Las Cazuelas

A Mexican Oasis in Chicago

It was a wonderful surprise when my husband Bob happened upon a Mexican restaurant at North Elston and Lawrence Ave. He was waiting for a bus in a fairly uneventful neighborhood and noticed a charming looking Mexican place. Bob seems to have a sixth sense for great food and unusual places. So he picked up a business card and there it sat in drawer for quite some time until we re-discovered the card and went to dinner at Las Cazuelas. It quickly became our favorite Mexican restaurant of all time and I thought it high time to share it with you.

On any given evening, except Mondays when they are closed, you may be greeted at the door by owner and chef, Ricardo Caballero. Once you are inside the charming and warm atmosphere of this dining spot, words that come to mind might be "the real thing". The music is all Mexican. The tables are set with white linens and cobalt blue glasses. There are a few tables that are in the outdoor courtyard that can be seen through the large windows.

We started off with Margaritas. Large "real ones" on the rocks, none of that slushy stuff. Then are served a basket of homemade warm chips with the best salsa I have ever tasted. If you like spicy hot, this is the best and the most unique. It is a dark rich, red brown and is made by the owner from his own roasted hot peppers!

Keep in mind that most of the menu that I will describe was available that day. Ricardo's philosophy of cooking is based on recipes that he designs around what fresh food he has purchased that morning. There is also a regular menu but the specials are really special. He puts so much love into everything that they serve, it's hard to go wrong.

We were first treated to an appetizer favorite of Ricardo. Thinly sliced steak in a flour tortilla with beans cooked in beer and with a light sprinkling of cheese. It was very simple but delectable fare.

Next we had a house specialty that I personally think is the best soup I have ever eaten anywhere. It is called Caldo Tlalpeno and is made from fresh chicken consume, chunks of white chicken breast, chipotle pepper, and fresh slices of avocado. Unbelievable! The soup alone is worth the trip!

For our entrees we had octopus, Cerviche de Pulpo, marinated in lime juice and tequila and served with the freshest tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado. The Octopus was so delicate and tender, it melted in your mouth. Then we also had a dish of Jumbo Sea Scallops that were thinly sliced and baked with a cilantro, garlic crust. Once again, fresh, unusual, delicious!

This brought us around to my least favorite part of any meal, dessert. Bob is always so generous in helping me with this part of the meal. So he ordered the Mango Cheesecake. I tasted it. And then had a little more. And then he had to fend me off with his fork. The cheesecake was so creamy and not terribly sweet, that even I loved it.

The whole experience was so unpretentious and the food was authentic and after talking to Ricardo, obviously made with such passion. In a world that can move all too fast and be oh so mass produced and predictable, this is an oasis!