(Chicago) – Celebrity chef, Rick Bayless’ quick service spot, Xoco, in downtown Chicago is a must try. The tortas (sandwiches), caldos (soups) and hot chocolate are delicious and reasonably-priced. Expect a line when you come here but the service is fast enough as advertised. I love the sparkling filtered water.
The tortas are unlike the regular sandwiches you will get in Subway or cafes. The ahogada, for instance, is really good if you are used to Mexican food. The pork is deeply flavored and the spicy sauce is plentiful and could almost pass for a soup.
**Ahogada – golden pork carnitas, black beans, tomato broth, spicy arbol chile sauce, pickled onion
On the day I went to Xoco, menudo was the special for the day. I had Mexican menudo before so I know what to expect. This is totally different from Philippine menudo which is more of a tomato-based stew of pork with carrots and potato. If you have an adventurous palate and you treat tripe like any other popular meats, you will definitely like this dish. However, Xoco’;s serving of menudo is meager compared to other more authentic Mexican restaurants for the same price.
**Menudo – Red Chile tripe soup w/ pozole corn, onion, cilantro
I grew up loving the “churros con chocolate” of Dulcinea in Makati. Any place that has good churros will be on top of my list. Xoco’s version is not the best in my book but good enough to surpass those that you get in Costco. And the Aztec chocolate is not very impressive. The consistency is too thin.
** Churros + Aztec (Authentic choc, Chile, Allspice)
The soft-serve has a strong Mexican vanilla flavor but the highlight is in the brownie bits. Also, the regular hot chocolate is what I am looking for. It is rich, thick and decadent; much better than the Aztec chocolate.
** Homemade Mexican vanilla soft-serve with chile pasilla brownie bits and chocolate sauce +Authentic Mexican cacao fresh ground chocolate
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449 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 334-3688
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