Friday, July 29, 2022

Cellar Door Provisions

-Grubbing in Chicago  
Hyper Seasonal Fare in Logan Square

One of Logan Squares best restaurants has reopened their outdoor patio. Cellar Door Provisions had been on and off since the pandemic but outdoor dining is back. The wine bar has beeb considered one of the city’s best neighborhood type spots since it’s opening and the introduction of a dinner service.  

Locals Favorite in Logan Square

Though there’s a menu online it’s not updated as much as the actual menu itself. Cellar Door takes full advantage of what’s local and what’s in season so the menu is switched up regularly. Now would be a good time to go as items like tomatoes are in season and on menu. A plate of them with golden plums and saffron was my favorite dish of a recent meal we enjoyed on the nicely decorated patio.

Tomato, Plum, Saffron

The bread at Cellar Door has a ton of fans and rightfully so. A nice chunk of warm porridge bread comes thickly sliced with a mouth watering butter as well as pickled vegetables available as an add on. The menu is small so we were able to try what equated to pretty much everything and my other favorite plate of the night was a piece of country bread served up with a whole sardine and a roasted green chile on top. This was something I might expect to be served in San Sebastian or somewhere. Other dishes weren’t as big of hits as the first couple but that might’ve been bc of personal preferences. A plate of Treviso and Buffalo Taleggio wasn’t to my liking (not the biggest cheese fan) while an order of mussels escabeche was refreshing but I prefer mussels served steaming hot. We ended the meal with an extra tart raspberry sorbet that had great texture from all the fresh raspberries mixed in. This was pretty much exactly what we wanted and we got it on what was a perfect summer night. Cellar Door is one of those spots that has the power to transport you somewhere mid-meal. What I like about places like Cellar Door Provisions is you can always count on something interesting coming out of their kitchen. Not everything is a home run but most of it is a hit.

Dinner at Cellar Door Provisions

Cellar Door Provisions
3025 W Diversey Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 697-8337
Website

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

AV Anthony's

-Grubbing in Chicago  
The Big Baby (A Southwest Side Favorite)

Today we take it back to the LTHforum days. Back to when Italian beef was relatively unknown outside of Chicago. Although Jay Leno always did his best to give it national recognition this was before the days of social media and the internet and online streaming sites like Hulu that allow users to watch a show like 'The Bear' whenever they want. I still haven't watched the show that's put Italian beef in the culinary spotlight but I've had a more than a few beefs since everyone started talking about them. With the shows release Italian beef is as well known as ever and along with hot dogs and pizza it makes up for what most people think of when Chicago food is discussed. But Chicago has as many culinary creations as anywhere and today we get reacquainted with one in the form of a Big Baby.

Locals Favorite in Clearing

According to Peter Engler (ReneG at LTHforum) the Big Baby was born back in the 1960s. First off lets discuss what it is: a double cheeseburger first introduced at Nicky's, a small Greek-owned diner near the city’s southwest side. It’s said that a Greek guy named Nicky opened that spot as well as a number of other hot dog and hamburger stands in the area. Eventually they were all sold but the stands that still bear his name (and the many offshoots) continue the Big Baby tradition. It’s a tradition that consists of two griddled beef patties with cheese in between plus ketchup, mustard and pickles on the bottom with grilled onions on top. All that on a sesame seed bun. You can find a good one at AV Anthony's near Midway but they’re very similar everywhere. They might not be much more than a standard double cheeseburger with grilled onions but they wouldn't taste the same made outside of Chicago. Part of that is the fact places like AV Anthony's are 100% Chicago and it wouldn't be a Big Baby if you're not eating it at one of the 100's of other spots just like it across the city.


Big Baby Cheeseburger at AV Anthony's 

AV Anthony's
4720 W 63rd St
Chicago, IL 60629
(773) 585-7180
Website

Monday, July 25, 2022

Honest Niles

-Grubbing in Chicago(land)  
Indian Fast Food (V) in Niles

I’ve found myself more interested in Vegetarian dishes of late. Not necessarily as a cuisine but I'm equally interested in the veggie and meat offerings when I’m dining out at a spot that does a seasonal menu. I’m not talking about the type of stuff that’s makes burgers and bacon vegetarian but rather the use of what’s in season cooked in a way that doesn’t need meat. If I’m going to eat Vegetarian I don’t want chili or a Reuben sandwich and such. I want something that makes actual vegetables and grains taste great and the region of South Asia and India in particular is really good at this. So I recently decided to try a popular mini chain called Honest that has a few Chicagoland locations including one in Niles right around the corner from the large Patel Brothers grocery store that anchors the lot.

