Tofu? In a burrito?

Maybe a little off subject, but Moe's is the only one to offer tofu...that could have been mentioned. Sadly though, Moe's took the fish tacos off the menu.

I just can't get behind the concept of a tofu burrito. I'm all for fusion cuisine, but we've got to draw the line somewhere . . .

[Robin Garr]

I just can't get behind the concept of a tofu burrito. I'm all for fusion cuisine, but we've got to draw the line somewhere . . .

I'm with you on this. I love tofu in Asian cookery, but a tofu burrito just seems so wrong in so many ways ...

I just can't get behind the concept of a tofu burrito. I'm all for fusion cuisine, but we've got to draw the line somewhere . . . :wink:

I'm with you on this. I love tofu in Asian cookery, but a tofu burrito just seems so wrong in so many ways ...

Is there an emoticon for gagging?

Now, now. For those of us who choose not to eat meat, we need protein. And I even like tofu!!

Back off meat heads.

[Robin Garr]

Now, now. For those of us who choose not to eat meat, we need protein. And I even like tofu!!

Back off meat heads.

I already said I like tofu. I like to eat it, I like to cook with it. I make such a good Ma Po To Fu that you'd think I was Chinese.

But tofu in a burrito? That just seems wrong.

Ehh . . . frankly I wouldn't do it either. Burritos should be filled with rice and beans. And cheese and onions. And guacamole. A little lettuce on the side. And green sauce. mmmm

Don't knock tofu in a burrito until you try it, 3rd Avenue Cafe's black bean and tofu burrito is one of my favorite dishes in Louisville (with a side of wheatberry salad)...mmmmmmm

I'll try it! I may have to have a side order of those mesquite chips, though.

[Robin Garr]

I'll try it! I may have to have a side order of those mesquite chips, though.

Okay, but let's talk serious vegetarian cookery here: At least talking in terms of giving a meatless burrito something with textures and flavors that will be more comforting to a carnivore who's trying to go right, I still just don't see regular white tofu as filling the meat gap very well. Wouldn't it make more sense to work with something like seitan or tempeh, or even pressed and smoked tofu? Or go with naturally "meaty" vegetable substitutes like portobello mushrooms or porcini or even something as simple as putting in some mashed pinto beans along with the whole black beans?

I'm not really bashing tofu - as I've said already in this thread, I actually like the stuff. But it just seems to me that a chef looking to make a magically meatless burrito could come up with some much more interesting tools to do that particular job. Am I offbase here?

I am pretty sure the tofu in the 3rd Ave burrito is both pressed and smoked...They are very small firm cubes that are spicy and run intermittently through the burrito along with (majority) black beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes etc..It is seriously delicious.

and those mesquite chips rock!!!!!!!!!

[Robin Garr]

I am pretty sure the tofu in the 3rd Ave burrito is both pressed and smoked...They are very small firm cubes that are spicy and run intermittently through the burrito along with (majority) black beans, corn, lettuce, tomatoes etc..It is seriously delicious.

and those mesquite chips rock!!!!!!!!!

Now that sounds goooooood! I might have to try this. The mesquite chips, too ...

And the bonus with 3rd Ave. Cafe is that they do fry the vegan items in a separate fryer--different from the fryer for the meat items. It's a little thing, I guess, but is so wonderfully sensitive to vegan/vegetarian issues. Not many retaurants maintain two fryers for that purpose.

I found the somked tofu at Amazing Grace and it was some seriously good stuff.

Robin and Leah-

give us a report when you try it. That burrito needs its own fan club!!

I also recommend a small cup of their TERRIFIC tomato basil soup as a starter.

Just for the record...Moe's tofu is marinated and grilled and has really good texture and flavor. I usuallyu order my burrito 'naked" anyway, but it certainly an option of getting a healthier meal!