Category Archives: Restaurant by Name

My Search for the Holy Grail – The Best Taco al Pastor in Chicago

Taco al pastor at De Cero, 814 West randolph St., Chicago

A few weeks ago, I set out to find the best taco al pastor (‘shepherd-style’ taco) in Chicago. This down-to-earth, charismatic delicacy is a dietary staple of  defeños*, and despite the fact that in Mexico City taco stands abound, any local will tell you that not all tacos al pastor are made equal.  Finding the perfect taquería is almost a rite of passage, one that speaks to the way we connect with our city and beyond- a Mexican’s relationship with their pastor is emotional… personal, mystical.

The Genesis

Finding good tacos (let alone authentic ones) north-of-the-border is not so easy. Our taco al pastor story in April made me aware of the fact that I am not alone in this realization. I asked La Vitamina T readers and friends to submit their favorite al pastor destinations in Chicago. A few Facebook posts and tweets later, I had a list of 18 different establishments  endorsed by locals, among them, several Mexican transplants. Similar to how my friend Dave from New Jersey can recognize a good Philly cheesesteak, I figured recommendations from Mexicans added instant credibility to the suggestions.

This is how my search began.

Below is the final list of nominees. I visited every  establishment on this list without letting the owners or staff know my intention, as I  thought this might  influence the quality of the service:

  1. Atotonilco (I tried the tacos in both locations, Joliet and Chicago)
  2. Big Star
  3. De Cero
  4. El Pastor
  5. El Tío Luis
  6. El Solazo
  7. Indio
  8. La Ciudad
  9. Lagartija
  10. Los Comales
  11. Los Gallos
  12. L´Patrón
  13. Mercadito (tacos al pastor are only a seasonal item, so we did not get to try them)
  14. Rubi’s Market on Maxwell
  15. Taco joint
  16. Taquería Juanito
  17. Tierra Caliente
  18. Zacatacos  (Berwyn location)

Several Pepto Bismol doses and 3 extra pounds later, my wandering through the streets of Chicago and its suburbs came to an end. Dozens of tacos have been sampled and scorecards have been tallied!

 Each taco has been carefully evaluated based on criteria that we believe brings to life un taco al pastor “hecho como Dios manda.” (according to God’s orders)**

 I am now ready to “go tell it on the mountain”!

* Defeño is a Citizen of Mexico City (D.F.)

** Mexicans say something is made como Dios manda (according to God’s orders) when something is accurately accomplished.

The Exodus

If you, like me, have lived in Mexico for the great majority of your life, you will be perplexed to hear what has been smuggled into menus, and sold and passed up across the country for the real deal: some of the most popular and readily available counterfeit versions are stuffed with ground beef and covered with cheese or something resembling cheese; others are called tacos al pastor, and are served with sliced lettuce and tomatoes. Heresy!  In certain places, you might be given a choice of hardshell or softshell taco. During my search I found that even some of the taquerías in predominantly Mexican neighborhoods have lost their way- in their attempt to  to cater to a non Mexican palate, they have begun serving some of these apocryphal versions.

This leads me to provide the following word of caution: If you are visiting Mexico and you are looking for a hardshell taco, you will give yourself away as a tourist. We simply don’t have them. We have tostadas, which have a crunchy surface similar to a totopo, which is considered a completely different plate.

In the northern part of the country, flour tortillas were made popular by the Jewish settlers in the area. Still, you will find that most tacos in Mexico are made with corn tortillas.

Leviticus 

Treating oneself to tacos al pastor is an experience that entails a known ritual. Taquerías usually go from the very informal ´hole-in-the-wall’ joint, to fancier establishments featuring a more elaborate set up. The dynamics are the same across the board, and patrons know what to expect:  quick service, dinner and a show. Taqueros (half cooks, half ninjas) conjure up juicy tacos with meat and pineapple they shave off from a giant spinning skewer, to then catch the pieces in a tortilla with quick, precise movements. They do this gracefully, while keeping tallies, processing new orders, and sometimes, giving change and even interacting with the crowd.

Tacos al pastor must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be roasted vertically in a spit called trompo (top), which is clearly visible.

2. Should be made with pork meat, seasoned with a variety of chilis and achiote, which gives them their color.

3. These tacos are served in small tortillas (about 4 1/2 inches in diameter).

4. Tacos al pastor must include a chunk of grilled pineapple, chopped cilantro, raw onion and limes.

5. Salsas are very important in taquerías, and often times they become and element of differentiation.

6. Lime should be abundant and readily available.

Methodology

Each taco was evaluated using a scale of 1- 5 points for a total of 30 points in six different categories:

  • Meat quality
  • Meat flavor
  • Tortilla size and quality
  • Portion size
  • Accuracy/freshness of ingredients
  • Quality of salsa

Points were assigned using the following scale to score each taco:

1= Disappointing

2= Meh…

3= Ok

4= Really good, but not extraordinary or the real deal

5= Perfect. ¡Órale! Am I in Mexico?

