Argentinean on Ashland

Just north of Milwaukee on Ashland I noticed an Argentinean restaurant whose name I didn't catch. It is not a promising location as I remember several establishments having perished there. Has anyone noticed this place or have any experience with it? It is in the 1300 or so block of North Ashland.
Thanks,
Thomas

Sounds like Costumbres Argentinas, 1309 N. Ashland Ave. Almost went there last night, but ended up just down the street at Rudy's Taste, 1024 N. Ashland - Carribean/Guatemalan/Mexican that was surprisingly good. Started with a very light tamale appetizer made with olives and capers, then a chile relleno con carne, and camarones al mojo de oja (don't quote on the spelling, my Spanish ain't that great.)

Both places are BYOB.

There was also another Mexican Seafood place across the street, brightly lit, that looked interesting.

edited to reflect Mike G's helpful comments (damn, why can't I wax poetic like he does?)

It's Rudy's Taste, used to be Tropical Taste. Here are a couple of things about it, I like it a lot and have been several times: link, link.

Was the Mexican place El Barco? There are several candidates along that stretch, though, so it might not be.

Mike G wrote:It's Rudy's Taste, used to be Tropical Taste. Here are a couple of things about it, I like it a lot and have been several times: link, link.

Was the Mexican place El Barco? There are several candidates along that stretch, though, so it might not be.

Good catch; my bad. I knew it was some sort of RT. And, yes, across the street was El Barco.

Based on this thread I was curious about Costumbres Argentinas, so went there last night.

The first challenge was getting in. What looked like the main entrance - a set of double doors in the middle of the place - was locked. There were two single doors (looked like security doors) at the north and south ends of the place - neither of which would open. But we could see throught he windows that the place was open and had quite a few diners .... Finally someone came along and told us the entrance is the small gray north door - and you have to pull hard, because it sticks. So we tried it once again, pulling hard, and - voila - it opened. As we got inside, someone from the restaurant was coming for the door, apparently having seen our frustration.

It's down a flight of stairs, since the restaurant is about 1/2 story below street level. And it's a surprisingly large place, although being divided into four rooms - three streetside and what looked like a banquet room in back - it feels fairly cozy.

The first room you enter is the bar, which was a bit smoky. (Note I previously mis-identified it as BYOB, which is how The Reader lists it. But they let us bring in our wine anyway, no corkage fee, and they were very gracious about it.)

We went into the non-smoking room next to the bar (didn't notice much, if any, smoke migrating over). Interesting menu with seemingly many influences (more on that later). It appeared we might be some of the few, if not the only, non-Latinos there (which I consider a good sign).

We started by splitting the eggplant appetizer. Very interesting. The rough eggplant puree was studded with olives, served over chunks of something I couldn't identify (best guess - some sort of pickled heart of palm) and garnished with chopped lettuce and half-slices of tomato. Nice combination of flavors.

Since our previous (limited) experience with Argentinian food was at meaty places like Tango Sur, and our philosophy in trying new restaurants is "go with the strengths," we ordered the grill for two. It came with a tasty selection of tender short ribs, strips of chewy marinated steak (either flank or skirt, couldn't tell), a couple of chorizo and a couple blood sausages, and some sweatbreads. Both the chorizo and the blood sausage were excellent - chorizo was a bit lighter and less fatty than most Mexican chorizos I've had, and the blood sausage was even lighter - about as close to ethereal as a sausage has any right to be. The beef was also very good (short ribs were definitely tenderer and slightly better IMHO). Sweetbreads had good flavor, but more fibrous than others I'd had.

As we were finishing, Executive Chef Carlos Gonzales came around to the table and chatted quite a bit. He said they've been open a little more than four months, and they're doing okay (the place was fairly full that night) but he also said that mid-week can be a bit lonely (seven total customers over two days last week). He's a relatively young grad of Illinois Institute of Art's culinary program, so it's clearly not a Mom and Pop operation. He's also highly enthusiastic about what he's doing. He mentioned that he has great respect for many of the other restaurants in the city that are re-interpreting or incorporating new flavors into Latin American cuisines, but that's not his philosophy. Since Argentina is such a melting pot, especially with waves of many different Europeans arriving in the first half of the 20th century, he has so many flavors and techniques that are typical in Argentina that he doesn't need to add any; he can just take what's available and make interesting dishes. Surpringly, he said he was particularly proud of his gnocci.

