Anyone been to Frontera Fresco?

Last Monday I went to Frontera Fresco in Old Orchard for lunch.

I have been meaning to try Frontera Grill but saw this sort of quick version and knew I wanted to try it.

I ordered a grilled steak torta combo with a corn and poblano chowder, and some raspberry prickly pear limeade. Everything I put in my mouth was freaking delicious! My mom ordered a grilled steak torta as well and we just couldn't get over how good it was.

The steak was rubbed in ancho chili powder and was tender beyond belief. It has avocado, red onion, sun dried tomatoes and more deliciousness I can't remember right now.

We loved the place so much we went back later on to try a Mexican chocolate chunk cookie with dried cherries.

Anyone else been? Your thoughts?

I have never been to the Frontera Fresco at Old Orchard but used to frequent the one in Macy's a few times a week.

My order was usually the Torta Cubana and if I wanted to pig out, would also order a tortilla soup. What stands out was all the cheese at the bottom. Almost overkill...Almost.

The torta cubana was a favorite of mine but I have yet to make it back since I was "let go" from my job downtown. For downtown eating, it was a steal. There would often be a line if you got there past 11:30 so they obviously did something right. In hindsight, I took the job mostly due to its location to Frontera Fresco. That is true.

I've been to the one in Macy's on State Street, even though stepping foot into the State Street Macy's practically violates my base instincts. It's good. Really good. It's worth stopping in for. It may even be worth walking into Macy's, though now that I know there's one in Old Orchard I might go there instead. And it's very reasonably priced, but definitely more so from a quality standpoint than a quantity standpoint. My only complaint is a very limited menu. But I reckon it's better to do a couple things and do them well than to spread yourself too thin as it might be tempting to do in a concept like this.

Drover wrote:But I reckon it's better to do a couple things and do them well than to spread yourself too thin as it might be tempting to do in a concept like this.

Agreed.

I like Frontera Fresco, esp if you compare it to the standard fast-food fare at a mall.

Drover wrote: It may even be worth walking into Macy's, though now that I know there's one in Old Orchard I might go there instead. .

Actually, it's in Macy's in Old Orchard too. Sorry I didn't make that clear. But I'm glad to hear everyone else likes it as much as I did.

I'm definitely going back next time I'm at OO.

I just got back from a visit to the Frontera Fresco at Old Orchard in Skokie. They have a new menu (not yet updated on their website). The big news there is the addition of my favorite torta (sandwich) that's always been on the menu at Bayless's Tortas Frontera locations at O'Hare: the pepito (braised short ribs). And it's delicious, just like the ones at O'Hare. They've also added a braised short rib huarache/flatbread to the menu. So now their menu has both of my favorites: the pepito torta, and the corn and poblano chowder (which they have always had). ¡Olé!

EDIT (12/15/14): They have updated their website, which now shows the new menu, including the short rib items.