El Alebrije in Irving Park highlights Mexico’s less-understood regional specialties with an artfulness and attention to detail that suggests we still have much to discover – and eat.
Playlist Mexican
Mexican
Rick Bayless Surveys a Decorated Career with a 35th Anniversary Menu
Daniel HautzingerRick Bayless opened his fine dining restaurant Topolobampo 35 years ago, and in the decades since has received accolades such as James Beard Awards, aTop Chef Masters win, and the honor of serving food at the White House.
A Mexican Matzo Ball Soup from Pati Jinich
Daniel HautzingerWith Hispanic Heritage Month, Mexican Independence Day, Rosh Hashanah, and the premiere of a new season of Pati's Mexican Table, it's the perfect time to try Pati Jinich's matzo ball soup with Mexican flavors, adapted from her grandmother.
Summery Fish Tacos from 'Cook's Country'
Daniel HautzingerContinue to enjoy summer as it winds down with a recipe for fish tacos from Cook's Country that comes from the show's upcoming new season and is inspired by a version served at a San Diego restaurant.
A Little Village Couple Celebrates Their Heritage By Selling Mexican Coffee
Samantha NelsonAlma and Cristóbal Mora founded Bueno Days to use their love of coffee to explore their Mexican heritage, selling beans sourced from Mexico and providing education alongside their coffee and inspired drinks such as horchata cold brew and a mole latte.
Grilled Queso Fundido Potatoes from 'Pati's Mexican Table'
Daniel HautzingerThere's a new season of Pati's Mexican Table where she visits the northeastern state of Nuevo León and samples some grilled delights, among other things. Try her recipe for grilled potatoes topped with oozy cheese, sausage, and bacon.
The Brighton Park Restaurant Serving Up a Rare (in the States) Mexico City Specialty
Meredith FrancisWhen Chef Manny Gonzalez had his mother's tacos de canasta at a party, he knew he wanted his restaurant to be centered around the popular Mexican street taco. Gonzalez owns Guapo Taco in Brighton Park, and he explains the origins of "basket tacos."
Chicago's First Mexican Church
Daniel HautzingerA century ago, Mexicans first began settling in Chicago as laborers in the steel mills, packinghouses, and on the railroads. One South Chicago community eventually opened the first Mexican church in the city, first in an old army barracks right before the Depression.
