Livin' on the Edge...

I am not a big risk taker. I married a future accountant, now an actual accountant who LOVES rules, I majored in something that would eventually lead to a real job (art history was my rebellious stage), I drive the speed limit (and not over), I dont wear crazy patterns, I stick to foods I can pronounce, I dont ski, bungee jump, or even travel much- I am not a risk taker. But there is one risk I cannot keep away from- Beto's. Those of you that havent lived in Utah, or that just havent experienced this hidden treasure are missing something big. Beto's is a junky mexican restaurant (not even sure that term applies here) located in provo (and other cities along the Wasatch front). Beto's is one of the very few risks I am willing to take. I think you need a bit of background, Beto's is one of those places that you could quite literally die from eating at. Every once in awhile it is shut down by the health department, but without fail it reopens and continues the cycle. Sometimes the name changes, but the menu doesnt, the employees don't, and the sanitation practices definitely dont. Beto's (or Mi Rancheritos as it was named the last time I was there) is cheap, it is open 24 hours a day, and it is frequented by students. I think of it as a game of Russian roulette- by eating there you are taking a huge risk, you might get food poisoning or it might be delicious- but you never quite know what you are going to get. I love the suspense- I know I am strange. The drive thru line during mid terms and finals is ALWAYS long, especially around 11pm. The burritos are huge- if you eat one for breakfast (they have breakfast burritos) it is unlikely that you will need to eat for the next 24 hours- it is a brick. There is something about Beto's that warms my heart. My favorite thing to get there is the 5 rolled tacos with guacamole- to be fair these are actually just corn tortillas with guacamole and sour cream on them (for some reason there is never any filling), and they arent even great (you read about the missing filling) but I LOVE them. I have been craving Beto's for months- I just cannot get enough, and tonight I decided to break down and make it myself- havent made it yet so I cant report, but I have a feeling my version wont measure up, there is no risk for a food borne illness, no greasy white paper sack, no macey's parking lot and sonic drink to go with it- just food cooked in a clean kitchen served on plates... oh Beto's what will I do without you!

*if you havent tried it you need to go- this place isnt for the faint hearted, seriously you could get violently ill but it is worth it

** the food isnt always fabulous, it is the risk that is worth it... maybe i need to take other risks, maybe i should drive 46 instead of 45 and then i will be done with my Beto's obsession...