December was delicious! And if it can set the tone for the New Year, I’d be ecstatic. Follow my journey this month, for a recount of new discoveries and experiences!
When your month starts with tacos and tequila, you know its going to be a great one! I had the pleasure of visiting another one of Jorge Pizana’s restaurants, Tacos Tequilas, and I haven’t been able to stop talking about it since.
This Logan Square eatery appreciates and celebrates Mexican food like no other. It also resides a few doors down from its sister restaurant, La Celia.
Dinner here also comes with an unforgettable experience. I had the pleasure of meeting Jorge’s restaurant partner, also named Jorge, who gave us a good run down of the restaurant, concept and menu.
As usual, I went with a guest one weekend in December and together we had a night to remember.
After ordering some of the usual non-negotiables; guacamole, elotes and empanadas (vegetarian, woot!), we really started to explore the menu. I must however mention that I loved the mayo on the corn and the vegetarian stuffing in the empanadas and that even the staples were above par.
Before the food was even in the picture, there was booze. As it should be! With Tequilas in plural in the name, you know there was going to be no dearth of margaritas. And it was a Saturday night so there was no stopping me either. The first round was their House Margarita, and the Mezcal Margarita for my friend. Both served on the rocks with the best salt rim I have ever seen.
The Uchepos Gratinoados was the first unique appetizer we had and came fresh corn masa tamales with roasted chilaca, cream and cheese. I didn’t even need to know more after reading the ingredients. It was magnificent.
The Panela Flameado was Mexican sweet cheese flamed with tequila and lime. Two of my favorite things on earth; cheese and tequila. I was all in! Loved the dramatic presentation and the burnt cheese taste.
The Cotel de Camaron with grilled organic shrimp in their homemade “ketchup” compote, Tamazula hot sauce, avocado and pico de gallo, is not to be missed. Comes in a giant goblet and presents complex tangy flavors that will linger in your mouth!
My vegetarian buddies, brace yourself for the Enchilalda Indigenas that I’m going to tell you about. Three rolled tortillas stuffed with mashed potatoes and mushrooms in a green roasted tomatilla and guajillo salsa. And topped with sufficient cheese and cream to have a Mexican heaven on your plate! Another unique dish I can’t stop thinking about.
I got their Pescado tacos to lighten it up with a classic. Fresh white fish with cabbage and a chipotle aioli in a fresh, warm tortilla went right into my tummy. So delightful that I’ll be looking out for every Taco Tuesday as an excuse to be here.
We finished nicely with the Churros Con Chocolate and I even asked for an extra side of their housemade dulce de leche sauce to dip in. Go big or go home right?
Well I did eventually go home, but not without having just one more drink, the frozen Fruity Margarita (mango) and it was just the perfect way to seal the deal.
Many restaurants claim to be authentic, but few really live up to that claim. If you’re looking for true tastes of Mexican cuisine and a genuine cultural experience, Tacos Tequilas is your spot. And could become your go-to restaurant in 2020!
Holy Cow! Another Buona Beef opened up in Mount Prospect this month and I attended its grand opening. Now you may ask what a pescetarian like me was doing there, and that’s a valid question. But that’s exactly why I was invited. To show non-meat eating bloggers like me that this popular restaurant chain is so much more than just Italian beef sandwiches.
Wait till I tell you what I ate and drank there. But before that, did you know that this establishment has been around since 1981, does nationwide shipping and all their food is without any additives or preservatives? I was just as surprised.
Never judge a book by its cover, or in this case, its name. First of, their new location serves alcohol and after a long day of work and then driving to the suburbs, a glass of Merlot was in order.
Then my friend (who accompanied me) and I ordered their Red Beets and Quinoa Salad and I cannot begin to tell you how refreshing it was with mandarin oranges and arugula. Sweet and tangy too.
Once you order something healthy, there’s no more guilt. So we immediately got a side of their cheese fries. One of the best cut fries I’ve had, seriously.
Then there’s a whole section on the menu for pizza which can also be ordered with a gluten-free crust. The owner’s daughter asked me to try their Roasted Vegetable pizza which was utterly crispy with an amazing assortment of vegetables, including black olives (my favorite!)
And that’s not all, we tried their pasta too. A plate of creamy Fettuccine Alfredo with Parmesan and Romano. Twirled every last noodle onto that fork and into my mouth!
Now you’re probably wondering where the beef is amidst all this?! My meat-loving friend did order their Buona Classic Sandwich with thinly-sliced, slow-roasted beef, seasoned to perfection with many choices of gravy or giardinera on the side. The meat is all-natural too!
I don’t have to eat meat to recognize and appreciate a good looking sandwich. Yet you’d understand that I steered towards their Grilled Salmon sandwich on a wheat bun and with tons of that delicious lemon caper mayo. Sorry guys, but I have to be loyal to my seafood.
I was so excited to try the Original Rainbow Cone Ice Cream Sandwich for the very first time. All types of flavored ice cream rolled inside a moist chocolate sheet cake and one sexy dessert.