We'll be back to try that next time.

Hi,

Thank you for your willingness to spend your time, money and physical being to check out this restaurant. I understand people hoping to get a heads up on a restaurant, though sometimes one just needs to stick their toe into the door. Yes, sometimes one has to make the ultimate sacrifice and go.

Trailblazing can be an expensive hobby, though diving in and coming back with pearls is very satisfying.

Regards,

Cathy2 wrote:Thank you for your willingness to spend your time, money

Neglected to mention that so much meat plus huge appetizr came in at about $35 for two ...

Cathy2 wrote:Thank you for your willingness to spend your time, money and physical being to check out this restaurant.

Trailblazing can be an expensive hobby, though diving in and coming back with pearls is very satisfying.

I neglected to mention that despite the large appetizer and huge quantities of meat (went home with a doggy bag) the check was about $35. And I felt slightly adventurous (despite the fact that it's just around the corner from Davenport's, my fave piano bar/cabaret) and I was able to satisfy my curiosity. And I've been on a crusade for a whlle to explore the area's BYOB places, so this fit in well.

Noquis (gnocchi) are particularly important in Argentina. They are eaten at the end of the month for good luck. The noquis at Tango Sur are not particularly good, so this place has at least one edge. Italian is the leading ethnic plurality in Argentina, and it is pretty common for folks there to speak Italian and Spanish -- which the old guy at the Penguin does, for example.

The old knock from less "European" Latinos is that Argentina is a nation of Italians speaking Spanish and acting like they're British living in Paris.

The menu sounds the same, more or less, as most other Argentine places; luckily for me, I like that menu. Sounds like a nice alternative to the mobbed scene at TS.

Last, I love Argentine food, but I'm afraid that diversity is not a hallmark. It's almost reactionary in its nostalgia and reverence for tradition (the tradition being beef and rustic Italian). Can't really knock the meat, ice cream and pizza, though.

Thank you for your willingness to spend your time, money and physical being to check out this restaurant. I understand people hoping to get a heads up on a restaurant, though sometimes one just needs to stick their toe into the door. Yes, sometimes one has to make the ultimate sacrifice and go.

Trailblazing can be an expensive hobby, though diving in and coming back with pearls is very satisfying.

I'm puzzled as to why Cathy would write this in reference to my post. I'm sorry I didn't make the "ultimate sacrifice" and go myself. I'm grateful that nr706 went, as his report has convinced me to give it a try. I guess I am supposed to only post on places I've been rather than pose questions that result in immediate responses and reviews like from nr 706. Within 24 hours of my post I received a detailed response to my query. This is exactly what I love about this forum. If I am not trailblazing enough than I can always keep my queries to myself and hope that someone writes enough to make up for my once in a blue moon post.

Thomas D. wrote:I'm puzzled as to why Cathy would write this in reference to my post.

I'll bet you that--while she may not have used to best format for doing so--she was responding to nr706, and not to you, Thomas D.

Erik M.

Thomas D. wrote:I'm puzzled as to why Cathy would write this in reference to my post. I'm sorry I didn't make the "ultimate sacrifice" and go myself. I'm grateful that nr706 went, as his report has convinced me to give it a try. I guess I am supposed to only post on places I've been rather than pose questions that result in immediate responses and reviews like from nr 706. Within 24 hours of my post I received a detailed response to my query. This is exactly what I love about this forum. If I am not trailblazing enough than I can always keep my queries to myself and hope that someone writes enough to make up for my once in a blue moon post.

I appreciate posts about places that people haven't been to, but are curious about. I imagine there are many others on this board who feel the same way. Your post certainly inspired me (I had been planning to go to the obscure Colombian place on Peterson west of Western [anyone know the name?] but I also needed to hit the Home Depot on North Ave for some remodeling-related supplies, so 1309 N. Ashland worked much better.) I didn't think going there was trailblazing - it was just avoiding a longer drive. And I really enjoy all the sharing and common interests on this board.

Still gotta try that Colombian place. Won't be able to post on it for a while, though. Later this week I have to take on the burden of an all-expenses-paid trip to a five-star resort on Oahu. Alan Wong, here I come ...

Thomas D. wrote:I guess I am supposed to only post on places I've been rather than pose questions that result in immediate responses and reviews like from nr 706.

