January 25 - February 1, 1 9 9 6

The Purple Cactus Burrito Bar

Some may recognize the Purple Cactus Burrito Bar as a star of the Provincetown scene for the past three summers. Lucky for us, a city branch recently opened in Cambridge, brightening the moods of many winter-weary urbanites.

The food and the aura of this "quick, fresh, healthy" Mexican takeout (or eat-in, if you can snag one of the six tables) are vibrant and welcoming. The giant burritos ($3.75 to $4.75) are filled with jack cheese and homemade salsa, along with brown rice and beans, grilled chicken or beef, sautéed vegetables, or fresh seasonal veggies. Other choices include Caesar, taco, and chicken salads ($2.25 to $5.25), the latter with a great cilantro-lime vinaigrette, and mixed yellow- and blue-chip nachos ($3.95 and up, with myriad add-ons). In general, the seasonings are assertive, the ingredients sparklingly fresh, and the care afforded them obvious. I watched the cook actually sauté fresh zucchini and corn (from a cob!) for my burrito.

The Purple Cactus blooms at 2263 Mass Ave, in North Cambridge, about three blocks from the Davis Square T, and during the summer at 205 Commercial Street in Provincetown. Open in Cambridge Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 354-5200.

-- Adam Ried