Locals Favorite in Niles

As is typically the case with international spots like Honest it’s tough to find any info online about it’s history. But as you can see in the picture above it seems to be a brand from India that first started out as a street stand but I could be wrong. Judging by the crowds this place brings in on a Friday night I would venture to guess that Honest is a popular place with the local South Asian community. Despite the fact they were jam packed my order came out in timely fashion which was a bit of a surprise. I started off with the Bhaji Pav bc it’s their signature dish which consists of spiced vegetables and a potato mash served with soft buttered rolls plus raw onion. I’d never had this dish that traces it's origins to the textile workers of 1850’s Bombay. So I have no other versions to compare it too but I was satisfied with what we got. The vegetables and potatoes were all melded together to create a thick curry like sauce and the spicing was excellent, as was the toasted bread used for dipping. 

Bhaji Pav at Honest 

Honest offers up a handful of Indo-Chinese classics including Hakka Noodles which are a favorite of mine. It seems like everything here leans spicy bc we tried the original style, not the Szechuan, and they were still pretty spicy while also being exactly what I wanted in terms of a stir fried noodle dish, these were clearly cooked over a high heat. This was another dish that didn't need any meat. 

Hakka Noodles at Honest 

You won’t find it on the menu (at least I couldn’t for the life of me) but I asked the friendly lady behind the counter if they had Vada Pav and they do. The street food favorite from Mumbai has become one of my personal favorites that I plan on trying whenever I see it on offer. I’ve only had a few and have yet to try one that I didn’t like including this one which came with a roasted long pepper and a side of green chutney. It had minimal toppings compared to the ones in Mumbai I've seen on YouTube but it’s all about the crispy ball of fried mashed potatoes mixed with green chile in-between a soft and sturdy roll. An excellent snack and perfect as is. Find good Indian fast food at Honest.

Vada Pav at Honest in Niles

Honest Niles
8351 W Golf Rd Unit A
Niles, IL 60714 
(847) 594-4117

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

5 More Indiana Drive-Ins

Eating like a local:
Regional food specialties

- The Drive-Ins of Indiana

Happy National Hot Dog Day! Today's post is a collection of Indiana drive-ins I've visited in the last few years. A couple of which are known for the hyper regional Spanish dog. You can check this previous report for a history on this Northern Indiana favorite that was made popular in the area by BK Root Beer. The now defunct drive-in chain was founded in Wabash in 1941 and at one time had more than 200 locations in Indiana and Ohio. The chain is long gone but plenty of independently owned BK’s still exist in Indiana. But why the name “Spanish Dog?” Well I’ve done some digging since that last post and some say the name was coined by one of the BK founders but then you can find recipes for Spanish Hamburgers predating BK as does a 1935 article traced back to The Morning Spotlight in Hastings Nebraska that mentions Spanish hot dogs being served following a Red Cross meeting. A year later an advertisement in the Kokomo Tribune announces their arrival in Indiana. So while it’s tough to say exactly how hot dogs topped with a Sloppy Joe like sauce became known as Spanish Dogs it’s easy to trace their popularity to parts of Indiana and Ohio too. Let’s check them out.

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Dick's Drive-In (Rochester)

Even though I'd been to Rochester many times growing up, as my aunt and uncle have a lakehouse there, I didn't make my first visit to Dick's Drive-In until adulthood. They're known for the previously discussed Spanish Dog. Dick’s was originally a BK Root Beer stand when it opened in 1957. They make the best Spanish Dog I’ve come across which is all about the tomato forward sauce that’s basically the same stuff used to make a Sloppy Joe (you can find recipes for Spanish dogs online). Just don't call these chili dogs or coneys bc they’re not the same according to those that love them. The tacos are actually the most popular item on the menu. They were introduced in 1958 when the owner switched it’s name to Dicks and put his wife’s tacos on the menu. They’re made with the same sauce used on the hot dogs which in my opinion works better with lettuce, cheese and the house hot sauce on a tortilla than it does on a hot dog. It’s possible this is the oldest spot serving tacos in Indiana. So while not “authentic” by most measures they’re most certainly iconic. Not just bc of the age of the place but also bc tacos like these are now are found at other drive-ins in the area.

