The Real Mole Deal in Logan Square

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Let's face it, there are a lot of restaurants in Chicago that feature Mexican cuisine, but there are only a handful that really, really stand out.

You can place the new Logan Square eatery Real Tenochtitlan (2451 N. Milwaukee Ave.) in the standout category. Let's say it together: Re-AHL-teh-NOCH-tee-tlahn.

Executive Chef Geno Bahena's specialty is mole sauce. Mole literally means "concoction" and describes a whole genre of sauces. Mole is complex to make and also represents the tradition of Mexican cooking. There are seven classic moles from a southern Mexico region called Oaxaca by which all moles are categorized.

Bahena features a different mole each night of the week, and they include, Amarillo, Manchamanteles, Verde, Chichilo, Rojo Coloradito, and Negro.

The menu is filled with a combination of traditional and specialty dishes that will make your meal memorable. Real Tenochtitlan credits the quality and authenticity of their dishes to the use of harvested fresh local organic ingredients.

Appetizers such as the Sopes Surtidos -- corn masa boats with a sampler of fillings like chicken, plantains, and black beans with chorizo, are a great way to get your meal started.

Memorable specialty entrees include a Natural Black Angus trater steak, a Chilean sea bass dish and a Sugar River Farm baby rack of lamb. I had the Negro specialty mole, which is considered the king of moles. Spicy and sweet the Negro mole contains over 28 ingredients that gives it a nice thickness and an intense flavor.

Skipping dessert here is not an option. The 10 desserts range from Mexican bread pudding and key lime pie, to buttered crepes and a warm individual pumpkin cake.

The restaurant is BYOB, which is another great reason to enjoy this restaurant during this challenging economy. The environment compliments the more upscale Mexican cuisine, and they have a separate dining room for private parties.

Take my word for it: Real Tenochtitlan is the real deal.

Labels: byob, chef geno bahena, chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, fete chicago, fete select tv, logan square, mexican cuisine, mole sauce, real tenochtitlan

BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) at WineStyles

Thursday, July 24, 2008

I'm a huge fan of BYOB's in the city, and Chicago has a lot of them that I've discovered over the past few years. They usually have great food, a nice atmosphere and the price is definitely right. But recently I discovered a place that is BYOF (Bring Your Own Food), which I thought was a creative idea in allowing me to still enjoy a unique and intimate evening out without breaking the bank.
Trayce D opened a WineStyles franchise in the South Loop recently and hasn't looked back. Located at 1240 S. Michigan Ave, her goal for WineStyles is to be the neighborhood wine boutique store that carries exceptional wines from all over the world. Wine Styles wines are for drinking, not worshipping and are priced at $25 and under. They take the guesswork out of buying wine by categorizing wines by taste styles rather than grape or varietals. They make learning about wine easy and enjoyable. And, they have an excellent selection of gift items including gift baskets and wine accessories.

The South Loop WineStyles offers the following:
* Wine Club Membership

* Complimentary tastings on Thursdays, 6-8pm

* Online shopping option

* Fine Cigars

* Private parties and events

* Live music on select nights

* B.Y.O.F (Bring Your Own Food) as they serve wine by the glass, or you can open a bottle.

* Wine classes and special order most wines by the bottle or case within 24 hours

Besides being a neighborhood boutique wine store, WineStyles provides a comfort and cozy setting for friends to meet up and partake in libations together. Sara Kay, their on staff Sommelier, can help you select a nice bottle of wine for your special occasion. I particularly like the fact that I can bring my own food, buy a great bottle of wine and still have a few dollars left over for dessert!
Check out Trayce D and her South Loop WineStyles location at 1240 S. Michigan Ave or log onto www.winestyles.net.

Labels: bring your own food, byob, byof, dc crenshaw, fete, fete chicago, fete select, fete select tv, fine dining, wine store, wine styles