S4 Ep 6: The History Of Breakfast Burritos With Guest Mark Rennie

In this episode, we’re talking about breakfast burritos, a beloved dish that's perfect for practically any time of the day. During this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with writer and comedian Mark Rennie about this iconic meal.

A Perfect Food

Breakfast burritos, according to Mark, are hard to mess up and easy to love. They are versatile, a key reason they're a favorite for him. Whether you’re making them at home or ordering from a restaurant, breakfast burritos rarely disappoint. Mark especially loves the balance of hot, cold, soft, and crunchy that every bite offers, making each mouthful an adventure.

Mark's Favorite Spots

Mark shared a few of his favorite spots for grabbing breakfast burritos. BB's in Glendale, California, offers a unique and delightful experience with their variety of options, including burritos with chili or even saucy, wet renditions. Another spot, Lemon Poppy in Glassell Park, offers a simple but exquisite breakfast burrito with a homemade charm, accompanied perfectly with an apple danish.

Homemade Breakfast Burritos

For those who prefer a DIY approach, Mark brings us his lazy yet delicious recipe. Using a comal to heat tortillas, he pairs them with scrambled eggs, hash browns, turkey patty, shredded cheese, sour cream, and Verde Cholula sauce to whip up this dish swiftly within ten minutes. It highlights the ease with which one can concoct this popular breakfast delight at home.

The History of the Burrito

It’s essential to appreciate the history of something that brings us so much joy. The burrito's origins trace back to Mesoamerica, where the Maya and Aztec people used tortillas as an edible plate. Over the centuries, the burrito evolved through cultural exchanges and culinary experiments. The name "burrito" translates to "little donkey" in Spanish, with theories surrounding its etymology ranging from its shape resembling donkey packs to its versatility and capacity to hold multiple fillings.

The Rise of Breakfast Burritos

Fast forward to the 1970s when the breakfast burrito was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, combining eggs, bacon, and potatoes within a tortilla. Since then, they have soared in popularity, becoming a fast-food staple in the 1980s and 1990s and celebrated during National Burrito Day in early April.

Burritos in Pop Culture

From Hollywood films like Anchorman to famous personalities like Adele, burritos have left their mark on pop culture as well. They serve as comedic props and celebrity indulgences, further embedding themselves in our zeitgeist as more than just a meal.

Today, burritos, especially breakfast burritos, continue to evolve and remain beloved across the globe. With innovations like sushi and dessert burritos, they transcend cultural boundaries, proving their place as a lifestyle choice and the ultimate Swiss army knife of food.

To Mark and all breakfast burrito enthusiasts, the dish remains a testament to simplicity, satisfaction, and the universal human love for food wrapped in a tortilla. A breakfast burrito is more than a meal; it’s a culinary narrative and tradition, satisfying our appetites for both food and history.

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