Spanish Dog and a Taco at Dick's Drive-In
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Jamie's B&K Drive-In (Knox)

Here's an old B&K that kept the name, now called Jamie's B&K Drive-In, located in Starke County. Spanish dogs and root beer are the big draws here and they do a pretty zippy sauce that I found to be better than most others. That's the thing with these now independent BK's across Indiana, each spot has their own Spanish sauce recipe and so just like with chili sauce it differs from place to place. 

Spanish Dog at Jamie's B&K Drive-In
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The Original Root Beer Stand (Culver)

The town of Culver is located in Marshall County about two hours from Chicago. It sits on Lake Maxinkuckee and is home to Culver Academy which is a private boarding school that's been around for a long time. The Original Root Beer Stand is their other popular venue and it's got all the looks of a classic drive-in as it sits on the lake in a postcard setting. But the good things about this place kind of end there. I had a chili dog and a double cheeseburger and neither was worth finishing. 

Hot Dog and Hamburger from The Original Root Beer Drive-In
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Tastee Top Grill (Cedar Lake)

You can find this locally loved year round stand on the outskirts of Northwest Indiana. My visit was more than five years ago but recent reviews show it's still going strong. Judging by the name it's possible this was once a Tastee Freeze but there's not much info online about the Tastee Top. They offer most all of the usual stuff you'll find at a place like this including hot dogs and burgers. The Big Tastee is their signature offering and it's a double decker served up with mustard, onion, pickles. 

Big Tastee at Tastee Freeze
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The Port Drive-In (Chesterton)

The Port is a place I've visited a few times over the years. Another aunt and uncle of mine have a place in Dune Acres and Chesterton is the closest town to their spot so I've pulled into The Port a few times over the years while visiting them. It was an old B&K Root Beer like so many other Indiana drive-ins. While the name has changed the location has been serving hot dogs and root beer since 1953. The chili cheese dogs aren't bad but what I really like from here every few years is one of their namesake 'Port Dogs' which is a Chicago style hot dog plus lettuce, peppers, and cucumbers. It's a style that was once more prevalent in Chicago than it is these days but places like Byron's still put a similar set of toppings on their hot dogs. To me they bring back memories of my childhood. Even though I never went to The Port until later in life I ate hot dogs like this as a kid so I still enjoy one now and then. Bonus points for serving up their homemade root beer in a frosted glass mug.

Hot Dogs and Root Beer at The Port Drive-In
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Previous Post: The Drive-Ins of Indiana

See ya next time @chibbqking

Monday, July 18, 2022

Bar Kumiko

-Grubbing in Chicago  
World Class Cocktails (+ Japanese food) in the West Loop

We don't go out for cocktails as much as we used to but when we do I like to visit spots like Bar Kumiko. The price of cocktails has gone up greatly since they first started making their massive comeback. $18 drinks aren't just in New York City anymore but instead they're the standard. They certainly add up when you have a few so you might as well enjoy them at the spots you know are going to bring it and Bar Kumiko on Lake street in the West Loop is one of the best anywhere. 

Worlds Favorite in the West Loop

Bar Kumiko first opened in 2018 and ever since then it's been considered one of the countrys, actually one of the worlds, best cocktail bars. They focus on Japanese spirits which includes lots of sake and whiskey but their catalog goes much deeper than that. It's also a dining bar in that the food gets the same high end treatment as the drinks with a small menu of Japanese classics taken to the next level by the team which includes Chef Noah Sandoval of Oriole. Kumiko is ran by his business partner and expert mixologist Julia Momose. Together with the rest of their team they've created one of the city's best drinking and dining experiences. This would be our second visit but our first in three years. We were able to walk in around opening (6p) on a Sunday night and get seated at the bar. 

