Taste This: Carne asada burrito ($10 as of Aug. 21, 2024) at House Three Thirty, located at 532 W. Market St. in Akron.
Creator: Joel Orellana, executive chef
Eye test: The square burrito is thoroughly filled with colorful components and surrounded by seasoned chips and fresh-cut limes.
Beverage pairing: Pepsi
The process: Carne asada is marinated in orange juice, salt, garlic, chipotle and extra virgin olive oil and refrigerated for two hours. After marinating the meat, it’s grilled on each side and cut into thin, small slices.
House Three Thirty’s culinary team, known as the Heart of the House, creates as many as 12 fillings by hand. Choices include white rice, lettuce, roasted veggies, black beans, guac crema and pineapple salsa. Burritos are then placed on a tortilla press. Chips are added, then hot sauce and pickled vegetables.
Creator’s back story: Orellana’s passion for food began in his home state of Texas, where his family sampled Mexican food at local restaurants and food trucks. They also enjoyed one of his favorite cuisines on family trips to Mexico.
“The combination of grilled meat, avocado and the elements that support it makes it that full, complete memory,” he said.
Years later, after moving to Ohio, Orellana enrolled in Stark State’s culinary program.
House Three Thirty history: The facility, which opened in March 2023, was designed to create opportunities and experiences for the community, from job training services to family financial health programming. It includes retail shops as well as space for indoor and outdoor events.
The Taco Tuesday menu includes a variation of tacos, nachos and burritos, complete with sides of chips, homemade salsa and guacamole.
How to buy: Taco Tuesday’s at House Three Thirty take place on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Taste This” is our glimpse of the Akron area’s tastiest, distinctive and popular (or soon-to-be-famous) food, drinks and desserts — and the local culinary talents behind them. Tough job, we know. Know any menu items we should consider? Tell us here.