Revelation

I have eaten the fruits of ¨the promised land” and I cannot honestly say that my search led me to tacos al pastor exactly like the ones I would find in Mexico City, but I uncovered some really good ones that will definitely hit the spot.  Overall, I was surprised to find that the meat in the eateries we visited was generally saucier than it is in Mexico. Also, portions are usually much more generous and, for some reason, when it comes to tacos al pastor, those with pineapple are very hard to find.
Many taquerías only take cash, so make sure you stop at an ATM ahead of your visit!

And the Winner is..!

 

De Cero – 28/30 Points

De Cero (The Loop)

Taco al pastor at De Cero, 814 West randolph St., Chicago

Find juicy, spicy tacos al pastor at De Cero, 814 West Randolph St., Chicago

Meat Quality: 5  Meat was absolutely fantastic.  We did not see the trompo, but we asked and confirmed it is indeed there.

Meat Flavor: 4    Flavor is really nice, but the meat has a bit of a kick to it.

Tortilla Size and Quality: 5  Tortillas were fantastic. Perfect size!

Portion Size: 5   Perfect ratio. This bundle of joy offers the perfect burst of flavors in each bite.

Accuracy/Freshness of the Ingredients 5 Really fresh ingredients, a check for cilantro, onion, pineapple (although cubed) and lime! The ratios were so good in each bite, I did not let the cubes deter me.

Salsas 4:  I got red salsa with my order which was really, really  good. 

Note: We attempted to get tacos al pastor at De Cero in three different instances. We were persistent and were able to understand why these tacos fly away. Every bite is perfect. The tacos are a bit spicy (and pricey), so make sure you order an horchata to wash them down and know that the meal will be well worth your money. Luckily, this taquería accepts credit cards, so the amount of cash you brought with you won’t  limit the amount of tacos you enjoy.  I am really intrigued by their tamales verdes. I can´t wait to go back!

First Runner Up

Big Star – 27/30 Points

Big Star (Wicker Park)

Taco al pastor at Big Star, 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago

Tacos al pastor at Big Star, 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago

 

Meat Quality: 4  Really good and not too fatty.  Meat was a bit chunky, which is why we did not rate it a 5.

Meat Flavor: 4    Flavor was really nice, maybe a bit sweet, but really good. Saucy, not dry as it should be.

Tortilla Size and Quality: 5 Perfect size. Tortillas were great.

Portion Size: 5 Perfect portion

Accuracy/Freshness of the Ingredients 5 Really fresh ingredients. I loved to see pineapple on them, which is not easy to find, so I did not allow the cubes to worry me.

Salsas 4 Salsa is good and they have chiles toreados (grilled jalapeños), as well as pickled peppers and carrots. But, you will have to order them separately, as they do not come with your order.

Note:

We waited for about 3 hours to get a table at this famous eatery, which was even more difficult considering the aroma around the restaurant teases you with a preview of what is to come. There is a walk-up window with considerably faster service.  The bar is quite a bit noisy, so if this is where you want to hang out, you will have to be prepared to forego conversation and focus on your food, which is well worth it.  Bring cash with you.  They only take cash! Service from the greeters might be a bit rough, but will improve once you sit down.

Second Runner Up 25/30 Points  (Tie)

Taquería San Juanito (Albany Park)

Taco al pastor at Taquería San Juanito 4714 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago

Taco al pastor at Taquería San Juanito 4714 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago

San Juanito was the only place where the meat was not saucy. I found their meat flavorful, but the taco had no pineapple, which lowered-down their score. Green salsa was particularly memorable.

Zacatacos (Berwyn)

Taco al pastor at Zacataco in Berwyn.

Taco al pastor at Zacatacos 6224 Cermak Rd., Berwyn

Zacatacos in Berwyn features the most tender meat you can possibly imagine. The tacos are a bit bulky and a come in a bigger tortilla, but are still really good. Salsas are amazing.

Of Note:

Bien Trucha (Geneva)

I really liked the concept of Bien Trucha, a modern-looking Mexican restaurant that reminded me of the vibe of restaurants in Mexico City. Food, not kitsch is the focus here, and the execution of the tacos spoke to quality. Also, Bien Trucha was the only establishment that got the pineapple right, as they had just a chunk of it  vs. the cubes I found in other restaurants.  I don’t remember getting any salsa with my tacos and had to ask for lime, but if you have had enough of taco talk, try their guacamole of the day or their Pulparindo cocktail! The photo below is not the best because I did not have very good lighting inside the restaurant.