No, no, no! Questions, queries, fleeting glances, and full-blown reports are all most welcome. Some wonderful experiences come out of "Hey, I saw such-and-such place and it looked fairly interesting...what's the story."

Some people, when they discover a "new" find or potentially "new" find, are apt to wait until they visit before posting on their meal. Others visit multiple times, take inventory of the menu, chum up to the owners, research the origins of a certain unfamiliar herb, and then deliver a detailed analysis.

But most of us are constantly on the lookout for something interesting, new, unexpected, and delicious. And if you haven't the time, money, or inclination to immediately follow-up on a lead, well, you're right, that's exactly what this forum is for. No need to horde that information, keeping it from the rest of us. Don't be discouraged--post away! Nice tip on Costumbres Argentinas.

Cheers,

Aaron

Aaron Deacon wrote:Some people, when they discover a "new" find or potentially "new" find, are apt to wait until they visit before posting on their meal. Others visit multiple times, take inventory of the menu, chum up to the owners, research the origins of a certain unfamiliar herb, and then deliver a detailed analysis.

What? That is just retarded.

Erik M.

ErikM wrote:"Thomas D. wrote:
"I'm puzzled as to why Cathy would write this in reference to my post."


I'll bet you that--while she may not have used to best format for doing so--she was responding to nr706, and not to you, Thomas D.

I really thought I was complimenting nr706 for the effort to not only identify the place you referenced but to go there as well for a test drive. I thought nr706 was quite generous on all points.

I assume this is a simple miscommunication as any and all hints of good food are always welcome here.

Regards,

The Colombian place in question is Sabor a Cafe. The menu is not unlike that of Brasa Roja minus the chicken and rotisserie rabbit -- lots of grilled meats and yucca. They serve coffee with cheese (which you put in the hot cofee and let it melt) -- authenitcally Colombian, I have been assured, but something of an acquired taste. I prefer the cofee and cheese separate.

An out of town friend was in the mood for Argentinian, so I suggested Costumbres Argentinas. We got there, and, sadly, it looks as though they're with us no more (closed at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night is not a good sign). Anyone know any more details on this?

BTW, ended up at tthe ultra-funky Bite. (Excellent specials, less interesting items on the menu, although the eggplant involtini is good.)

Bite
1035 N. Western
(next to the Empty Bottle)

darnit.. that space seems to be cursed. I live in the neighborhood and before Costumbres Argentinas there was another restaurant that failed, despite all it's efforts to succeed. I'm sure I didn't help by not checking it out.. I was thinking of checking out Costumbres Argentinas but I guess I am too late once again. : (

I had been planning to go to the obscure Colombian place on Peterson west of Western [anyone know the name?] but I also needed to hit the Home Depot on North Ave for some remodeling-related supplies, so 1309 N. Ashland worked much better.) I didn't think going there was trailblazing - it was just avoiding a longer drive. And I really enjoy all the sharing and common interests on this board.

Still gotta try that Colombian place. Won't be able to post on it for a while, though. Later this week I have to take on the burden of an all-expenses-paid trip to a five-star resort on Oahu. Alan Wong, here I come ...

"Sabor a Cafe" - I loved it - particularly the Colombian version of tostones, which are light and crisp and wonderful. Meats are good there - I didn't like the tomato-based sauces which I forget the name of. The sausages and grilled meats were very like Argentine food, but the sides and other dishes much more tropical.

In particular, the clientele seems to be largely Colombian (judging from the soccer uniforms on the kids) and the proprieters are extremely charming.

I'm half Argentine; took my Mom to Costumbres and had a not great experience there although my son was happy as there was plenty of Mexican food. Didn't seem like it was set up to last, but too bad we have one less place to go.

Hi,

What are your prefered ARgentine restaurants? My niece surprised me yesterday with a request for food from Brazil or Argentina. She eats light so going to the all-meat route wasn't going to work. There are not a lot of choices for Argentine as well, so I would love your advice.

Regards,

There is also a new casual Argentinian restaurant on Ashland just below Division called Buenos Aires Forever. I have only had an empanada from this place which tasted fine to me at the time (err, it was late and I was somewhat inebriated). My friend drove by there one night and she said it was packed. Since it is so close to my house, I am sure I will be in again.

The owner was very nice the one time I was in there and even offered to spot me a dollar for my empanadas.

