Lucy's Restaurant

Lucy's Restaurant
6004 Calumet Avenue
Hammond, IN 46320 MAP
(219) 803-7677
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

August 31st, 11:30 a.m.

I'm cutting it close by squeezing in my second review of the month on the last day and just before embarking on a trip to Put-in-Bay, Ohio. I will not be looking for burritos in Ohio. Perch and walleye only!



Located in the space formally occupied by Las Brisas, Lucy's opened earlier this summer. The signage out front declares “under new management”, but I found little changed from 3+ years ago. I ordered to go as I have been doing of late and was unable to sample the chips and salsa. The tubs of red salsa I got with the burrito were not very good. The steak burrito had the same ingredients as Las Brisas but added gristle to the mix. In fact, I’ll defer to the Las Brisas review lest I repeat myself any further.

The flavor rating takes a hit due to the gristle, and the value rating drops a bit as well. (I’m going to have to review how I calculate the value rating as prices naturally rise. Do I call 50+ places and get updated prices, do I index for inflation, or do I drop this metric altogether?)

Overall, I give Lucy’s a “meh.”



Weight: 15.1 ounces
Length: 7 inches
Circumference: 9 inches
Price: $5.09 or 33.7¢ an ounce
Beer availability: No

Flavor: 6.5/10 sombreros
Value: 7/10 sombreros

Adrian's Mexican Restaurant

Adrian's Mexican Restaurant
1208 S. Carroll Street
East Chicago, IN 46312 MAP
(219) 397-5951
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m to 1:00 a.m.
Sunday: Closed

August 25th, 2009. 12:30 p.m.

Located west of the South Shore station, Adrian's features a sizable lounge and tables adorned with pickled jalapeños and carrots. The restaurant appears to appeal to a mixed crowd as I found the dining room was occupied by a family and some business people, while the lounge had a couple of blue collar guys eating at the bar.

My burrito was listed in the a la carte section of the menu for a whopping $9.00. I was charged $8.70 after tax for a pre-tax price of $8.13. An odd amount for sure, I used it instead of $9.00 for the value calculation. Ordering my steak burrito to go, I was unable to sample the complimentary chips and salsa available for those who dine in.



Served up suiza style with lettuce and tomato on the side, I found only beans and steak inside the burrito. I honestly hate burritos served this way (as found at La Chiquita, Los Magueyes, and Casa Lupita), and tend to rate them poorly. The burrito was poorly folded and very greasy on the outside due to the melted cheese on top and the steak (merely OK) appeared to be simmered in a Chile Colorado-like sauce. As I've done in the past, I cut up the tomato and threw it along with the lettuce inside the burrito. The hot sauce was decent and helped add a small amount of nuance to my lunch.

There must be some good food and spirits at Adrian's, but the burrito is not one of them. I would describe the burrito as annoying due to both the messiness and ridiculous price. Obviously, better options are available.



Weight: 15.2 ounces
Length: 7.5 inches
Circumference: 10 inches
Price: $8.13 or 53.4¢ an ounce
Beer availability: Yes

Flavor: 5.5/10 sombreros
Value: 3/10 sombreros