Tacos al pastor at Bien Trucha 410 W State St, Geneva

Tacos al pastor at Bien Trucha 410 W State St, Geneva

Del Seoul (Lincoln Park)

This was not a taco al pastor and definitely not on the list, but in all fairness, some of the ones I tried were not really tacos al pastor either. This grilled  pork taco, a gift from the streets of LA (where fusion happens everyday) was so incredibly delicious, I thought it deserved to be added. The name of this Lincoln Park gem is code for those who know how to read it: Spanish speakers, will  phonetically  understand “Del Seoul” as “del sol”, or “of the sun”.  Mexican cuisine allegorically represents the sun in a meal with a tortilla.
Brilliant branding, brilliant food!
FInd this taco with tangy grilled pork, onion, cilantro, slaw and sesame seeds at Del Seoul 2568 North Clark Street Chicago

Find this taco with tangy grilled pork, onion, cilantro, slaw and sesame seeds at Del Seoul 2568 North Clark Street
Chicago

De Cero is our reigning champion, but if you think there is a 30/30 taco out there, let us know. In the mean time,  ¡a taquear!

 

Flock to the Shepherd -The Charismatic Taco al Pastor

Photo: El Califa, Mexico City

Photo courtesy of: El Califa, Mexico City

RUTA MEXICANA

Whenever I visit Mexico, there is an additional ‘layover’ between the airport and my parents’ home in a suburb of Mexico City. Stopping for tacos al pastor or ‘shepherd-style’ tacos has become somewhat of an unspoken ritual. Luckily, no matter the time or day of the year, my sister is always prepared with a roster of recommendations that she has carefully curated in my absence. Count on her to rattle off an impressive selection that includes taquerías open on Christmas Day.

Despite the fact that taco stands abound, not all tacos are made equal. Ask any local. Finding the perfect taquería is almost a rite of passage for defeños*, one that speaks to the way we connect with our city and beyond- a Mexican’s relationship with their pastor is emotional… personal.

Photo courtesy of: El Califa. Mexico City, Mexico

Photo courtesy of: El Califa. Mexico City, Mexico

When Enrico came with me to Mexico for the first time, he joined me in our recently established ritual. We visited a corner taquería where my family knew Chucho*, the taquero. Enrico was a little nervous as he eyed the cilantro and the onion piling over the tender marinated pork meat and pineapple. As a tourist who visits Mexico for the first time, Enrico asked me if the food was safe to eat. Trying to leverage whatever I could think of to reassure him, I said, “You will be fine. The taquero’s name is Jesus!”

He was an instant convert.

I have yet to find a perfect spot in Chicago to have tacos al pastor. Recently, I was crushed to find that some places serve them with cubed meat. I am on a mission to find a place I can recommend!

In the meantime, if you have the good fortune to be in Mexico City, you must check out El Califa. Aside from their outstanding customer service, they are famous for the way they serve the meat and for their freshly-made tortillas.

You will see why I think that this taco is king.

* Defeño is a Citizen of Mexico City (D.F.)

**In Mexico, Chucho is short for Jesús, which is a fairly common name

EL CALIFA 

Altata 22, Col. Condesa, Mexico City, Mexico 

Click here to find additional locations

Hours: Mon. thru  Sun. 1:00 p.m. –  4:00 a.m. 

Guacamole Nacionalista con Requesón y Granada

Guacamole Nacionalista Foto cortesía de Dulce Patria

Guacamole Nacionalista Foto: Proporcionada y reproducida con el permiso de “Dulce Patria”

 

Según la receta de la chef ejecutiva y propietaria de Dulce Patria, Martha Ortiz

Rendimiento: 2 porciones

Ingredientes:

60       g          cebolla blanca picada

160     ml       jugo de limón

280     g          pulpa de aguacate

40       g          cilantro picado

30       g          chiles serranos despepitados y picados, o al gusto

10       g          granos de granada roja

20       g          requesón

Tortillas de maíz fritas cortadas en triángulos, para acompañar

Pan árabe dorado cortado en triángulos, para acompañar

Sal y pimienta, al gusto

Procedimiento:

Desfleme la cebolla en el jugo de limón durante media hora. Escurra y reserve. Machaque cuidadosamente el aguacate en un tazón o molcajete; incorpore el cilantro, la cebolla desflemada y el chile serrano. Sazone con sal y pimienta. Ofrezca el guacamole en un plato vistoso, decorado con la granada roja y el requesón, así como los totopos de maíz y pan árabe.

 
Encuentra un artículo sobre mi visita a este magnífico establecimiento haciendo click aquí.

