Cuy

Is there any place that serves cuy in the Chicago area?

HI,

Informally they can be found at Ecuadorian soccer matches.

About a year ago I was able to get one made by request at Salamera on Clark, which has since closed. I am glad to have the opportunity to taste it, though it is not my favorite.

There is a Monica Eng article in the Chicago Tribune archives on cuy. Her husband is famously quoted as finding the taste similar to "Fish bacon." The article is from some years ago, dated enough the places she visited may or may not exist any longer.

You may learn who makes this by making phone calls to Ecuadorian restaurants, though who knows how they may respond. In person you may have better luck especially if it is an off-menu item.

Regards,

I was "fortunate" enough to have sampled cuy at Salamara the same night as C2, and it was okay, though nothing I can imagine longing for...however, a client of mine just got back from South America where he had cuy and said it was very good. Like so many other food items, the quality of the eating experience probably depends a lot on the quality of the food and preparation, and when it comes to cuy, I would guess you'd have a better chance of getting both somewhere south of Panama.

Any updates as to stores selling frozen cuy? I assume Chicago's ban on restaurant sales still stands?

As of a couple of years ago, La Unica on Devon sold it (I don't know if they still do). That is where Norka (Cafe Salamera) used to obtain it.

La Unica Food Mart
1515 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 274-7788

81 Sickened By Guinea Pig Meat At Ecuadorian Fest

...
At least 81 people have been hospitalized for severe gastrointestinal symptoms after eating guinea pig meat served by one of the festival’s vendors.

The Minnesota Department of Health said many of those people tested positive for salmonella poisoning.
...

My dearly departed Guinea pig, A-Rod, is chanting "karma's a bitch" in Guinea pig heaven right now