Sleeve,

I agree with the others -- you should go. If you do go, please report back on your experience.

UniAddict wrote:*wink* *wink*

stevez wrote:

sdritz wrote:I guess we'll have to wait until the "Check, Please!" effect has worn off.

Xni-Pec was on Check Please? How did I miss that?

*cough*

Yeah, don't be surprised if you see an LTHer plugging Xni-Pec for Check Please this upcoming season.

*cough cough*

the sleeve wrote:You know, I was calling yesterday to make a dinner reservation for me and my wife. Someone finally picked up the phone and stated that they were closed b/c the were fixing some problem within the kitchen--sounded like a structural thing but I don't know for sure. I was, however, able to get an reservation for tonight but now I'm considering not going. The combination of Paul SL's experience and the "kitchen problems" makes me think that waiting might be a good idea. Any thoughts?

No, you're fine. They're expanding their kitchen. They took down a couple of walls and opened up the space. There's no problems with the kitchen--it's an upgrade.

As for Paul's experience, I don't know. I was there last Sunday and they were firing on all cylinders. I've been there probably a dozen times or more, and while there are some days that are better than others, I've never had a bad experience there. Also, Antonio has sourced some new pork, which is fresher and tastier, so, believe it or not, the cochinita pibil is better than before.

Also, and this is something I just found out last week, did you know that they make their own masa for the colored tortillas and tamales? As in, they start with the corn and slaked lime and not just get some fresh masa from the tortillerias?

We went last night (7/11). For most of the night we were the only ones there. The food was very good, my wife had chicken and mole which she loved. I had fish tacos and shrimp tacos....both excellent. We had guacamole as an appetizer and we both enjoyed their take on guac. We're going to try and get a group together and have Antonio do a tasting menu of sorts. I hate seeing the place so empty, though Antonio professes that business has gotten better.

!Wau!

Perfect panuchos and cochinita pibil tonight, with a side of delightful conversation with the cute daughter about Merida and the beach in Playa del Carmen. The place was empty at 5:30 and the kitchen had everything ready in no time. I'll be returning with friends (maybe even this weekend).

Santander wrote:Perfect panuchos and cochinita pibil tonight...

Sigh. I really must have hit it on a terrible night. From other posts, it doesn't sound like we're even talking about the same place! Oh well, I guess a return visit may be in order. BTW, there's a colorful little restaurant about six blocks north of Xni-Pec on Laramie which advertises "tortillas heche en casa." I may have to check that out on the way.

Paul SL wrote:

Santander wrote:Perfect panuchos and cochinita pibil tonight...

Sigh. I really must have hit it on a terrible night. From other posts, it doesn't sound like we're even talking about the same place! Oh well, I guess a return visit may be in order. BTW, there's a colorful little restaurant about six blocks north of Xni-Pec on Laramie which advertises "tortillas heche en casa." I may have to check that out on the way.

I've seen that place. Yes, definitely, if you stop in please post about it.

Sigh. I really must have hit it on a terrible night. From other posts, it doesn't sound like we're even talking about the same place!

I bet it does from my post.

I'll try it again someday, I promise.

After an entertaining evening watching the Windy City Rollers, we took the girls back to Xni-Pec. They have been begging us to go back since our first visit in May. We walked in the door a few minutes before 10 p.m. The owner informed us that we were welcome, but also mentioned that they had changed the hours of the restaurant and he was just about to close. He showed us to a table. A minute or two later, another small group came in for dinner and he showed them to a table as well.

While it has not been changed on the website or on the menus yet, Xni-Pec will be closing at 10 p.m. on Saturdays (and I'm assuming on Fridays as well). It would be a good idea for anyone planning a trip in the near future to call first and see what the hours were.

We were served quickly and enjoyed a really terrific meal, despite the fact that the kitchen needed to stay open longer than they anticipated. I also overheard the owner telling another table that was getting ready to leave that the first six months of owning the restaurant were difficult for them, but for the past four months business has been very good. I was really glad to overhear that information because we really like this place.