 

Chef Martha Ortiz Chapa

Texto proporcionado por y reproducido con el permiso de Dulce Patria:

“En la obra de Martha Ortiz Chapa confluyen la sensibilidad y el talento. Martha posee una visión sensible de la vida, a partir de la cual inventa nuevos universos. Investigadora y conocedora de la realidad social (materia que estudió de manera profesional), posee un profundo amor a nuestro país y su cultura. En su quehacer cotidiano, ha sabido combinar ambas vertientes, la de la creación, la imaginación, el descubrimiento de novedades bellas, por un lado, y la de los sabores y las costumbres inscritas en las raíces mexicanas. Así, tiene en su haber varios libros de cocina, a la vez que una importante participación en festivales y congresos internacionales.

La trayectoria de Martha Ortiz Chapa brilla con luz propia en un campo esencial de esa historia pasada y siempre presente del país, que es su gastronomía. Pero en su caso no se trata de una obra ni de una cocina convencionales. Ella habita el mundo de la cocina mexicana para disfrutar todos los placeres imaginables que ésta supone, y no sólo en el terreno inagotable de los sentidos sino también en el de su desarrollo y su significado. A la cocinera le encanta platicar historias con sus recetas y adora visitar mercados, así como admirar las colecciones de alta costura más importantes en el mundo. Pasea por museos y disfruta leer, ya muy tarde por la noche, para tener presente lo pictórico en la cocina y los sabores en la palabra, lo cual se refleja en los títulos de sus platillos-cuentos, la gran puesta en escena. De esta manera es a la vez experta en el arte gastronómico e intérprete, informada e imaginativa, de nuestros sabores y tradiciones. Pruebas de tal riqueza son el recinto del restaurante Dulce Patria —iluminado con sabor, sazón y aroma— que Martha Ortiz Chapa dirige exitosamente en la ciudad de México, además de diversos premios y reconocimientos.”

Once Upon a Plate in Mexico: Fairytale Fare at Dulce Patria

Fish Pozole at Dulce Patria, Mexico City, Mexico Photo: Brenda Storch

Fish pozole at “Dulce Patria”, Mexico City, Mexico –  Photo credit: Brenda Storch

RUTA MEXICANA

Whenever I visit home in Mexico City, I wish I could bring it back in a suitcase. Perhaps this is why Dulce Patria resonated so strongly with me. I had limited time at home and many new options available to explore. After much research and careful evaluation, I decided to celebrate my birthday at this restaurant. Two main elements influenced my decision,  the fact that Dulce Patria is highly acclaimed chef Martha Ortiz Chapa’s latest creation; and the establishment´s name, which by itself is captivating. “Patria” in Spanish is what “patriotic” in English would be if it were a noun. How perfectly fitting. Dulce Patria spoke to the sweet home country I was physically returning to (I often wander it in my dreams), even if briefly.

Every detail at Dulce Patria has been carefully curated to create an extraordinary experience. Right in the heart of Mexico City’s financial district, an inside patio reminiscent of a hacienda, along with cacti-shaped sculptures, create a new  world. Thoughtful touches like starfruit slices in your water, edible flowers and dishes carefully plated on whimsical handcrafts, add to an environment created to make guests feel they have stepped into a different dimension.  I was moved to realize that somebody shared my sentiment: Dulce Patria is like a little piece of Mexico that has been taken for safekeeping: chef Martha Ortiz Chapa keeps Mexico in her heart.

Asphalt jungle outside, beautiful patio inside. Photo credit: Brenda Storch

Asphalt jungle outside, beautiful patio inside. Photo credit: Brenda Storch

And from her heart she speaks and cooks: Ortiz Chapa draws inspiration from Mexican artisans, poetry and art, all ingredients of the edible stories she creatively and passionately tells through her food.  Her characters are popular dishes that can be either found in the streets of Mexico, or more elegantly presented at fancier tables. Says Ortiz Chapa about her protagonists, “estos platos son los héroes que nos dieron patria” (these plates are the heroes that have given us our homeland).

Photo: Brenda Storch

Bucket of pepitorias with chamoy salsa.  Photo: Brenda Storch

A twist on mole con pollo, mole con pato. Photo credit: Brenda Storch

A twist on chicken with mole sauce: duck with mole sauce. Photo credit: Brenda Storch

Mexican folk candy on a whimsical handcraft. Photo credit: Brenda Storch

Mexican folk candy on a whimsical handcraft. Photo credit: Brenda Storch

Mentioning that  food at Dulce Patria is absolutely extraordinary feels like stating the obvious. Suffice it to say, that at some point during my meal, the gastronomic narrative of chef Ortiz Chapa began feeling less like fantastic prose and more like pure poetry.

Restaurante Dulce Patria

Anatole France 100

Col. Polanco

Delegación Miguel Hidalgo

11560 México, D.F.

Teléfono: 3300-3999

Fax: 3300-3955

Horarios: lunes a sábado, de 1:30 pm 11:30 pm.

