A Downtown Taqueria Brings Mexico City Vibes to the Loop | Eater Chicago
"The neighboring sit-down cantina at the Monroe entrance expands the concept into a 97-seat, tech-forward dining room where art, design and interactive elements are part of the experience. The cantina menu includes shareable molcajetes such as grilled fish, starters like shrimp quesadillas and tamales, six additional creative tacos (think quesabirria, charred octopus with salsa macha, and roasted sweet potato), and desserts including arroz con leche, chocolate “abuelita” cake, and sweet corn cake. Two Mexico City chefs oversaw the menus: Alex Preschez (executive chef at the Hotel Sofitel) and pastry chef Fernanda Prado (behind Cuina, a bakery, restaurant, and culinary school). Design features include a large window with artwork depicting six cartoon-like characters accompanied by an explanatory panel in English and Spanish that reads “Icons of faith, reimagined for today,” a floor-to-ceiling mural of the Angel of Independence and surrounding Mexican icons, orange banquettes and chairs that mirror the signature color of Mexico City’s buses and metro stations, and overhead 3D arches and spires in pink and purple as a nod to jacaranda blossoms. Small computer screens on tables provide access to the menu and ordering process; at the Monroe entrance a digital interactive screen displays various Mayan masks, shelves near the restrooms hold black-and-white photos of popular Mexican screen stars from the past, and the women’s restroom features a red-lit infinity mirror for selfies. An interactive beverage program encourages guests to mingle: mezcals and tequilas are dispensed in tasting-size portions, various draft Mexican beers (including some exclusive taps) are available at one end of the 14-seat bar, and both tap into the same card system used for ordering (beverages may also be ordered from servers and bartenders). Fajardo frames the project as cultural outreach—“This is a showcase for authentic Mexico,” he says—and describes the cantina as social by design: “In Mexico, a cantina is a place where your table is the very beginning of the experience,” adding that they want people to explore the place. The concept grew from Fajardo’s background as a content creator and brand developer (his 2018 three-minute video “I’m Mexican” went viral with 4.5 million views) and from partner Christopher Roldán’s restaurant and franchise experience." - Lisa Shames
