Chipotle - Charing Cross Road W1

I admit to being a little bemused by all the fuss some of my North American colleagues were making about the fact Chipotle was opening its first outlet in London.  I like Mexican food but I don't crave it and I had never been to Chipotle in the States so I had nothing to get excited about really - except my workmates' mounting frenzy as the opening day approached was infectious and I found myself really looking forward to my first genuine (as in genuine US interpretation of Mexican) burrito.  The good news is it didn't disappoint - I loved it.  I did feel a little over-full afterwards but burritos always have that affect on me.  A couple of peppermint teas later and I was back to my normal hungry self.  Anyway back to Chipotle - on the recommendation of my burrito-veteran friend Ryan I had the Barbacoa burrito (shredded beef,with cumin, cloves, garlic and oregano) with hot sauce.  It was super tasty and just hot enough - I was sweating slightly as I ploughed my way through but in kind of a good way (that sounds gross but you know what I mean).  We also had some corn chips and delicious salsa.  There was still the slightly chaotic feeling of a new opening and they are still ironing out a few kinks service wise but overall the vibe was pretty cool.  Apparently the US outlets are better - a bigger variety of add-ons and free corn chips (here you have to pay for them) - I plan to check one out next time I am Stateside.  They also serve Negra Modelo - which is one of my favourite beers (brings back memories of a really great trip to Central America 10 years ago).  Anyway - I will definitely be going back to Chipotle.  My advice is go early like we did - by the time we had our food and had grabbed a seat the queue was almost out the door - nothing like a tasty burrito to bring in the punters.