Domingos: de 1:30 a 5:30 pm.

Atole de Guayaba

Atole de guayaba en La Dulce Vida Foto: Brenda Storch

Atole de guayaba en La Dulce Vida Foto: Brenda Storch

Jorge Galván, uno de los dueños de La Dulce Vida Nevería, nos compartió esta receta para hacer atole de guayaba, uno de los favoritos de los clientes de este establecimiento. Jorge dice que además de los ingredientes, esta receta necesita paciencia, ya que hay que mover constantemente para que el atole no se corte.

Rinde aproximadamente 2 litros

Ingredientes:

  • 1 vara de canela
  • 2 cucharadas de piloncillo
  • 200 gramos de guayaba
  • 1/2 taza de azúcar refinada
  • 5 tazas de leche
  • 2  1/2 tazas de agua
  • 2  1/2  cucharadas de masa preparada (Maseca)
  • Paciencia y determinación para mover constantemente el atole hasta que espese

Procedimiento:

  1. Pon el agua a hervir. Una vez que esté hirviendo, incorpora la canela y el piloncillo.
  2. Echa las guayabas en el agua hirviendo. Ya que abran, sácalas del agua junto con la canela.
  3. Incorpora la leche y déjala hervir.
  4. Agrega la masa a la leche hirviendo
  5. Muele las guayabas y agrégalas junto el azúcar moviendo constantemente durante 30 minutos a fuego lento hasta que espese

La Dulce Vida Nevería

2015 W. Rice St.

Melrose Park, IL 60160

La Dulce Vida: En La Esquina de México y Chicago

Barra de jugos y licuados en La Dulce Vida Nevería en Melrose ParkFoto: Brenda Storch

Barra de jugos y licuados en La Dulce Vida Nevería en Melrose Park
Foto: Brenda Storch

Find a related article in English here.

“Los clientes que nos visitan generalmente salen con más de una compra” nos dice Gregorio Hernández, uno de los dos jóvenes emprendedores detrás de La Dulce Vida en Melrose Park. Basta echarle una vista al menú para entender por qué. El concepto parte de la idea de una nevería, e incorpora en un acogedor espacio, algo para todos los gustos: desde los chicharrones y otros antojitos típicos de los carritos ambulantes (mismos que son parte de la infancia y según yo, del sistema inmunológico de todo mexicano), hasta nieves caseras, jugos naturales, licuados, atole e incluso tamales oaxaqueños (hechos por cierto con la receta de doña Clemencia). Con esta gama de opciones, es común que el que visita La Dulce Vida, venga con el propósito de procurarse un antojo y salga con otros cuantos.

Además de los sabores típicos del terruño, como  las paletas de tamarindo que tanto extraño, o el atole de galleta hecho con galletas ¨María¨, La Dulce Vida ofrece divertidas e innovadoras interpretaciones de las golosinas que hacen que mi corazón lata en español. Jorge Galván, otro de los dueños, nos explicó: ”Nos dedicamos constantemente a generar nuevas ideas”. Empresario de día y artesano de noche, las ideas de Jorge no únicamente son geniales, sino también deliciosas cuando cobran vida. Una probadita del singular helado de ¨Gansito” fue suficiente para decidir llevarme al México de mi niñez a casa en un bote de a litro.

¿No te puedes decidir si quieres un pastelito o un helado? No te preocupes, el helado de "Gansito" es la respuesta. Foto: Brenda Storch

¿Pastelito o helado?  No te preocupes, el helado de “Gansito” es la respuesta.  Foto: Brenda Storch

Tamales oaxaqueños Foto: Brenda Storch

Tamales oaxaqueños en La Dulce Vida Nevería
Foto: Brenda Storch

Fui a la Dulce Vida a comprar mis tamales para el Día de la Candelaria, pero como Gregorio lo predijo, además de salir con mi dotación, también regresé a casa con paletas, chicharrones y otras delicias, incluyendo esta receta para hacer atole de guayaba. El servicio es excelente y los dueños, que son una institución en Melrose Park,  se mantienen conectados con su clientela a través de sus cuentas de Facebook y Twitter. Durante mi estancia, me sorprendió ver que Gregorio y Jorge saludaron a muchos de sus clientes por su nombre.

La Dulce Vida es un rinconcito en la esquina entre México y Chicago, y como toda buena idea, es universal. La tienda abre de lunes a domingo desde las 6:00 de la mañana.

