Ixcateco Grill – Surprise Awaits at South Mexican Eatery

By Josephine Layug

Myself and my friend recently had the most fun Girl’s Night at Ixcateco Grill in Chicago’s Albany Park. What appeared to be a “hole-in-the-wall” type joint turned out to be a fabulous restaurant serving explosively flavorful Mexican dishes. Ixcateco Grill is a BYOB South Mexican eatery run by Chef and Owner, Anselmo Ramirez, who so artfully prepared our gorgeous and tasty dinner.

We began with the Ceviche and Chicken Picaditas. The Ceviche tasted so bright and fresh. The white fish was cooked with a mix of Onion, Carrots, Tomato, Serrano Pepper, Green Olives, Olive Oil and Cilantro. My friend even said it was the best ceviche she had ever had! The Chicken Picaditas were fried in a Masa “canoe”, and was served with an Avocado Cream Sauce, Queso Ranchero and Pickled Cactus. Yum!

Next came the entrees! We ordered the Carne Asada, Salmon Frutero, and the Vegetarian Enchiladas. Our favorite part of the Carne Asada was the Tomato Molcajete Sauce, which gave a little kick to the end of every bite. Our Salmon came on a bed of White Rice with Mango, Apple, Chamoy and Micro Greens with a Pico de Gallo Sauce. It simply screamed “summer” to our taste buds. Our waiter had highly suggested the Vegetarian Echiladas, and we certainly did not regret giving them a go. The enchiladas came with a classic Tomatillo Sauce, which craftily tied the dish together.

Our favorite part of our meal was dessert! We chose the Pecan Flan, and OH. MY. GOD. The Pecan Flan at Ixcateco Grill will be your newest vice. You’ve been warned! The creamiest Flan with Crushed Pecans over a Graham Cracker Crust will turn any saint into a sinner.

If you want to treat yourself, definitely make a stop at Ixcateco Grill. The food was breathtakingly delicious from the appetizers to the dessert. In fact, the plating made our meals almost too pretty to eat (thank goodness for cameras)!

Ixcateco Grill is open Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Don’t forget to bring the beer! Happy Eating!

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