Japanese Potato Salad - Yukon Gold, quick pickle carrots, shio-koji pickled cucumber, smoked ham 

Starting off with the aforementioned drinks I found one right up my alley listed under the signature cocktails. The 'Cloud Hopper' was calling my name. It's made with a rice shochu which is a popular spirit right now in the bar industry and it also has mezcal, passionfruit, green cardamon, oak milk and yakult plus lemon mixed in. It's the best cocktail I've had in a few years though as I mentioned already we don't go out for them as much. But when we do Kumiko is the type is spot we like to check out bc you know the drinks are going to be made with an expertise that most other spots have a tough time matching. But what about the food? Well we started with an order of the potato salad which if you didn't know is really popular in Japan. There's no one way to make it over there, each spot has it's own recipe and at Kumiko the use of smoked ham makes it the most extravagant version I've tried. 

Scallop Salad - Hokkaido Diver Scallops, brown butter, California citrus, daikon, ponzu, sesame

Next up out of the kitchen was a perfectly put together scallop salad that hit all the notes as far as a refreshing summer dish goes. It had really flavorful chunks of citrus mixed in with ponzu and sesame which are all flavors I really enjoy plus brown butter on top of all that. The scallops were perfectly cooked with the slightest of a sear which is all they needed as they were extra fresh and tender. 

Cod Wing - charred lemon, house ponzu, yuzu zest

The best savory item of the night was probably a pristinely fried cod wing. When fried, the wings and collars of large fish such as cod become the chicken wings of the sea. I've had lots of delicious plates of fish collar over the years and I thought I preferred it grilled or even better broiled but now I'm thinking fried might be the way to go. The breading was crisp and full of flavor while the meat inside was as tender as cooked fish can get with the housemade ponzu sauce taking it all over the top. 

Maitakédon (top) - Kanitamadon (bottom)

We tried both of the donburi on the current menu. Donburi being the Japanese term for rice bowl. What goes on top decides what kind of donburi you're having (Ex. Tendon means Tempura Donburi). They currently have a mushroom donburi which is made up of marinated mushroom, caramelized onion, onsen tamago, crispy onions, gari, and scallion. It was pretty good but I thought the grilled onions were a bit overpowering in a way that made the dish uneven. It wasn't as well balanced as I’m used to when it comes to Japanese food. We had better luck with the Kanitamadon which was on special (not listed online) and made up of dungeness crab, shirodashi, tamago, kani miso mayo, espellette, greens. 

Wagyu Katsu Sandwich - A5 Miyazaki wagyū, beef taré, truffle honey, toasted in beef fat

We knew we were going for the week leading up to my bday (the reason we were there) and I went back and forth with what I would order leading up to our visit. It wasn't until the day before I decided that I was going to get what's likely the most expensive sandwich in the city bc why the hell not. It's a katsu steak sandwich made with A5 Wagyu which is some of the best beef money can buy in these parts. I don't eat a ton of steak these days and when I do it's usually in my own or someone else's yard and not at a restaurant but this was something I'm not fully capable of putting together in my own kitchen in part bc I have no idea where to score the beef. But with a pricetag that's close to $100 (with tax) the first question most people are going to ask isn't "is it good?" but rather "is it worth it?" and I don't think I can answer that bc it's different for each individual. But the question I can answer is "would you get it again?" and honestly I don't think so. Don't get me wrong it was good but like most cuts of steak that haven't been sliced thin it didn't make for a great sandwich stuffer. I ended up eating the beef and bun separately after my first piece. It would've been better served as an app for four instead of just for me. I didn't think the truffle component was necessary as it overpowered the beef. That said the dessert which is the only option on the menu is a stunner. Along with the cocktail it was my favorite part of the meal. It's been on the menu since day one which is all you need to know. 

Truffle Milk Toast - fermented honey ice cream, périgord truffle

Bar Kumiko 
630 W Lake St
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 285-2912
Website

Friday, July 15, 2022

KALA Modern Greek

-Grubbing in Chicago  
New to the 'Scene

Greek food continues to boom here in Chicago with the recent opening KALA Modern Greek on Clark in Lincoln Park. It seems like lots of restaurant openings are playing it safe these days and that’s understandable but some stuff plays safe better than others and Greek food would be one of those. 

Recently Opened in Lincoln Park 

Despite the fact that Greektown is one of the city's more well known neighborhoods there's not much Greek left to it. So it's always been assumed that Chicago has lots of Greek food on offer. Yes and no. We've long had Greek restaurants but many have closed and not many opened for a long period until about four or five years ago when Greek food started becoming popular again. It's become especially trendy for freshly cooked quick service type spots where you can get in and out for under $20 (remember when it was $10?). KALA Modern Greek is one of the better ones I've been too. The menu is full of intriguing options including the zucchini fritters which came out piping hot plus crisp and creamy from the breaded shreds of zucchini. You can get these on a salad or in a sandwich too. 