Cathy2 wrote: She eats light so going to the all-meat route wasn't going to work.

My impression is that in Argentina she would starve - or at least lose a lot of weight.

Sounds like you've got more sophisticated Argentine palates on this forum than me; I'm just getting used to the idea that there are Argentines in the US, much less restaurants, (I grew up in Cincinnati, where even Mexican immigrants were rare)

I enjoy Tango Sur, but 'can't speak to the non-meat options if they exist. Their Argentine chorizo and lengua a la vinagreta (personal fave) seem very authentic.

The other option is bistro-style Italian or pizza, and though I haven't eaten there, I've heard good things from Argentines about the pizza and ice cream at the Penguin - though Argentine Italian and Italian Italian food don't strike me as too different (I second what somebody else said about the importance of gnocchi.)

Somebody told me there's a more expensive Argentine restaurant nearer to downtown Chicago that they thought was more authentic and better than Tango Sur, but I never remember the name.

There's a new Brazilian steakhouse in Evanston next to Carmen's, , and though $25 is high if you're only eating at the salad bar, it is extensive. I thought it was OK, not terrific. My take on both cuisines is that the point is to ingest as much meat, particularly red meat, as possible. (What passes for salad in Argentina, well, I won't eat...)

Somebody told me there's a more expensive Argentine restaurant nearer to downtown Chicago

Tango Miel, maybe? It's closed now, alas. If that was it.

Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

What are your prefered ARgentine restaurants?

I have not been to a lot of Argentine restaurants but went to El Nandu a while ago and really had a great time. Food was pretty good (especially the empenadas) and the atmosphere was fun! Went there on a Friday so I think it gets a little livlier on the weekends. Would certainly recommend this place.

El Nandu Restaurant
2731 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL

Check out this thread on them: http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.ph ... ight=nandu

Just curious - are the empanadas at Nandu fried? My mother makes the criolla filling ones, sounds like the same - but has always maintained (and apparently this is the B.A. vs the provinces) that fried empanadas are called pasteles - and are inauthentic (which is only true if you're in B.A.)

Just wondering if this gives anything away there.

Can't wait to try it - thanks for the recommendation!

Cathy2-

Would your niece be up for Venezuelan cuisine? My recollection of the meal we had at Caracas Grill (Clark south of Devon) is that it was quite tasty and not total meat overkill. I don't have any more specifics because it's been about a year since we were there.

CARACAS GRILL
6340 N. Clark St.
773-743-3593

-The GP

Mhays wrote:Just curious - are the empanadas at Nandu fried?

Granted, I haven't had them in about five years, but my recollection is that they are, indeed, fried.

There used to be a place on Damen called, creatively, "Empanadas" (where Toast is now) that would serve baked entree-sized portions of Empanadas. That, along with a killer black bean soup, made for a filling meal for a song and a dance.

Mhays wrote:Just curious - are the empanadas at Nandu fried?

I am 95% sure they are fried. They are quite good. As far as authenticity, I have friends from Venezuela and have been down there myself and they do fry them. Most of the empenadas I've tried (Colombian, Cuban, etc) have been fried, but I'm unsure as to what Argentine tradition is. Still, Nandu is a great place and fun atmosphere, particularly on the weekends.

Generalizations can't really be made about empanadas. That said, here's one: empanadas form South American countries with Italian influence are more likely to be baked and have a doughier, less "short" crust. El Mercado (which I am happy to see is getting an uptick here, particularly the butcher counter) is a good example. Colombian empanadas go heavy on the cornmeal. The Puerto Rican version (pastelillo) tends to be more pastry than filling and is bright-orange due to annato in the oil. Cuban empanadas are similar, though generally smaller with a higher filling ratio. They do both baked and fried.

The silly-expensive place that was on Damen was Chilean. The empanadas were very similar to what you get at Mercado/TS. And the Mexican empanada, which reaches heights at Las Islas Marias. And then there's the pasty.

My favorite is the empanada stuffed with Cuban crab enchilado, which you can't get here, but you can get there:

http://www.mrempanada.com/

And for some history:

http://www.mrempanada.com/Empanadas.htm

JeffB wrote:The silly-expensive place that was on Damen was Chilean.

Actually, I thought they were pretty cheap. You'd get a large meat empanada (not the small, appetizer versions) and a bowl of soup for about $7, maybe less.