Gregorio Hernández, Alejandra Rueda y Jorge Galván de La Dulce Vida Nevería

Gregorio Hernández, Alejandra Rueda y Jorge Galván de La Dulce Vida Nevería Foto: Brenda Storch

La Dulce Vida Nevería

2015 W. Rice St.

Melrose Park, IL 60160

La Dulce Vida Neveria on Urbanspoon

A Cup of Magic with a Hint of Baroque

Churros and chocolate at El Moro - Mexico, CityPhoto: Brenda Storch

Churros and chocolate at Churrería El Moro – Mexico, City, Mexico
Photo: Brenda Storch

     

RUTA MEXICANA

It was not by coincidence or like we say in Mexico, “de puro churro“ * that Churrería El Moro was on my agenda as a place I had to check out this time.  I usually visit my family in Mexico City during the holiday season, which makes it almost impossible to make a stop at all the places I either want to go back to, or experience for the first time. This time around, I made sure to move this famous establishment to the top of my list.

I visited El Moro, like locals call it, on New Year’s Day, and I was particularly impressed to find quite a large group of people lined up outside. A look at the menu makes it clear- El Moro masters the alchemy of  churros con chocolate, and its simple menu has delighted guests for nearly a century.  Here you can find four types of chocolate differentiated primarily by thickness and degree of sweetness. These deliciously baroque concoctions have been simmering to perfection since this legendary café opened in 1935.

Churrería El Moro - Mexico City, Mexico Photo by: Brenda Storch

Churrería El Moro – Mexico City, Mexico
Photo by: Brenda Storch

The line moved quickly, and after a short wait, we were warmly greeted and escorted to a table by someone so cheerful to see me on a holiday, I almost felt like family.  I was delighted to have a front row seat to a performance, as churros were being charmed into delicate wheels of fried dough destined to vanish in a matter of seconds.

The city’s hustle and bustle are part of the décor and the overall experience of this urban, simple and non-pretentious locale: El Moro welcomes locals and tourists from all walks of life.

Growing up in a place like Mexico City, where you can find  a cathedral built on top of an Aztec building ( originally built on a lake that is no longer there), I anticipate magic whenever I visit. I have never been disappointed, and this time around, I drank magic in a cup.

*Literally translated as “by virtue of a churro” which means, “accidentally.”

El Moro, Mexico City- Mexico Photo by: Brenda Storch

El Moro, Mexico City- Mexico
Photo by: Brenda Storch

If you visit: 
Don’t be deterred by long lines if you encounter them, they move quickly. The area is busy, but generally safe. Exercise precautions you would observe in any major city. Consider getting your churros to go, as this is also an option.

Churrería El Moro

Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42

Centro Histórico

México, D.F.

Tel. 55 12 0896

Nuestra Mesa: Para ¨Curarnos¨ la Fiesta, Birria

 

¡Feliz año nuevo! Entre los platillos indispensables para recuperarse de la fiesta está la birria. Esta semana, y para estar a tono con las festividades, el chef Aldo trae a nuestra mesa, esta receta típica del estado de Jalisco.

Foto: Lissette Storch - Ciudad de México, México

Foto: Lissette Storch – Ciudad de México, México

 

Según la receta de la señora Teresita de Jesús Guerrero Villaseñor, Guadalajara, Jalisco.

INGREDIENTES (rinde para 6 personas):

Para la carne:

  • 1 kilo de de costilla de chivo, chamorro de res o costilla de cerdo
  • 15 piezas de pimienta negra
  • 3 piezas de clavos de olor
  • 3 dientes de ajo
  • 1 cucharadita de comino
  • 1 cucharadita de canela molida
  • Sal
  • 1 taza de vinagre de piña
  • 4 piezas de chile guajillo
  • Hojas de plátano y/o de maguey para tapar la carne
  • Platos de barro (recomendables, pero no indispensables)

Para la salsa:

  • 1 kilo de jitomate
  • 1 diente de ajo
  • 1 pizca de mejorana
  • 50 gramos de ajonjolí
  • 5 piezas de chile morita
  • 1 ½ cebollas picadas

PREPARACIÓN

Carne:

1. Remoja los chiles en el vinagre durante 30 minutos y muélelos con las especias y la sal

2. Usa esta mezcla como adobo para a la carne.

3. Cubre el fondo de una vaporera con las hojas de plátano, coloca la carne en platos de barro y ponlos dentro de la vaporera, si no tienes platos de barro rociar las hojas del fondo con vinagre para evitar que se pegue la carne. Coloca más hojas encima para evitar que se fugue el vapor. Puedes rodear la tapa de la vaporera con masa para que la olla retenga más el calor.

4. Pon a cocer a fuego medio-alto durante una hora o hasta que la carne este suave.

5. Saca la carne y extrae los jugos restantes de la olla, cuélalos

Salsa:

  1. Mientras se cocina la carne puedes empezar a preparar la salsa.
  2. Pon los jitomate a cocer, pélalos.
  3. Licúalos  con un poco de su agua de cocción, las hierbas de olor y el ajonjolí.
  4. Hierve la mezcla con los jugos de cocción de la carne.
  5. Agrega la cebolla y la mejorana, déjala hervir durante 10 minutos más.
  6. Rectifica la  sazón.
  7. Sirve la carne en platos, báñala con la salsa. Acompaña con salsa de chile de árbol* y tortillas calientes.