Zuchinni Fritters at KALA Modern Greek

No gyros on the menu here which is fine because instead they choose to do souvlaki. I've been waiting for a place around town where one can score pork skewer sandwiches and such. I decided to try the plate since it came with my choice of any two skewers so I rolled with the souvlaki (pork) and also a chicken. The meat comes from Slagel Farms and has plenty of char so I found myself thoroughly enjoying my set which also came with pita, charred veggies, and an extra refreshing garlic and cucumber Greek yogurt sauce. I added on a side of rice and that was nice and fluffy. All of this plus a mushroom sandwich to go (she enjoyed it) was just under $40. I really like what they did with this small space that has lots of natural light from the open windows setup. I'll be back for more. 


Skewer Plate at KALA Modern Greek 

KALA Modern Greek
2523 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 560-6412
Website

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Lardon

-Grubbing in Chicago  
New to the 'Scene

Last month I wrote up on a new spot in the neighborhood called Union that's been warmly received by my neighbors here in Logan Square. It's the sister restaurant to Lardon which opened about a year before Union did. Lardon has undergone a few different paths as far as it's menu but made in-house charcuterie has been the focal point since it first opened. They do sandwiches and salads too.

Newly opened in Logan Square 

Lardon is the type of spot you can hang out at all day. They open at 8a and close at 9p and they have coffee as well as alcohol and a couple of food menus too. The charcuterie is served the duration of the day but sandwiches and salads are only for lunch. I've had the charcuterie a couple of times and enjoyed a full lunch spread with my mom on one of those visits. As far as the charcuterie goes most of it is made on site so I suggest ordering whatever it is you typically like. I especially like the Finocchiona since I love fennel. But I also like the spicy cuts like Salame Calabrese and Coppa. They're all excellent and made even better when paired with some local Midwest cheese which I always like to get when I see any on offer. Lardon has a few from the region including an awesome soft goat cheese from Capriole Farms in Indiana that I've enjoyed on each of my visits. 

Lunch Spread at Lardon 

The lunch menu has a couple of salads and six sandwiches to choose from. The Frisee & Lardon is a classic recipe that features a soft poached egg, rendered pork belly, fine herbs, shallot, Dijon mustard, and banyuls vinegar. It was good but the pork wasn't as well rendered as it could've been. It was like they just threw some scraps from the charcuterie in there or something. Their pastrami was called the best in the city by Infatuation and it may be but it's not like there's a ton of good pastrami to be found around town. I liked it but thought there wasn't nearly enough in their rendition of a Reuben which comes with said pastrami, Midnight Moon gouda, fancy sauce, house kraut, and deli pickles all on marbled rye. It was pretty well put together save for the fact there wasn't much meat. Even the chips it's served with are made in-house so there's no denying the commitment this place takes to putting out a proper product. The outdoor patio is popular so consider making reservations.  

Reuben Sandwich at Lardon 

Lardon
2200 N California Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 697-4444
Website

Monday, July 11, 2022

Wazwan

-Grubbing in Chicago  
New to the 'Scene

The next step that Indian food is taking here in the States has to be one of the most exciting things in the food and drink industry right now. That next step would be it's rise in popularity and the next generation of South Asian chefs that are taking that step. Indian food isn't new and it's by no means a trend. But it's always been hidden in the back so to say. You could always find Indian food in places like Chicago but it was always found wherever the local South Asian communities could be found. Around here that was and still is up north by Devon. But you can also find exciting Indian restaurants in food halls downtown and in the case of Wazwan in hip neighborhoods like Wicker Park. 

Newly Opened in Wicker Park 

I don't mean to imply that Devon avenue isn't cool, it's awesome. What I'm saying is there was a time when Indian food was mostly takeout and the decor at most of these places was low key. But over the last five years Indian food has started to become much more common and not just for takeout. Spots like Wazwan, ran by first generation chefs, are popping up not just here but everywhere. The story of Wazwan is one that begins with a fried chicken sandwich but truth be told I've never tried that fried chicken sandwich. I hear it's great and I'm sure it is but my first taste of Wazwan came from it's current iteration and the chicken sandwich has never been as tempting as other options. For example the Nihari Momo are an amazing appetizer that really signifies what this spot is all about. Momo are Nepali style dumplings and Nihari is a very popular style of beef stew and the two of them together make for the city's most unique set of dumplings aka stew dumplings. Top stuff in taste and texture. 

