The Chicago Traveler

If you remember anything from your high-school Spanish, you’ll know that Cuatro means “four,” which is exactly how many reasons there are to come to this Nuevo Latino restaurant in the South Loop.
1. Atmosphere. The restaurant has one of the most diverse clienteles you’ll ever see. Patrons of all ages and all backgrounds enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows, earth tones, and pitch-black bar with an eight-foot (2.4-meter) aquarium stocked with tropical fish. If you look closely enough, you can even catch glimpses of the kitchen behind the tank. Exposed beams and well-spaced seating complete the open and airy ambiance.
2. Food. The …read more

Comments Off

Let’s continue our International Tour by heading to Central and South America. A large majority of Central and South Americans live in the Logan Square neighborhood, but their influences can be found throughout the city.
For example, Mayan Sol Latin Grill in Albany Park is a great eatery that can take you to Central America because that’s where the owners are from. When co-owner Erwin Piril left Guatemala City (the capital and largest city of Guatemala) for Chicago back in 1998, he knew right away that he wanted to open a restaurant. So with his mother’s recipes and her flair …read more

1 Comment

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, here’s a look back at some of the moments in which The Chicago Traveler celebrated Latin culture and tradition.
• Two to Tango: There are places throughout the city where you can learn and practice this passionate dance from Argentina.
• La Pasadita may not look like much on the outside, but it’s quite possibly one of the best taquerias in the city.
• Carnivale features Brazilian, Cuban, Colombian, and Puerto Rican food which the executive chef likes to call “Latin soul food.”
• A Mexican sauce made from chile peppers and other spices, mole comes …read more

Comments Off

Just steps away from the Brown Line, Café 28 dishes out Cuban and Mexican cuisine with a hip, urban atmosphere. The exposed brick walls and dark wood accents keep everything comfortable and relaxed.
If you think that all Latin food is the same, you’d be very mistaken. Cuban food is a bit more unorthodox: white rice, black beans, plantains, many Caribbean and Spanish flavors. Mexican dishes are more indigenous to their origin country: peppers, tortillas, etc. They are two very different worlds. Because of this interesting and unexpected pairing, many familiar dishes are kicked up with a unique twist.
For example, the …read more

2 Comments