With a mix of traditional and nontraditional Mexican dishes, XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant is bringing comfortable neighborhood dining to Ravenswood.
Lucia Herrejon runs the restaurant with the help of her family and her two brothers-in-law, German and Rogelio Benitez, who created the menu and run the kitchen. Her family opened the restaurant in October after a Greek restaurant there closed abruptly. They’ve all worked in the restaurant industry for a number of years and in a number of positions, from line cooks, to managers, to bartenders.
XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant is inspired by Xochimilco, a color-filled neighborhood in southern Mexico City known for its canals, where mariachi bands float on boats decorated in bright hues. Guests should expect the same application of pigments on the restaurant walls, plates and decorations, Herrejon said.
The pollo en mole is the Benitez’s family recipe, made from scratch every few days using Galletas Maria (cookies), Abuelita chocolate, peanuts, sesame seeds, assorted dried peppers and raisins. The dish is served with fried plantain, white rice and mixed greens.
“It’s a very long process, but it’s well worth it,” Herrejon said. “It’s spicy and sweet, which I feel like is hard to get.”
Diners may also try the dobladas potosinas, another traditional dish. Two handmade tortillas are stuffed with chicken tinga, shredded chicken in tomatoes, chipotle chile and onions. Then the tortilla is folded in half, topped with guajillo sauce, avocado tomatillo sauce, cabbage, sour cream, queso fresco and cilantro.
Since XOchimilco opened, Herrejon says, customers have also enjoyed the lamb shank marinated with annatto, or achiote, a seed with a peppery flavor that imbues a red color. The final dish is served with frijoles charros, or traditional Mexican beans, and pickled red onion.
For dessert, try the chocolate lava cake or Mexican rice pudding cake, served over a layer of Galletas Marias, vanilla ice cream and cajeta drizzle. The restaurant is BYOB — Herrejon recommends bringing tequila to mix with the house margarita mixes, like lime, mango, passion fruit and tamarind. Ice and a glass with a salted rim are also provided.
2030 W. Montrose Ave., 773-661-1534, xochimilco-mexican-restaurant-restaurant.business.site
OTHER OPENINGS:
LINCOLN PARK — Yolk will open its ninth location this spring, serving breakfast fare like omelets, skillets and scramblers, as well as an extended coffee program with homemade syrups like coconut mint and cinnamon breakfast. 1504 N. Fremont Ave., eatyolk.com
WRIGLEYVILLE — Lucky Strike Social will join the all-star lineup in Wrigleyville this February. The bowling alley and restaurant will have eight bowling lanes, more than 100 electronic games, pub food, beer, cocktails and giant TVs to catch the game. 1027 W. Addison St., 872-206-6740, luckystrikesocial.com
RIVER NORTH — Wahlburgers is coming to Chicago, Eater reported. The casual Massachusetts-based dining chain serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, floats, fries, onion rings, tater tots and more. 2 E. Ontario St., wahlburgers.com
WICKER PARK — Iron Age Korean Steak House has replaced Tozi Korean BBQ and is serving all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ, Eater reported. 1265 N. Milwaukee Ave., ironagekoreansteakhouse.com
ICYMI:
LOGAN SQUARE — Middle Brow finally arrives after 8-year journey with opening of Bungalow brewpub
WEST LOOP — How one of best ramens in Chicago came to a restaurant not even known for the dish — until now
GOOSE ISLAND — Brewmaster who saw Goose Island through growth and challenges leaves for Wisconsin brewery
WEST LOOP — Leigh Omilinsky departing Nico Osteria, joining Bellemore team
ALBANY PARK — ‘Weird but awesome’ Twisted Hippo hopes to succeed in space where other breweries have failed
LOGAN SQUARE — Great Lake pizza returns — for one night with square pies at Cellar Door
THE LOOP — Wisconsin’s Cousins Subs has ambition for huge Chicago expansion, but how does it hold up?
CLOSINGS:
LAKEVIEW — Michelin-starred Entente packs bags for River North; chef Ian Davis joins team
EAST UKRANIAN VILLAGE — The Anthem is closing and will return with “something new in the near future,” according to its website. 1725 W. Division St.
gwong@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @GraceWong630
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