Suzy

I too stopped by on Saturday, but pre - Windy City Rollers. As per usual, we had a great meal (after several visits, I now stick religiously to my policy of having Antonio pick at least one dish for me every time). This time it was a soup (I forget the name) containing both chicken and fish.

The only disappointment was that they didn't have the Relleno Negro - Antonio explained that due to the extensive prep required, they are offering it only as a special (which may have been the case all along & I was just lucky, not sure....). He also said that they will be putting the specials up on their web site.

Check Please can't come soon enough for Xni-Pec (and I never thought I'd consciously wish its effect on a restaurant before): this wonderful spot has been desolate on my last two normal eating-hour visits.

Tonight, arriving at 7 PM, the interior lights, Caribbean projector setup, and music were all off, and the staff seemed very surprised to see us. Antonio saw us to our booth and went to the bar himself to whip up a delightful licuado de platano and what turned out to be the best michelada I've ever experienced (and with Tecate in a can!) Tons of lime and plenty salty-spicy. The lights and music (Buena Vista Social Club, great selection) were then thankfully switched on for our enjoyment.

Two excellent tamales later (so good if you spoon the table salsa and a dot or two of the Scotch Bonnet hot sauce over the fresh steamed masa), we were ready for Huevos Motulenos and the special of the night, Chile Relleno con Cochinita Pibil. I had an epiphany with the eggs - they were like a Mexican deconstructed Split Pea Soup. Peas, little bits of caramelized onion, griddled ham, butter, finished with tomato sauce and crisp tortillas in place of trenchers. The chile was a long waxy Yucatan banana pepper (perfectly fresh) stuffed with their excellent citrus-marinate pork, and may have been broiled instead of deep fried before being smothered in a red pepper and tomato sauce.

We were in there for an hour and a half and not a soul came through. Antonio gave a retiring smile every time we complimented his family's remarkable cooking and he seemed genuinely happy we were there enjoying his table as much as contributing to his bottom line (and, ahem, he to ours).

Please, please visit and enjoy this remarkable, humble, evocative place; you can hear the waves off Playa del Carmen in the distance. Alternatively, please win the lottery and purchase these guys a sunny storefront anyplace but Cicero.

I, too, would love to see Xni-Pec move somewhere closer to where its enthusiasts live. Unfortunately, distance and location are two big factors influencing where people choose to eat (and if reports on this site are indicative, a critical mass of support doesn't seem to be coming from the nearby Cicero community -- at least so far). Sure, there are destination restaurants, and Xni-Pec is undoubtedly one of them -- but the tougher the destination, the less routine will be the visits, even by the hard-core fans of a place.

I consider myself one such fan, though I've only been to Xni-Pec once (convinced my group of friends to make the trek after a recent Windy City Rollers match -- we were in fact the table referred to above, to whom the owner spoke of recent increasing business after a 4-month drought at the beginning). My friends, a picky lot, are still talking about Xni-Pec as 'the best Mexican restaurant in the city.' I'm still craving the cochinita pibil tacos, pollo con mole, and an amazing chicken special with 'white spices' that the server brought back from the Yucatan (she indulged us with a sample straight from the plastic bag she transported them in).

The location issue raises a question for me, though. During our conversation with the owner, one of my friends urged him to move closer to 'the city.' The owner seemed to bristle, and I found myself vaguely uncomfortable about the exchange -- guilty over my party's inadvertent slip into Chicago-centrism.

I've had the same impulse, though, wanting to encourage the owners of Nha Trang (Belmont just east of Pulaski), for example, to move closer to the foot traffic of central Logan Square.

So here's the question: to what extent is it appropriate for enthusiasts of a place -- particularly one in an arguably far-flung location -- to encourage a change in location? Is there an appropriate way to broach such a possibility without slipping into arrogance? How far can the conversation go? And has anyone had success with such suggestions?

