Cemitas at Dorado Tacos

posted on March 27, 2011 by Bianca Garcia

A cemita is a Mexican sandwich served on a fluffy sesame-seeded egg roll. At Dorado Tacos in Brookline, cemitas are served with black beans, chipotles en adobo, avocado, Oaxaca cheese and cilantro. It’s stuffed with your choice of pork loin, steak, chicken, chorizo, portabella mushroom, or grilled zucchini and red peppers.

I’ve eaten at Dorado several times – they are known for the baja style fish tacos – but I’ve never tried the cemitas until recently. I chose the house-made chorizo because anything house-made instantly appeals to me (and let’s not lie here, it’s because I really like chorizo).

I've never heard of cemitas until I saw it here!

But before I get to the cemitas, let me get to this first:

tortilla chips with two salsa: salsa verde and salsa fresca (and guac on the side)

When friends asked me what I like most about Dorado, I say the caesar salad (what? Just because it’s a Mexican place doesn’t mean they can’t throw down a good Caesar) and the tortilla chips. These warm lightly salted tortilla chips with two kinds of fresh salsa make one crunchy plate of goodness. The green salsa is piquant with a very mild heat while the pico de gallo tastes fresh and summery.

And now, the simple-looking Dorado cemita...

... filled with homemade chorizo, chipotles, black beans, Oaxaca cheese, avocado and cilantro

This was one punchy, flavorful sandwich. I was expecting a chorizo patty or chorizo crumbles – this was more of a spread – but it was salty and spicy and herby. The egg roll was fluffy and filling; even though I usually try to stay away from white bread (because the whiter the bread, the quicker you’re dead), it was well worth the high glycemic index ;) I like the cheese crumbles too, with the black beans and avocado. And I really, really like the chipotles. Everything just worked together splendidly.

Cemitas originated in the Mexican state of Puebla, and they are considered street food. I can understand its appeal: It’s simple, quick, cheap, and easily customizable (check out how to make your own cemita). It’s also a nice change from the usual Mexican fast food options of burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. And I bet if someone starts a food truck just selling cemitas, it’ll be a big hit!

Are there any Mexican foods that you only recently discovered?

posted in meat, restaurants, review

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20 Responses to “Cemitas at Dorado Tacos”

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1

Megan posted March 27, 2011 at 9:11 am

Those tortilla chips look really good. I’ve only had a quesadilla there before but loved it and loved the guac. The cemita looks delicious and reminds me a little of the tortas at Olecito.
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2

Michelle posted March 27, 2011 at 10:12 am

I’ve never had cemitas before but it is something I’d definitely like to recreate!
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3

Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun posted March 27, 2011 at 2:10 pm

I don’t think I have ever heard of a cemita. Sounds DELICIOUS!! I’m all about chorizo too.
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4

MelissaNibbles posted March 27, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Sounds delicious! Love your nail polish.
- Bianca Garcia replied March 27th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
  
  Melissa, it’s OPI You Don’t Know Jacques – one my very favorite polishes!
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5

Elizabeth posted March 27, 2011 at 7:05 pm

I looove the cemitas at Dorado. I believe that’s the first place I tried them.
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6

Emily @ A Cambridge Story posted March 28, 2011 at 7:55 am

This looks so good and also remind me of the tortas as Olecito. I am long overdue to try Dorado!
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7

Michael posted March 28, 2011 at 10:24 am
Thank you for your detailed and generous comments about our restaurant. We are very appreciative for your taking the time to write about us on your blog.
(As your pictures are terrific, would you contact me, please, to see if you can make them available to us?)
Thank you. Michael
- Bianca Garcia replied March 28th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
  
  Hi Michael, thanks for dropping by my blog. I emailed you already :)
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8

Michelle Collins posted March 28, 2011 at 1:44 pm

Wow, their food looks (and sounds) fantastic!
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9

Amanda L. (Tales from a Kitchen Misfit) posted March 28, 2011 at 4:46 pm

LOVE Dorado’s!
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10

Susan (Oliepants) posted March 28, 2011 at 5:04 pm

You really always eat the best food. I think salsas make or break the restaurant. And the chip. Can’t be too thin.
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11

Justin @JustinCanCook posted March 28, 2011 at 9:49 pm

I’ve never had a cemita, but it sounds (and looks) delicious. I definitely need to take a trip out to Dorado Tacos.
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12

Patty posted March 28, 2011 at 11:38 pm
The cemita looks delicious! Avocado yummm. I love your new profile picture :) where was it taken, and what were you holding, a cookie?
- Bianca Garcia replied March 28th, 2011 at 11:45 pm
  
  Hi Pats, it was just taken yesterday at a bakery here in Boston called Flour – I was with sina Sabs and Jamie who was visiting for the weekend. And yes I was holding a cookie, but not just any cookie – it was a homemade Oreo!! You and Monic will love it…
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13

Meghan@travelwinedine posted March 29, 2011 at 11:26 am

I still need to get to Dorado!
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14

Erin posted March 29, 2011 at 4:40 pm

Wow. These look amazing. I need to find this in DC!
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courtney (pancakes and postcards) posted March 30, 2011 at 12:07 am

I have never heard of that either, and I lived in southern california for years! totally unacceptable. that sounds DELICIOUS.
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16

cakewhiz posted March 30, 2011 at 2:45 am

i have never had this before but just by looking at the recipe and pictures, i can tell i would like this. thanks for sharing :)
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Daisy posted March 30, 2011 at 9:59 am

the whiter the bread, the quicker you’re dead – HA how have I never heard this saying? I mean I knew wheats better for you, this is just funny!

I HAVE heard of cemitas, but I had no idea what they really were. they look amazing.