There is nothing this restaurant doesn’t have. And for a counter-service restaurant, the service is fast and efficient without affecting the quality of food. Portions are plenty too. I’ll drive here any evening for a meal!
Just like the namesake Grand Trunk Road in Asia, which is also the longest trading road, this new restaurant in Lincoln Park takes you through a winding & aromatic journey, but of various South Asian cuisines.
The mastermind behind this concept, Chef Behzad Khan is of Pakistani origin and brought his lifelong dream of showcasing all the epicurean influences of his life to one place, through, Grand Trunk Road. But as we know, behind every successful man there is a woman, and Chef Khan’s wife Basma is the other mastermind of this vision.
As soon as I walked in, a wave of nostalgia engulfed me. From familiar decor, colors and smells- I felt right at home. The decor although modern, had an ethnic comfort to it and of course the cheerful and welcoming demeanor of the owner couple helped.
While the food here is definitely a trip down memory lane, it is hip and creative and gives a nifty twist to street bites and curries I’ve had growing up.
As a Mumbai girl I had to try the Naked and Famous in Mumbai cocktail with smoky mezcal flavors and yellow chartreuse. My food writer friend had a chilled glass of the Sula Vineyards Chenin Blanc. Indian wine with Indian food just makes sense. With palettes sufficiently wet and appetites ignited, we were ready to embark on the journey of Grand Trunk Road.
I’ll confirm that praises of the Shahi Kachori which I’ve been hearing, are well-deserved. And although I’m no novice to ‘chaat’, the presentation of the giant semolina shell stuffed with with potatoes and tamarind, had us both in awe.
Aloo Tikki was a staple snack for me most evenings after school. You can imagine my excitement when a platter of crispy fried potato cakes graced the table. Again, full marks on presentation, especially the display of various chutneys that accompanied the dish.
So many choices for my vegetarian friends too. The Kadhi Pakora was incredible. Yogurt curry, with gram flour fritters and sautéed with curry leaves. The tastes are truly indescribable. This was another childhood favorite, because I never inherited the spicy food gene, and this yogurt-based curry was always on the milder side. Chef Khan nailed it!
Similarly, he seems to have mastered the Bhagara Baingan (baby eggplant) cooked here in a cashew, peanut and tamarind chili gravy. The tang always makes the spice more bearable and the proportion of both in this dish was perfect.
We ate both curries with the Bullet Naan (new on their menu). The bread was terrific with a light drizzle of spices on top. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, like naan should be!
The Shrimp ‘Handi’ Biryani is a made-to-order dish and takes about 25 minutes. I’d recommend placing your order for it as soon as you sit down. The more authentic goat version is available too. The biryani was cooked in a clay pot with spices, yogurt and tomatoes then sealed with dough. This is a traditional Pakistani way of cooking the flavored rice, and this is why I love traditions so much!
Did I mention that both my friend and I had the Chicken Tikka (kabob) and Machli Tikka (fish kabob), respectively? Tandoori grilled fish with fennel and green chili achar. What can I say? I gobbled every last piece of that fish. And my friend did the same with the chicken. We were literally licking our fingers clean.
For dessert, Chef prepared a special dish for us (not on the menu). Sweet mini puris (semolina shells) stuffed with lemon curd and dusted with powdered sugar. I couldn’t even do justice to the description of this dish.
I’ll conclude by saying that Chef Khan is uber-talented, and he gets it. He knows how to modernize Indian and Pakistani cuisine, without marring its authenticity or compromising the spices. That’s magic!
Go to Grand Trunk Road before the word catches on and reservations are hard to get. Because that will happen!
Would it be too punny if I said an invite to dine in at Opus Restaurant was music to my ears? Given that the restaurant is located within the Chicago Symphony Orchestra buiding and serves patrons of the CSO. The menus are even themed-based on individual concert programs on concert days! But the restaurant is open to the public also.
The restaurant which is only open on days of the concert, opens three hours before a show with the first seating starting at 5:15pm. And stays open for two hours after the concert. Plus they offer a pre-fixe menu ($45) a person, if you so choose. The Cafe is open 9am-7m Monday through Friday and has an extensive menu.
Recently under ownership by Jewel Events Catering, so off I went with a friend to check out the scoop.
Wine is in plenty here, but we were both loyal to the Valle Reale Montepulciano D/Abruzzo all evening.
The wine notes had us craving something spicy. How perfect then that we started our dinner with their Buffalo Cauliflower Bites which had the kick we were looking for.
You can put gruyere on steak and I’d probably eat it (joking). But I love gruyere, especially on flatbread. Their Mushroom Flatbread was so crispy and cheesy and combined nicely with the melange of mushrooms.
The Shrimp Cocktail was prettily presented on a plate. Freshly peeled and served with horseradish and lime. Needless to say, these were gone fast.
I’m a sucker for anything with squash so their Baked Butternut Squash hit the spot. It was baked as a souffle and served with roasted squash on the side. The most delicious fall custard I have eaten lately. Tasted healthy and flavorful too!