Just curious about others' thoughts -- I hate to see location become a make-or-break element for a restaurant as special as Xni-Pec. But realistically, it seems to be a factor, at least so far . . .

Santander wrote:Huevos Motulenos and the special of the night, Chile Relleno con Cochinita Pibil.

You have just described a near perfect meal for me.

ChristyP wrote:to what extent is it appropriate for enthusiasts of a place -- particularly one in an arguably far-flung location -- to encourage a change in location? Is there an appropriate way to broach such a possibility without slipping into arrogance? How far can the conversation go? And has anyone had success with such suggestions?

You need only read through the Tacos de Pacificothreads to relive this exact frustrating scenario a second time.

ChristyP wrote:So here's the question: to what extent is it appropriate for enthusiasts of a place -- particularly one in an arguably far-flung location -- to encourage a change in location? Is there an appropriate way to broach such a possibility without slipping into arrogance? How far can the conversation go? And has anyone had success with such suggestions?

Location has been the factor for me as to why I've never been to Katy's Dumplings, for instance, or why I've not returned (yet) to Xni-Pec. The thought of getting on the dreaded Eisenhower at any time is usually enough to fend me off a place.

As to your question, I would think the owner would only view such a comment as to a location as a mere suggestion, and either take it or leave it as he or she sees fit. This scenario, however, can't help but conjure up the Seinfeld episode where Jerry suggests that Baboo change his focus to Pakistani food, and nobody ever came to the restaurant after that, which set in motion a chain of events leading to Baboo's deportation.

Although relocation worked out exceedingly well for Honey 1 and it's fans , when at prompting from members of this board (and others) they moved from Austin to "West Lincoln Park".

On the other hand, look at Honey One, which moved from Austin to Bucktown a couple years back and seems to be doing much better business, even with the higher rent. (edit: I see I was beaten to this point)

Of course, I don't know for sure that they're doing better in the new location, but I sure hope so.

But keep in mind that Xni Pec is close to both La Villita and the Mexican strip along Cermak in Berwyn/Cicero. It's a major mexican community down there, and suggesting Xni Pec alienate them by moving and raising prices is, perhaps, arrogant.

gleam wrote: It's a major mexican community down there, and suggesting Xni Pec alienate them by moving and raising prices is, perhaps, arrogant.

Is the local community supporting them? Or is it just us LTHers?

Dunno, I haven't been there during every open hour for a few weeks at a time. Who knows when their peak hours are... I used to think Casa de Samuel was dead all the time until I showed up at 10pm on a Friday, for instance.

Personally, I would hate to see them move, as they are one of the few excellent restaurants near me. But those are selfish reasons--not every great place need be nor should be on the North Side. How about giving us Southwest Siders a restaurant or two to keep to ourselves?

Anyhow, from a business standpoint, it's all up to Antonio. He seems to be very happy with his business in Cicero, and I trust he knows what he's doing.

I think Binko nailed it. I'd prefer them to succeed in their current location (cf Check Please comment), which is close to me in Oak Park, but more importantly, where Antonio's family wanted to set up, in a community he admires and expects. I was being overly fatalistic after a tear-jerkingly good meal in a totally vacant space (I actually think they were discussing packing it in for the night when we arrived, but I hope Antonio shows up on the board and corrects me).

Thank all of you for your many compassionate comments and observations and the reminders about Honey-1 and del Pacifico, both illustrative in their own ways.

aschie30 wrote:

gleam wrote: It's a major mexican community down there, and suggesting Xni Pec alienate them by moving and raising prices is, perhaps, arrogant.

Is the local community supporting them? Or is it just us LTHers?

I was there two weeks ago on a Wednesday evening around 6:30. There were maybe 15 people seated at various tables. All of them were Hispanic, which I presume is evidence of community support.

Regards,

Based upon my experience in the area, (My Mother-in-law lives on 24th near Laramie and my Brother-in-Law has a liquor store and bar on 25th & Laramie) I would venture to guess that Yucatan cusine is as foreign to most of the folks who live in the area as it is/was to many LTHers.