*Para hacer salsa de chile de árbol, hierve chile de árbol al gusto y licúalos con todo y semillas en su agua de cocción.  Agrega un chorrito de vinagre blanco, sal y una pizca de comino.

El chef Aldo Saavedra ha cocinado para huéspedes de establecimientos como el conocido Hotel Condesa D.F. y ha contribuído con sus recetas en proyectos con marcas de la talla de Larousse y Danone. En Nuestra Mesa, el chef Saavedra comparte con los lectores de La Vitamina T, su pasión por la cocina y por México.

¿Dónde encuentras birria? Si estás en la Ciudad de México, no te pierdas el Restaurante La Polar (aquí sacamos la foto para esta historia ). Este lugar promete Birria hecha con la receta de doña Trini de Ocotlán, Jalisco.

Make Your Own Middle Earth Dinner at Home!

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Have you tried the menu inspired by  “The Hobbit: an Unexpected  Journey”  at Denny’s?  I haven’t yet! I had heard the buzz about it since November, when it launched. With Peter Jackson’s film opening today, the idea really spoke to both, my inner geek and my stomach, especially when I was offered this recipe to share!

I typically write about Latin American food, food as a cultural artifact or an element of national identity. After obsessing for a few days over how to make a sound argument for this post, I finally realized that the brilliant contribution of my beloved paisano Guillermo del Toro to the movie, was probably the only Latin American ingredient I would find in the whole story.  I then decided that this post was fair game considering that after all, this a dish from a magical place called Middle Earth, which could very well be anywhere.   Plus, this recipe looks like great fun for kids of any age, Spanish-speaking or not, and leaves plenty of room for a creative touch of salsa Tabasco or a side of  rajitas de chiles jalapeños. 

Food as cultural artifact? Check. Talk about life imitating art!

I am planning on trying the “Middle-Earth” menu at Denny´s over the weekend. I just went to their site and found out they have an item called  ”The Ring Burger”.  Now, that´s just precious!

Hobbit Hole Breakfast Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cheddar bun

1 T. butter or margarine Two eggs

1. Slice cheddar bun and put both halves on a cutting board.

2. Using a biscuit cutter, juice glass or knife, press into center of bun crown. Remove center and set

aside.

3. Melt butter or margarine onto skillet. Place both bun halves and the center from crown into

margarine, cut-side down.

4. Immediately crack 1 egg into each of the two holes. 5. Cook for 1:30 minute. Flip and cook for 1:00 minute on the second side, until egg is over medium.

For the full dish: Frozen hash browns 1⁄4 c. shredded cheddar cheese 1 strip bacon, diced

Choice of 2 slices of bacon or 2 sausage links

Preparation:

1. Prepare hash browns. Evenly top with cheese and diced bacon. Cook for 1:00 minute, or until cheese is melted.

2. Cook choice of meat according to package instructions.

3. Plate dish with hash browns, choice of meat and Hobbit Holes.

4. Enjoy!

Photo provided by and reproduced with the permission of Warner Bros.

Photo provided by and reproduced with the permission of Warner Bros.

Nuestra Mesa – Recetas Típicas Navideñas: Ensalada de Manzana

En caso de que todavía te estés preguntando qué vas a preparar para la cena, aquí está otra receta para Navidad, que además de ser muy tradicional, es deliciosa, sana y fácil de preparar.

Foto: Manuel Rivera - Ciudad de México, México

Foto: Manuel Rivera – Ciudad de México, México

Ensalada de Manzana Navideña

Según la receta de la señora Lilia Gómez Rojas, Ciudad de México, México

Ingredientes:

  • 1 kilo de manzana
  • 1 lata de 500 gramos de piña o duraznos en almíbar
  • 100 gramos de almendra
  • 100 gramos de avellana
  • 200 gramos de pasa güera
  • 1/2 litro de crema ácida o yoghurt natural
  • 300 gramos de azúcar
  • 2 cucharadas de canela
  • 1 cucharadita de nuez moscada

Preparación:

1. Pon en un recipiente hondo la crema o yoghurt con el azúcar y las especias. Mézclalas.

2. Pica las avellanas y almendras e intégralas a la mezcla.

3. Escurre la fruta en almíbar.  Pícala en cubos de 1 cm, e incorpórala a la mezcla de la crema

4. Pela y descorazona las manzanas.  Pícala en cubos de 1 cm e, incorpóralas al resto de los ingredientes.

NOTA:  Pela y añade la manzana hasta al final para evitar agregar ácido y evitar la oxidación.

