Baja Betty's

Bringing some jalapeño flavor to Brookline Village is Baja Betty's, a Cal-Mex restaurant steeped in burrito tradition. It all began in East LA with some family burrito recipes and a dream. A Mexican friend of Baja Betty proprietor Brett Albert moved from LA to New York City, where he ran a burrito pushcart for a while before opening a small restaurant. He then perfected the recipes with a Culinary Institute of America grad, giving rise to a network of Cal-Mex burrito eateries, including Uncle Moe's Burrito in New York, and, since early February, Baja Betty's.

Here the food is filling, fresh, and healthy, with many low-fat and vegetarian options. Try the behemoth burritos ($4.50 to $6.75), or the super quesadilla ($5.25) with any of the excellent fillings -- the carne asada (marinated char-broiled steak) is particularly good. Tacos ($2.50 to $3.50) and generously sized nacho servings ($5.25) are also available. And don't miss the Jarritos ($1.50), flavored sodas (among them pineapple and tamarind) imported weekly from Mexico, or the salsas, which are made fresh daily.

Baja Betty's Burritos, located at 3 Harvard Street, in Brookline Village, is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hours are subject to change. Call 277-8900.

-- Theresa Regli