Baja Fresh with Claudia O’Doherty

"Baja Fresh with Claudia O’Doherty" is Episode 55 of *Doughboys*, hosted by Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. "Baja Fresh with Claudia O’Doherty" was released on June 2, 2016.

## Synopsis

Actor and comedian Claudia O’Doherty (*Inside Amy Schumer*, *Love*) drops by to share her knowledge of Aussie eats and review her first visit to Mexican chain Baja Fresh. The ‘boys and Claudia embark on a vodka version of Drank or Stank.

## Nick's intro

"*When you're caught with a Bible in North Korea, they kill you.*"

Those are the words of David Kim, a Korean immigrant and devout Christian, who, here in the faithful nation of America, ascended to CEO of a mid-sized Mexican restaurant chain. In a 2011 episode of *Undercover Boss*, Kim proved a hit with heartland viewers by taking a moment to pray with one of his kitchen workers, himself an immigrant from the Philippines.

Kim is no longer with the company, nor are the restaurant's original founders, Jim and Linda Magglos, who took out a third mortgage on their home to open the first location in 1990. Nor is fast-food juggernaut Wendy's, which purchased the chain in 2002, only to oversee a massive contraction in its per-store business before cutting its losses in 2006. It's unclear whether the turnover and tumult is a symptom or a cause of the "South of the Border" chain's shifting fortunes (at one point an innovator and rising star in the Mexican-American sector) and now perceived as a second-rate Chipotle.

But with 265 locations across twenty-nine states, Singapore, and Dubai, the chain endures and is credited with popularizing the fish taco and familiarizing Americans with a more upscale version of Southwest cuisine.

This week on *Doughboys*: Baja Fresh.

## Fork rating

	+ Pinto Beans
* Crispy Wahoo Taco
 Mike Mitchell
* Chicken Burrito Ultimo
 Claudia O’Doherty
* Grilled Shrimp Taco
 Mitch and Claudia shared
* Pork Nachos

## Drank or Stank

In this segment, the Doughboys have a drink and decide if it is 'good' or 'bad.'

For this episode, Mitch brings in Absolut Oak, a vodka aged in oak barrels.

Claudia describes it as tasting like "poison" and everyone was pretty put off by its existence.

 Mike Mitchell
 Claudia O’Doherty

## #hashtags

* #Milo vs. #Otis
* #DoughboysDownUnder

## The Feedbag

Am I crazy or should they toss a couple in the bag? Don't the vast majority of people want ketchup with their fries?
P.S. I was the winner of the Guess the Spoonman's E-mail Contest. I told all my friends to listen to the next episode after I won, in hope I would get a shout-out, but the contest has mysteriously never been mentioned again. Anyway thanks for the Darden gift card, my wife and I enjoyed a lovely meal at Red Lobster. When you guys review it, I would suggest getting the mojito, ours was surprisingly good.

 Mike Mitchell
 Claudia O'Doherty

## Restaurants

 KFC / Popeyes / Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles | -
 Benitos Taco Shop

## Plugs and Drops

 *South Park / Saturday Night Live* (tv) / Super Mario 64 "Dire, Dire Docks"

## Related Episodes

* 193. Mouth of the Border: Fast Casual Region
* 143. The Slice Is Right: Juggernaut Region
* DD. Mac Attack: Fat Chance Kitchen
* DD. How You Doughin'?
* 345. True Food Kitchen
* 401. Jollibee 2

## Photos (via @doughboyspod)

Bean and Cheese BurritoBean and Cheese BurritosodaCrispy Wahoo Taco