Resolutions at Rubio’s
Are you drowning in a sea of New Year’s Resolutions? I don’t even necessarily mean your own, but it feels like every time I turn on the TV, Facebook or the radio there is some promotion, some commercial or some friend tying New Year’s resolutions into their personal agenda of the day.
Be it the gym down the road, a place to shop for clothes or a friend who wants people to learn to drive better in the year 2014 — the theme of New Year’s Resolutions is basically EVERYWHERE!
A resolution is defined as the firmness of mind or purpose. The process of using determination to resolve a problem or dispute. Exhausting. Maybe it’s just the lazy side of me after having to return to work after having a week off for the holidays, but I’m tired! I don’t want to be bombarded by yet one more voice telling me I need to do more, be more and accomplish more this year, oh, and only spend $19.95 in reaching the new and improved me.
And I think it was with all of this in the back of my mind that I wanted an effortless, easy lunch. No “firmness of mind or purpose.” In fact, on this long work day, I preferred a no-brainer, if you will. Somewhere that would not require any extra energy on my part, and no wielding of my determination. And definitely not somewhere that would make me feel guilty or that would cause me to envision my buttons flying off like recent commercials would have me think.
So I put on my thinking cap and quickly thought of Rubio’s. Fresh foods, delicious flavors, right portions. My fellow Lunch Ladies supported my suggestion. It was one of our usual restaurant choices. So we just had to make it through a few more work hours, withstanding the post-holiday withdrawals, and we were ready to go.
We entered the beach hut atmosphere, leaving the wintry wonderland behind us. We navigated the line fluidly and were making quick, easy decisions in a matter of minutes. All the makings of the painless, undemanding, uncomplicated lunch we desired.
Here is what the Lunch Ladies ordered:
Sylvia: Fish Tacos $6.99
According to its website, “After first tasting a fish taco in San Felipe, Mexico, Ralph Rubio returned to San Diego to hand-craft his own recipe and introduced America to the fish taco.” That was in 1983 and Rubio’s is still doing fish tacos right. I went with the original beer-battered fish tacos; they were just-right crispy with loads of fresh cabbage, the signature white sauce and a mild salsa. The order came with some sides so I chose the pinto beans and tortilla chips. A great lunch at a reasonable price.
Lyndsi: Chicken quesadilla $7.99
I am a big fan of Rubio’s and have never been disappointed with anything I have eaten there. This time I had a Chicken Quesadilla because I wasn’t super hungry and knew that quesadilla leftovers are awesome. The quesadilla had deliciously flavored grilled chicken and the perfect amount of melted cheese sandwiched in a toasted tortilla shell. It came with a generous amount of sour cream, pico and guacamole and a pile of tortilla chips. It was a simple and delicious lunch — both days.
Gabby: Grilled Grande Bowl with Pan-Seared Shrimp $7.99
This delicious, flavorful bowl has seasoned grilled shrimp on Spanish rice, black beans and mixed shredded cheese. It is topped off with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, a mix of seasonings, and a smidge of a light creamy sauce. And my favorite part — it is all on top of a bed of crisp, fresh, shredded cabbage, which successfully rounds out the spicy Mexican flavors with a great Baja flair. The cabbage also adds a light, healthy dynamic that gives the meal the ability to fill you up but not weigh you down. This bowl had a great combination of flavors and ingredients causing me to thoroughly enjoy every bite!
Jennette: Longostino Lobster Burrito $9.29
I have been on a seafood kick since I visited San Diego a few weeks ago. So when I saw the limited time Longostino Lobster Burrito I had to try it. It was delicious! The burrito was filled with plenty of lobster, guacamole, rice and black beans. How could you go wrong with that combo? I took advantage of the extensive salsa bar and added some fresh lime to the burrito. Perfect! I, of course, washed it all down with a delicious refreshing Diet Coke.
One refreshing, easy, contractual agreement-free lunch was had by all. No lectures, self-promotions, hidden agendas, or best intentions gone awry. It looks like 2014 might be a good year after all.
Rubio’s. 530 E. University Parkway, Orem. Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., closed Sundays