You’ve probably heard me rave about orechiette pasta and how its my favorite blah blah. So I wasn’t going to pass up on a delicious plate of my favorite carb cooked with aglio di olio and shaved Pecorino Romano. My bias aside for the pasta itself, this dish was my favorite here. Deep, delicious flavors and ‘addictingly’ aromatic.
Who says that soup has to be a starter? A bowl of their Clam Chowder seemed like a nice way to loop the meal. It was hearty just like this soup should be.
For dessert, if you have a strong chocolate palette like I do, the Bittersweet Crescendo with chocolate ganache and hibiscus coulis will be very satisfying. Although the Red Velvet Curtain Cake from their Cafe menu was enjoyable also. And, it came with a side of Jeni’s ice cream so win-win!
We were both so full with that extravagant meal, and had I been actually attending a concert that night, wouldn’t definitely fallen asleep during the performance.
Another amazing discovery this month that may just have me attending the orchestra, so I can eat here!
Thank you Opus for the wonderful weekend treat!
I had the most unforgettable Italian meal, right here in my neighborhood. Thank you Pacino’s for coming to the South Loop!
Open only for two months now, the restaurant has already created a buzz in the foodie community. Headed by Chef Michael Serratore who has over three decades of culinary experience, this restaurant, its vibe, and of course the food are all fantastic.
So there I was one evening this month with two of my girlfriends to experience for myself, as Chef treated us to a remarkable tasting.
The wine list is as good as you’d expect for an authentic Italian eatery. While I didn’t try a cocktail, the list looked impressive and I spotted a Candied Bacon Old Fashioned; just saying!
A robust start for our meal with the Vongole al Forno (Clams in White Wine), with fresh, steamed clams in the most flavorful sauce.
The all vegetarian, Siciliana Artichoke was unique in taste. A whole grilled artichoke with bread stuffing and lots of herbs. There’s something hypnotic about peeling those leaves one by one and trying to get every bit of its flesh. So yummy!
And that is not the only vegetarian delight on the menu. Their Beet Carpaccio salad is to die for!
Went the Italian way by having pizza as an appetizer and tried their Pizza al Funghi with San Marzano sauce. I liked the thicker crust and how Chef keeps the pie simple.
I always scan an Italian menu for arrabbiata sauce, so when I saw the Penne Arrabbiata, my excitement knew no bounds. Both the pasta and sauce are made in-house. It was terrific but also had a strong kick to it. My lips were definitely on fire with every bite. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
The blander Linguine Frutti Di Mare (seafood pasta) seemed to have great timing after all that slickness. This dish can be ordered in white or red sauce and we went with the former. The pasta was seafood laden and had all the ‘oceany’ notes.
The Whitefish Picata was also unbelievable as the proportion of capers to vegetables in this dish was just right. The fish was cooked nicely and was flaky enough to absorb the white wine sauce all the way.
The fish was also a good segway to two marvelous desserts. The Limoncello Marscapone sponge cake was ‘lemony’ and divine. I can comfortably say that their Chocolate Temptation with hazelnut crunch and chocolate ganache is one of the best chocolate pastries I have consumed. So yes, dessert was a success.
I went to Pacino’s on a Sunday this month and its funny how much a great meal like this can help cure the Sunday night blues.
You need to try it for yourself and hey, give the South Loop a chance!
Lucky you Wicker Park, you got Sea and Olive. The neighborhood’s newest gem that offers a modern take on Mediterranean-inspired eats and drinks. Went there this month with a close foodie friend and we ate till we thought we would burst. The portions are big so you should be prepared to take home leftovers, and that’s only a good thing.
The space is gorgeous, lofty, and exotic. And in the back is a spacious room with a large fireplace if you want to relax. Next time I’m going for their brunch and sitting there.
If I’m not drinking wine in the winter, I want my drink spicy enough to help with this biting cold. The Spicy Mojito then was a suitable choice. And with my favorite white rum, fresh lime juice, jalapeno syrup and strawberry. A delicious concoction.
Chef Ezgi Bozdas (of the Turqouise Cafe fame), has truly made this menu a labor of love. Every dish seems to have been thoughtfully and creatively concepted.
The Red Wine Braised Grilled Octopus with roasted corn and chimichurri was fantastic. The octopus was not over-charred yet not too chewy. The arugula on the side was so fresh with a light drizzle of EVOO.
Both our favorites from the night were the Zucchini Beignets. What an interesting dish! Three giant beignets stuffed with a mash of zucchini, carrots, scallion, feta and fresh herbs. Although fried, these felt healthy and very seasonal. Mind you, they are filling!
My friend ordered their Lamb Skewers which came with rice, red cabbage and a yogurt dip. And she seemed very pleased, and me kinda jealous.
But that’s ok, I had my most dreamy Risotto Del Presidente which came with shrimp and scallops, portabella, shiitake and porcini mushrooms. The rice was cooked in a basil cream with parmesan. Rich with intense seafood flavors!
We didn’t have room for more dish, but we did have room for their Kazandibi. A Turkish vanilla-bean flavored custard with caramelized top. Dessert wins!
Sea and Olive recently started their brunch and lunch service and I will be rushing to try both in the New Year!