"José Andrés opened the very first Jaleo in 1993 in Washington, D.C., and on Thursday he’ll bring that formula to Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The restaurant means to give diners a window to contemporary Spanish cooking in specializing in tapas. Twenty-eight years ago, delicacies like patatas bravas weren’t as familiar to Americans. But in 2021, those crispy potatoes — along with jamón ibérico, and head-on shrimp in garlic and oil are now known quantities stateside and some of that is due to Jaleo’s success. Jaleo’s menu has evolved as Andrés has opened five locations in places like Las Vegas and at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The Chicago location will feature quirks unique to this outpost including table-side paella (in four varieties) and a full tapas bar. The menu also features special Chicago-only items: the Arroz rabo de toro features creamy Meloso-style rice and braised oxtail." - Ashok Selvam
