphere. I miss the "enchilada style." I want Cafe Rio served at both my wedding and my funeral.

During this tumultous time, I've developed a 6-step recovery program as reason to get up in the mornings.

1. Eat a local copycat version, Caliente.
2. Attempt to reproduce the cafe's released recipes in my own kitchen.
3. Buy Cafe Rio stock.
4. Research franchise options.
5. Create a Cafe Rio homage.
6. Sit in my room, hug my loyal frequent buyer card ( which is now 100% filled and waiting to be submitted for a free meal) , and fantasize about my next trip to Utah.

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork:
3-4 lbs pork roast (can substitute chicken)
1 cup brown sugar
3 cups salsa*

Mix ingredients in a crock pot and let cook for 10 hours on low.Once you've made the dressing, pork, rice & beans, it's almost time to eat. But you still have to assemble the salad. Start with a tortilla (we used the disposable aluminum pie tins, but you could use a bowl), then layer on cooked beans, rice, romaine lettuce, pork, dressing, and any of your favorite toppings: pico de gallo, guacamole, tortilla strips, cheese, cilantro & lime.


Cafe Rio Dressing :
1 buttermilk ranch dressing packet (make as per recipe)
2 tomatillos (tomato like vegetable with a husk around them)
½ bunch of cilantro1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 lime1 jalapeno (Use the seeds too if you like it spicy. You could substitute a few drops of green Tabasco for the jalapeno.)

Use a food processor to blend all the ingredients well. Refrigerate.


8 comments:

Adam Denison said...

Dang, Hannah. I'm drooling now. At least you know you'll get to go back to Cafe Rio in a few months. Who knows when I'll be back!

On a side note, the sweet pork salad at Costa Vida is even better!

Bethny said...

I feel your pain from the withdrawl. Jeff & Laura made Cafe Rio burritos for us at Thanksgiving and they were darn good. Look forward to seeing you this weekend and helping you through this spell. Love, Auntie Bethie

The Boover Bunch said...

Hannah, let's make that stuff. I found a similar recipe, claiming to be so close to the exact recipe it's not funny. When do you want to break in that fantastic kitchen of yours? Teach me how to add music and gorgeous wallpaper to my blog? PLEASE.

Anonymous said...

Hi Hannah, Just thought I would let you know there is no local substitute for Cafe Rio. Nothing is even close enough to call it a substitute. I sure wish I had a Cafe Rio chicken salad right now!!!
If it makes you feel better the cravings are even worse when you are pregnant so just be glad, it could be worse. -Laura Pack-
P.S. I have been Cafe Rio free since February. Cafe Rio Wednesday special is the best.

Lorina said...

do you know you have about 118 profile views? you are one popular girl!

Cyndi said...

Hannah, this is Cyndi Forsyth, Erin and Lindsay's Mom. I made the pork with brown sugar and coca cola---it was awesome! The dressing absolutely MADE it taste like Cafe Rio. I share your cravings! Make some soon, you'll be glad you did!!

Lindsay said...

Hannah, I feel your pain. I ate the chicken tostada (I can't spell) basically everday for like 3 weeks, it was an amazing three weeks. Now we are in California for the summer, sadly no cafe rio till August! I make the salads at home too, I love them!

Suz said...

What's the asterick after the salsa? I just bought a 4lb pork at Sam's Club and came home to find an asterick after the word salsa!