Mercadito - taco & tequila heaven

Friday, February 26, 2010

There are very few things I enjoy putting in my mouth more than the shrimp tacos at Mercadito. Except the tilapia tacos. Or the goat’s milk flan. In fact, almost everything I’ve tasted on the menu is incredibly satisfying.

If you haven’t been to Mercadito or still need to be persuaded, here are my top five reasons to make a reservation:

1) Budget-friendly. The prices are just as palatable as the food. All the dishes are under $25 and the tacos – one of the most compelling reasons to eat at Mercadito – are only $14 for an order of four. While the Rick Bayless empire serves some of Chicago’s finest Mexican fare, the prices at Topolobampo match the high-end ingredients. At Mercadito, you can indulge in a flight of three distinctly different guacamoles for only $13.50 (see reason #2 for supporting evidence).

2) Gourmet Guacamole. First and foremost, it’s addictive. One order is simply not enough. The traditional guacamole puts a gourmet spin on a standard favorite with tomatillo pico de gallo, jalapeno, garlic, key lime and cilantro. You can also dive into a mole poblano version mixed with plantain and chile serrano or scoop up the sweeter mango style blended with jicama and chipotle. You could almost make a meal of the guacamole flight and tortilla chips…except you should really save room for reason #3.

3) Tempting Tacos. Mercadito’s claim to fame is their exotic tacos, a tempting array of top-tier ingredients folded between warm corn tortillas. The only downside is the inability to mix and match. When you order one round of four tacos, you’re stuck with a single type. However, this provides a perfect excuse to dine with a group and coordinate a taco trade. But if you’re forced to eat just one taco selection, you’ll still savor every bite. The shrimp and avocado, paired with roasted garlic and chipotle mojo, are practically perfect. However, the tilapia tacos stuffed with chile poblano, tomatillo-garlic mojo and a slice of avocado is a close second. You also can’t go wrong with skirt steak, sautéed chicken or even a vegetarian wild mushroom. These tacos are God’s gift to gluttons.

4) Tequila…need I say more? If you associate tequila with sugary margaritas or regrettable shots of Cuervo, think again. Mercadito’s specialty cocktails elevate tequila to an art form. The drinks are simultaneously spicy and sweet, adorned with everything from paper-thin cucumber slices to slivers of pear. The Tres Viejos, a blend of tequila blanco, honey, chile verde and a citrus trio, is so drinkable it should come with a warning label. My glass was practically empty before the waiter left the table. For a smokier flavor, the Pera Te mixes black tea infused tequila, chichicapa mezcal, pear and agave. This is tequila as a sophisticated spirit…but just as potent. Pace yourself to make it through the meal.

5) Dinner Party. While Mercadito takes their food seriously, the atmosphere is the exact opposite. The restaurant’s décor, music and bustling crowd create a lively dinner party where you can feed off the energy and the food. Eat with your fingers, indulge with a couple of cocktails and savor one of the best Mexican dining scenes in Chicago.

Labels: Mercadito, Mexican food, tacos, tequila