The Cantina Tacos were like a short-lived, bi-curious phase for Taco Bell. While interesting, they didn’t share the Taco Bell flavor I hold dear and they didn’t gel with the rest of Taco Bell’s items. They came and went like so many other things, but I found out today that they haven’t died completely. It hasn’t been too publicized just yet (I think because it hasn’t spread to every area yet) but Taco Bell has developed and rolled out what they’ve dubbed the Cantina Bell Menu.
With help from chef Lorena Garcia, these test Taco Bells have begun selling these Gourmet Taco Bell items, at a slightly higher price than Taco Bellers might be used to. Taco Bell Chief Executive Officer Greg Creed said in an interview with Bloomberg, “If it makes sense, I’d love to get Cantina Bell across the country in [2012],”. Though Creed wouldn’t share specific numbers, he mentioned that customers are spending more on average at the [Cantina Bell] test stores, which is good news for the new items rolling out in a wider area.
Three “different” items make up the Cantina Bell Menu and following Taco Bell’s usual recipe for success, they’re the same ingredients in three different packages.
The Cantina Tacos
Citrus Herb-marinated chicken, flavorful black beans, Guacamole made from real Hass avocados, Fiesta salsa prepared fresh daily, Roasted Corn and Pepper salsa and a creamy cilantro dressing tucked into three warm flour tortillas.
The Cantina Burrito
Citrus Herb-marinated chicken, cilantro rice, flavorful black beans, Guacamole made from real Hass avocados, Fiesta salsa prepared fresh daily, Roasted Corn and Pepper salsa and a creamy cilantro dressing wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
The Cantina Burrito Bowl
Citrus Herb-marinated chicken, flavorful black beans, Guacamole made from real Hass avocados, Fiesta salsa prepared fresh daily, Roasted Corn and Pepper salsa and a creamy cilantro dressing served on a bed of cilantro rice.
If you visit the Cantina Bell website you can see if the new items are anywhere in your area. Sadly, they’re nowhere near mine, but if you do get a chance to try any of the new items, tweet them at us @TacoBellBlog and we might post about it right here on the site!
Sources – Cantina Bell Menu and Bloomberg
I wouldn’t normally link to someone else’s negative review of Taco Bell, but everything he says seems pretty on point. Until I try it (if I ever get the chance) I’m on the fence about this whole thing. I love the flavors of Taco Bell but replacing every ingredient but the cheese and tortilla will likely destroy any likeness to the TB flavors I know and love. A good compromise is to open Taco Bell for breakfast in the morning but serve regular menu items. I don’t know about you, but I’d sure take advantage of it.