Mexican Eats for Cheap

If you're looking for white linen, sparkly silverware and other characteristics of "fine dining" then Nuevo Leon (http://nuevoleonrestaurant.com/) is not the place for you.  But if you are looking for great, authentic Mexican food and a place that feels like an overized family kitchen then this is a place you need to try.  We went for a friend's birthday on cinco de mayo (no, she's not mexican but somehow I think being born on the mexican holiday inclines her to have many mexican themed birthday celebrations throughout her life).  I was a little afraid that going to such a popular restaurant on the holiday would lead to us not being seated.  But we waited in line for approximately 20 minutes (some of our party was also late so the wait would have been necessary regardless as they will only seat you when your entire party has arrived).



We were seated in a corner booth where we were able to see the all the other patrons throughout the room--which ranged from families with small children, couples on dates, girls night outters like ourselves, and groups of students I'm assuming from nearby UIC.  Before we could even consider what to order they brought chips and salsa and everyone received an individual free appetizer of a dish similar to an enchilada with potatoes.  Oddly enough the dish reminded me of the neckbones and potatoes my grandmother made when I was younger, but instead of a soupy like preparation, it was served in a tortilla.



The free "appetizer"



chips w/ three types of salsa varying in degress of spiciness

As you can see from the pics below the plating is far from fancy, but the food was all delicious.  There were no complaints from anyone at our large party of 8.  And the place is BYOB, which additionally cuts down on cost.  My portion of the bill ended up being close to $8 (including tip!) for my enchiladas.  No one's individual bill was over $10 that I can recall, and we all left quite full.  When I am in the Pilsen/Tri-taylor area and craving mexican food (which is 75% of all the time for me), I will definitely be adding a stop to Nuevo Leon on my list.


Burrito





My enchiladas :)





Steak Tacos



Barbacoa

Bippity Boppity..Burger?

So I know I haven't written in awhile, and I promise I have been eating (for those concerned that my potential ill life choices might include abstaining from daily sustenance).  But, as of late, I just wasn't inspired by the food I was eating. This Tuesday night, that changed. I've had burgers throughout the city but nothing had me waking up the next morning craving more, until now. 

The roomies and I decided to take a trip to Bop N Grill in Rogers Park.  (They don't have a web page but just in case you don't believe me and want to see a bunch of yelpers and their delight you can go here.)   It's new to the city and its Rogers Park location has been open for just two weeks, the owner tells us. The original shop is located in Evanston.  It is trying (successfully, in my opinion) to make itself a fixture in the city's seemingly lasting craze for gourmet burgers and the trend of fusion food.  The Evanston location opened a year ago, but the restaurant is finally starting to get the coverage it deserves for its delicious, unique food.

Ok, ok, enough about how awesome I think this place is..let's get down to what really matters, the food.  It's main claim to fame is its fusion with Korean and Japanese food, the Kimchi burger is one of its more popular dishes.  But, when I first looked at the menu, the Pizza burger is what stood out to me.  A burger topped with marinara sauce and fried cheesesticks..that sounded like the most awful sort of greatness I'd ever heard.  My first bite was a bit timid, as I wasn't sure how I would like the mesh of two things I love separately.  As I kept eating I realized the flavors blended fairly well, the cheese of the cheesesticks complimented the burger patty making it a very cheesy burger and the marinara sauce made up for the missing burger staples of ketchup, mustard, lettuce, etc.

Pizza burger: single, mozzarella stix, marinara sauce, cheese

A closer look @ my pizza burger. Yes, it was cheesy :)

Father burger: double, fried egg, onion rings, bacon, bbq sauce, cheese, grilled onions w/ a side of onion rings

Umami burger: truffled duxelle, smoked gouda, grilled tomatoes, grilled onions, smoked bacon, togarashi mayo

There are quite a few different burgers to try, from the unique to the very familiar.  If you're looking for a bit more bop and less burger, they also have a wide selection of plates of meat served with rice and kimchi on their menu. There is not much seating, for those wishing to dine in, I believe they're targeting the "to go" audience, especially since their two locations are able to appeal and give them access to many hungry undergraduates at both Northwestern and Loyola.  And yes, they are both very North in/of the city, but as great as my burger was, I'd recommend a trip even from the south 'burbs.