|
|
DISH Weekly Dining Guide: Takito Kitchen
by Andrew Davis, Windy City Times 2013-06-19
|
|
This article shared 2957 times since Wed Jun 19, 2013
|
|
Regarding my writing process concerning restaurants, I usually wait a few days after going to the eatery to process the experienceor to let it digest, if you will.
After experiencing the Mexican eatery Takito Kitchen (2013 W. Division St.; www.takitokitchen.com ), I can safely say that my memories of that place are as fond as the night I went there.
The 1,600-square-foot space is unique in several regards. A relatively narrow area leads to a larger space in the back that features a large skylight that allows for a show, rain or shine. There's no separate bar, so spirits are on shelves on the right of the first space, and the kitchen is just past the liquors on the right as well. (I especially like the latter concept, as most patrons can actually see what the cooks are doing, keeping them on their toes.) Lastly, don't be put off by the decorations on the doors of the two restrooms, as they're both unisex.
The menu is as interesting as the space. Takito specialized in shared platesalthough you'll want to hog several of the items for yourself. I really liked the Three Sisters polenta with Brunkow cheddar, smoked bacon, pickled chilies and Urban Till cilantro as well as two of the types of tacos (pork belly and lamb chorizo). And save room for desserts: The arroz con leche and the chocolate ganache are must-haves.
The margaritas are the best I've ever had, hands down. You must experience the chipotle margarita, a wonderfully complex concoction that produces sweetness, acidity and smokiness.
By the way, there's also a takeout menu with many of the items I previously mentioned.
Owner Mario Ponce told Savor that his aim was to created a "modern Mexican" restaurant that's without the "stereotypical" sombreros, pinatas and even tortilla chips. The difference of the place even extends to the spelling of the establishment (as opposed to "taquito") and the musicwhich is not traditional Mexican but a mix of U.S. pop and rock.
Takito Kitchen proves that being different can be a very good thing, indeed. |
|
|
|
This article shared 2957 times since Wed Jun 19, 2013
|
ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE |
---|
|
| | SAVOR 'Hot Ones,' 101 complex opening, Casati's closing, Crumbl 2024-04-20 —Feeling hot, hot, hot: The addictive show Hot Ones is coming to Chicago, Time Out Chicago noted. First We Feast is teaming with Stella Artois to bring the show/YouTube sensation—which has featured guests such as Tyra ...
|
| | SAVOR Arshiya Farheen talks about her welcoming bakery, Verzenay 2024-04-20 Just walking into the Lincoln Park bakery Verzanay, 2507 N. Lincoln Ave., is an experience. Somehow, the patisserie (named after a commune/town in France) simultaneously seems upscale and cozy. Friendly ...
|
| | SAVOR Vivent Health/TPAN leader talks about Dining Out for Life 2024-04-17 On Thursday, April 25, people can join the city's restaurant community for Dining Out For Life Chicago, an event ensuring people affected by HIV/AIDS can access essential services. We want to show up in the communities ...
|
| | SAVOR Prairie Grass' honor, Aviary reservations, 4/20 events 2024-04-14 Congrats!: Northbrook restaurant Prairie Grass Cafe was honored for its Sensory Friendly Hour program at the 18th Annual Disability Matters North America Awards held in Milwaukee on April 4. Victoria's Secret & Co., Walt Disney Imagineering, ...
|
| | Big Gay Sal's, pizzeria named after owner's larger-than-life presence, opens in Northalsted 2024-04-10 Salvador Mora has always been known for his cheerful smile, warm hugs and big heart, but now it's his pizza that has people talking. Mora co-owns Big Gay Sal's, a late-night pizzeria that opened in March ...
|
| | Andersonville Chamber announces Andersonville Midsommarfest entertainment lineup 2024-04-09 --From a press release - CHICAGO (April 8, 2024) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce the full entertainment line-up for Andersonville Midsommarfest, one of Chicago's oldest and most beloved summer ...
|
| | SAVOR James Beard nominees, Krispy Kreme, controversies 2024-04-06 SAVOR James Beard nominees, Krispy Kreme, controversies BY ANDREW DAVIS —Congrats!: In D.C., The James Beard Foundation announced the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees as well as the honorees of the Leadership Awards, Humanitarian of ...
|
| | SAVOR The casual Italian spot Archive Lounge 2024-04-05 Last year, a friend and I visited Chef Steve Chiappetti's Streeterville restaurant The Albert, in Hotel EMC2 (228 E. Ontario St.)and having dinner at the Italian spot was one of my top culinary experiences of 2023. ...
|
| | SAVOR The Inspired Home Show, Uncle Julio's closes, Malort cocktails 2024-03-30 Getting inspired: On March 17-19, The Inspired Home Showa massive display of current and upcoming products focused on cooking, cleaning, containing and much moreoccurred at McCormick Place. Battery-run lawn mowers ...
|
| | SAVOR Easter roundup for 2024 2024-03-24 Easter is a time to celebrate rebirth, spring, life—and brunches. Chicagoland restaurants will be out in full force on Sunday, March 31, offering Easter meals—some with their own twists (including ...
|
| | SAVOR WhiskyX, an Easter soiree, a pizza-making class and more 2024-03-24 I'll drink to that: On March 21, I was invited to check out dozens of whiskeys, rums, tequilas and other spirits at WhiskyX, which took place at the Chicago venue Morgan MFG and which hundreds of ...
|
| | SAVOR REVIEW Sushi By Bou 2024-03-19 Going into a sushi restaurant, I didn't expect to hear a 1920s version of the Carly Rae Jepsen hit "Call Me Maybe" emanating from the speakers. However, that and other Great Gatsby-like flourishes can be found ...
|
| | SAVOR Gemini Grill opens, 'Rick Bayless Day' and more 2024-03-17 —And I quote: I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal."—Groucho Marx —Pop life: Don't forget my other Substack: "Pop-Eds: My takes on pop culture." Thank you so ...
|
| | SAVOR REVIEW La Grande Boucherie 2024-03-14 Just a few months ago, The Group NYCa hospitality consortium based in you-know-whereopened the Italian restaurant Olio e Piu in Chicago's River North neighborhood. You can read my review of ...
|
| | SAVOR Let's Talk Womxn's 'More Than March'; Adobo Grill's tequila dinner 2024-03-06 I was fortunate enough to be invited to a culinary event that celebrates the achievement of womenand, fittingly, it happened during Women's History Month. On March 1, Let's Talk Womxn Chicago held its annual "More Than ...
| |
|
|