Encuentra más recetas navideñas haciendo click aquí.

El chef Aldo Saavedra ha cocinado para huéspedes de establecimientos como el conocido Hotel Condesa D.F. y ha contribuído con sus recetas en proyectos con marcas de la talla de Larousse y Danone. En Nuestra Mesa, el chef Saavedra comparte con los lectores de La Vitamina T, su pasión por la cocina y por México.

Nuestra Mesa – Recetas Típicas Navideñas: Ensalada de Zanahoria

Seguro que ya están pensando en qué van a servir para la Navidad y el subsecuente recalentado. Las ensaladas de frutas no pueden faltar esta temporada, y ¿qué me dicen de la pierna al horno? Pensando en los platillos típicos de nuestras celebraciones,  el chef Aldo nos trae  hoy a nuestra mesa, una serie de deliciosas recetas. Esta es la primera. ¡Qué las disfruten!

Foto: Manuel Rivera - Ciudad de México

Foto: Manuel Rivera – Ciudad de México

ENSALADA DE ZANAHORIA NAVIDEÑA 

(10 Personas)

Receta de la señora Lilia Gómez Rojas, Ciudad de México, México

Ingredientes:

1 kg  de zanahoria

½ kg de crema ácida

¼ kg de nuez pelada

¼ kg de pasas

200 gr de azúcar mascabado

2 cucharadas de jengibre en polvo

Preparación:

1. Lava y pela la zanahoria

2. Ralla la zanahoria y colócala en un recipiente hondo, añade las pasas y el azúcar

3. Pica las nueces y agrégaselas a la zanahoria

4. Agrega la crema y mezcla

5. Agrega el jengibre y mezcla

 

Encuentra aquí la segunda receta de esta serie.

El chef Aldo Saavedra ha cocinado para huéspedes de establecimientos como el conocido Hotel Condesa D.F. y ha contribuído con sus recetas en proyectos con marcas de la talla de Larousse y Danone. En Nuestra Mesa, el chef Saavedra comparte con los lectores de La Vitamina T, su pasión por la cocina y por México.

LaVitaminaT Wins 2012 HispanoBloggers Award

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Congratulations, LaVitaminaT.com, winner of  the  2012 HispanoBloggers Awards by Hispano Bloggers in the Food/Comida category!

We are thrilled to receive this award, and especially excited that it arrived so early in the life of our blog.  We are also grateful for our team’s passion and their invaluable help in making our stories come to life. A thank you goes out as well to our friends and readers for their support and nominations.

“The event is a tribute to the bloggers who contribute to the flourishing Hispanic blogging community and a testament to their influence and engagement in our community,” said Lucia Matthews, HispanoBloggers founder.

HispanoBloggers.com brings together more than 3,500 bloggers in its roster.

Estampas de Mi Ciudad – Comunión y Comida (In Food, Communion)

Photo credit: Magali Gómez - Ciudad de México, México                       Published with the author’s approval

The legendary Mercado de La Merced (La Merced Market) in Mexico City, was named after a Monastery of the order dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, which was established in the homonymous Barrio de La Merced in 1594.  Among locals, the name  La Merced  will today evoke images of a monumental market, the second largest in town, and perhaps the most iconic. In the halls of this shopping colossus, the bizarre and the ordinary collide into the most fascinating explosion of colors, sounds, aromas and flavors.

I find it so fitting that, as in the case of La Merced, many large mercados in Mexico are named after saints or other religious figures. While I understand these names were assigned for practical purposes in colonial Mexico, I find there is something powerful about food, something almost spiritual. Like its people, Mexican food is mestizo- an amalgam of ingredients transformed by fire and knife into a colorful, flavorful, complex creation. As an art form or a cultural artifact, food provides the ultimate level of interactivity – communion.

Mercados are living museums, and a fun and delicious way to sample everyday life including the local fare. Wherever I go, I always make a point to add them to my list of must-see places.

Sadly, La Merced has declined a bit in recent years, and if you are not in the mood for an adrenaline-fueled adventure, a wonderful alternative to get a taste of Mexico is El Mercado de San Juan.

Estampas de Mi Ciudad – If Life Gives you a Cactus, Make Salsa

Photo: Manuel Rivera

If you are in Mexico, chances are that you will find cacti in your dish. As surreal as it may seem, Cacti have been an element of  Mesoamerican cuisine since pre-Columbian times.  Nopales and tunas, also known as “prickly pear cactus” and “prickly pear fruit”  in the US, can be easily found today as an ingredient in  sweet and savory dishes and drinks ranging from tacos to sherbet. The jiotillas or xoconostles in the picture, for example, can be turned into a smoothie or a refreshing drink.

Find a delicious recipe for a salsa made with this fascinating and healthy ingredient, here.