Let me first start by saying that I am a massive snob when it comes to Mexican food, owing heavily to the fact that after tasting the real thing, accepting any substitutes would be punishable by a penalty of death.

Rewind back to the year 2000. I was in the suburban part of Burbank, Los Angeles, California, having the time of my life with my cousin Crystal on summer vacation. One glorious afternoon, we were left to our own devices by the grown-ups, so we decided to venture out on our own for some lunch. Our wanderings took us to the Latino side of town, into a sidestreet where a parked taco truck stood with the amazing scent of tomato sauce and stewed chiles wafting towards my nose. We had arrived at Pipiripau Tacos, and this was where I gladly sacrificed my Mexican food virginity on the altar of good taste, and I have never once looked back.

Here I had my first taste of a carne asada burrito as big as my face, accompanied by a tall, frosty paper cup of horchata (a traditional Mexican drink made with rice, milk and cinnamon that is meant to be served ice cold) - typical Mexican offerings that would be seared into my memory forever. Years later, I would look wistfully back on that meal, convinced that I would never taste anything that good again. Luckily for me, Hermanos Taco Shop opened up sometime in 2010 (ish?), and I was able to have my fill of authentic Mexican comfort food once more.

That day, D and I had a mighty hankering for some Mexican food, but decided to forgo the trek to Ristras on the other side of The Fort (yes, that is easily about a 3-km walk from High Street, ladies and gentlemen), and try Órale! instead. My colleague Cheryl had raved about them in the past, and since she's another lady who loves good food and knows what authentic Mexican food is like, we trust her judgment.

Upon entering Órale, the visitor is assailed by the psychedelic painting of all things fun and Mexican that is on the wall. Lovable cannabis-smoking duo Cheech and Chong, expressionist painter Frida Kahlo, futbolistas and luchadors are just some of the colorful characters that adorn the mural.

Órale is one of those pay-as-you-order joints, so you choose an item from their extensive menu, and they'll bring it to you once it's ready. I already knew what I wanted, so it wasn't too hard for me to make a decision.

First order of the day: An ice-cold Michelada (P165). "These Mexicans, they do afternoons right," I said, taking a long sip of this fabulous concoction of beer, lime juice, chili powder in a salt-rimmed glass. My boyfriend just looked at me in a funny way, thinking I had meant something else. Who knows? I could have.

Pro-tip: If you can't hack spicy food, I suggest you stick to regular cerveza instead.

The regular Lengua Burrito (P265) was absolutely delicious. Some people might be wary about ordering an ox-tongue burrito initially, but after the first bite, you will be converted to the Church of Lengua. I promise. Any misconception you may have about ox-tongue will melt away once the soft hunks of flavorful meat descend upon your tastebuds. In fact, I might even consider making Lengua my default burrito stuffing from now on.

The burritos are served with your choice of medium spicy or hot salsa, jalapeno slices, and home made totopos (chips) that lack the artificial taste most store-bought chips possess. Each bite I took into that delicious creation was punctuated by happy sighs and a little happy dance I tend to do whenever I eat something I love.

D opted for the Pollo Asado (P255) burrito with spicy salsa. The chicken was marinated very well and had a smoky flavor, but I was too high up on Cloud 9 with my Lengua Burrito and Michelada combo to notice anything else. Perhaps if I were in the mood for chicken, I would have been all over this burrito. All in all, it was a delightful setting for a date - enjoying the cool breeze on a late Saturday afternoon with someone you love, eating good food. We later went to an exhibit at MoSpace gallery featuring works by Paul Mondok and Kaloy Olavides (which you should totally check out when you're in the area). D and I ended the meal by giving each other high fives for a job well done.

All in all, I would definitely come back the next time Mexican food cravings strike again. Oh, really? Órale!