Marshall K wrote:Based upon my experience in the area, (My Mother-in-law lives on 24th near Laramie and my Brother-in-Law has a liquor store and bar on 25th & Laramie) I would venture to guess that Yucatan cusine is as foreign to most of the folks who live in the area as it is/was to many LTHers.

This is how I understand it to be, as well. Xni-Pec will be on Check Please this season, so things should get even better.

How did you know that? Oh nevermind, I know how you know

They had baby shark last weekend, it was fantastic. I love the hospitality of the place. I find myself dining there alone too much, clicking away on my blackberry. But Antonio is always ready to have a seat with me and crack open a beer or make some fresh coffee.

I'm pretty sure I've spotted some LTH'ers there before, because I seem to remember some faces from Chuck's Mardi Gras (even though I didn't sit at the LTHer's table). Dang it I'm too much of a loner. Where's the LTHforum singles section? hah!

UniAddict

ps try the tilapia with coconut sauce.. I'd have to say it's one of the best kept secret items there, as long as it's fresh and I don't think Antonio would let something not fresh slide out of the kitchen. The seafood there is always FRESH.

Binko wrote:

Marshall K wrote:Based upon my experience in the area, (My Mother-in-law lives on 24th near Laramie and my Brother-in-Law has a liquor store and bar on 25th & Laramie) I would venture to guess that Yucatan cusine is as foreign to most of the folks who live in the area as it is/was to many LTHers.

This is how I understand it to be, as well. Xni-Pec will be on Check Please this season, so things should get even better.

After being a long time lurker on this great forum I had to join and put in my two cents for this great place. I was there a couple of weeks ago and have to say it was fantastic. The Pollo Pibil I had was great and unlike any pollo I have had before. My dates tortas were delicious as well. Being of Mexican descent and having never had Yucatecan food before I was curious to see if the food was notably different. It was. In a good way.
Being in the northwest suburbs does make it a good drive so its not as easy to get out there but I have told as many people as possible about Xnipec.
Antonio came by our table and we had a nice long conversation about his food and the restaurant. I will try to get out there again soon.

Yesterday's special "Frijol con Puerco" was like a pork carne en su jugo (/cesj!) with a rich black bean broth, fork-tender pork shoulder, and lots of lime, cilantro, and radish on the side, also served with their wonderful red tortillas. Next weekend, Antonio tells me he will once again do Queso Relleno (but it may be another few weeks before Relleno Negro).

We were warned that both the xni-pec and habanero/Scotch bonnet sauce came out "hotter than usual" - both the warning and the end product delighted us. The vaporcito tamales and the cochinita were more flavorful than usual and the micheladas salty and limey as ever. It was heartening to see five parties in the restaurant at one point last night (Saturday at 7 PM - were any other tables LTHers? We really need to wear buttons or armbands or something).

Santander wrote:We really need to wear buttons or armbands or something).

I agree (though I might have some problem with the armband concept). In fact, I suggested an lth lapel pin or button with just this purpose in mind when the bowling shirt was released but there seemed to be no interest at the time. I still think this would be a good idea.

Oh, I also agree about the frijol con puerco. I had it a few weeks ago and thought it was fantastic.

The vaporcito tamales and the cochinita were more flavorful than usual

Agreed re the vaporcito tamales, which are wonderfully light and therefore an excellent starter.

By the way, has anyone else commented on the informal but, at least for this Yankee, authentic decor of Xni-pec? After a couple of Pacificos, I thought for sure I'd been transported into a cantina in downtown Cancun.

Can anyone confirm whether or not Xni-Pec is BYOB? Ctrl + F yields no knowledge!

Oculi wrote:Can anyone confirm whether or not Xni-Pec is BYOB? Ctrl + F yields no knowledge!

Well, they serve alcohol, but if you have a special bottle they'd probably let you bring it. Call to confirm.