We were actually on our way somewhere else when we saw the little brick restaurant up on North Elston, with a sign that said C. Manny`s Mexican Cuisine. C. Manny`s? What kind of Mexican name was that?
Let`s see if they have good margaritas, we decided; if the margaritas were good, we`d stay for dinner and investigate the name.
Well, the margaritas were potent. Ice cold and strong, arriving with warm chips and hot salsa. ”We don`t use a mix,” manager Jose said later, ”and we make them a little strong. We like to give our customers a little boost.”
Thus boosted, we started with queso fundido ($3.95)-another test used by Mexican aficionados, to determine if the right proportions of chorizo (Mexican sausage) and cheese are used. It passed muster admirably, (just the right amount of grease) and even came with a little bowl of finely chopped onion, tomato and cilantro, a pleasant taste addition.
About the name: The owner`s name is Manuela and she`s married to Carlos. Hence, C. Manny`s.
About 1 1/2 years old, it`s an attractive place, with Mexican puppets hanging from the ceiling as well as the customary serapes and sombreros on the exposed-brick walls.
The menu has all the burritos, tacos, fajitas and enchiladas found on most Mexican menus, plus a nice selection of soup and fish dishes. Red snapper, one of the most expensive items at $12.95, was cooked in lemon, garlic and olive oil and arrived with head and tail intact; once we disposed of those, the fish had a nice, delicate flavor. Our only complaint was that instead of being served on a bed of rice, it came with fat french fries, which seemed very inappropriate; the rice was a sidedish.
A combination plate ($6.45), a taco, enchilada and tostada, was nothing special but fine if you`re indecisive. You`re better off, however, to stick with a non-combo plate, such as enchiladas verdes ($6.45), which looked quite pleasing on the next table.
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C. Manny`s Mexican Cuisine, 4152 N. Elston; 312-583-1590. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., to 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Sun. Closed Mon.