Nihari Momo at Wazwan

Even though with each passing day I grow north of 40 I'm still finding new things to love. You can eat a lifetime of sandwiches and still not try them all, or can you? Well I've recently fell for the Vada Pav which is one of India's most popular snacks. It's most popular in Mumbai but they're found all over and almost everyone in India has a go-to spot for this sandwich which consists of a deep fried potato dumpling placed inside a bread bun. Where it goes from there is totally up in the air but generally speaking they come with one or more chutneys and maybe some green chili pepper. Wazwan has them (two per order) as an appetizer and I've noticed how they're dressed differs by visit but as of my last visit they came with two chutneys and a sliced tomato on a toasted bun. An excellent rendition.

Vada Pav at Wazwan 

While the menu doesn't seem to be geared to one specific region of South Asian cuisine it's still regional on a dish by dish basis. If you like Filipino flavors they currently offer a dynamite rendition of a dish called Inoloban. It's a fish stew of sorts with both clams and snapper sitting with rice noodles in a coconut turmeric broth. It's really good but lately we've found ourselves in love with the mushroom korma which skips no beats without the meat. Korma being another popular South Asian dish which consists of meat or vegetables braised with yogurt, stock, and spices to produce a thick sauce or gravy. The mushrooms take on all those flavors and work as good if not better than lamb or chicken and the likes. Wazwan has a backdoor patio and a front one coming soon. They're BYOB for now and also offer a highly touted tasting menu at 'The Coach House by Wazwan' that I'm looking forward to. 

Mushroom Korma 

Wazwan
1742 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 722-6911
Website

Friday, July 8, 2022

Sabroso! Mexican Grill

 -Eating like a Mayan King in the Windy City

If you've spent enough time in Chicago you've likely passed Duk's at the corner of Ashland and Erie, many have even stopped in at what's one of the coolest looking hot dog stands in the city, at least from an old school standpoint. It's been there for a long time. Across the street there's a restaurant space that's changed often this last decade. There used to be a place called The Big State which was a Mexican restaurant ran by a family from Texas. We liked it but it closed after a couple years. The latest spot to call the corner home is Sabroso! Mexican Grill ran by a family from California.  

Recently Opened in West Town 

The menu paired with the reviews (mostly positive) had tempted me the last few months so I stopped in one day when I was in the area with some people who were hungry. They have a few tables you can sit at outside on both Ashland and Erie. It's byob judging by the bottle of wine an older couple was enjoying with their meal. The menu has a few things that catch the eye as far as interesting things you don't see served at most places. The first was an order of Sabroso! Beans which the menu lists as Peruano beans, homemade chorizo, cotija cheese, pickled jalapeños, pickled onions and pickled tomatoes. They come served with all the fresh fried tortilla chips you want which are the perfect delivery vehicle for this creamy and spicy concoction of refried beans. I could eat this as a meal itself. 

Sabroso! Beans at Sabroso! Mexican Grill 

A few of the reviews mention the California Burrito. It's a popular regional dish in Southern California and especially the San Diego area. It's one of those things people will sometimes ask about as far as where to find one in Chicago. If I'm being real they're never as good as I think they're going to be but some people really love them like they grew up on them. The Cali Burrito consists of all the traditional fillings of an Americanized burrito but instead of rice and beans it's made with fries (plus carne asada, guac, pico de gallo, and cheese). The version at Sabroso! comes with beans and lettuce too. It was ok but I probably wont get it again because it didn't surpass my typical go-to spot for a steak burrito. 

Cali Burrito at Sabroso! Mexican Grill  

They list some specialties of the house including an excellent chile relleno plate. It's a pretty traditional prep with a mild but tasty tomato sauce and cotija and crema on top. I also enjoyed their black beans as they give you a choice between those and refried beans. No pics but the fish taco is also good enough to come back for. They're made with corn tortillas made on site and come loaded with battered fish and some refreshing toppings including lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce. 

Chile Relleno at Sabroso! Mexican Grill 

Sabroso! Mexican Grill
624 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 290-8400
Website