Momcorn in Gurnee

A friend of mine just told me about Momcorn, an inexpensive little restaurant in Gurnee that focuses on Latin American cuisine, especially as related to corn. I was wondering if anyone has been there yet. I looked at the menu, and it looks good. My friend met the owner, who is from Spain, though widely traveled. I'm hoping to get there in the next few weeks, but I figured I'd see if there were any opinions on it here.

http://www.momcorn.com

Momcorn
5101 Washington st , # 2
Gurnee, IL
Tel (224) 610 0407

Cynthia,

Did you ever go to Momcorn? If yes, what did you think of it?

Regards,

Haven't gotten there yet. Hope to go in a few weeks. Menu looks interesting.

I love their tag line: "A-maizing Meals and Snacks!"

Finally made it up to Momcorn, in the company of the friend who had originally told me about it. Fortunately, having a friend who is willing to share meant I could try more items.

This place is great. The fun was compounded by the fact that, because my friend is a regular, the owner, Sergio Rivera, came over to chat and tell us more about his food.

For drinks, the corn-based choices were between atole and chicha morada (they have several non-corn drinks, including soft drinks, tea, and coffee, but I was there for the corn). I've had atole a number of times in Mexico, so I went for the chicha. It was tasty, sweet-tart, tinged with cinnamon, and (as the name suggests) deep purple. Sergio brought over an ear of the dark purple corn used in making the drink, to show that the color was natural.

I ordered a cup of pozole, which was spicy (but not brutally spicy) and flavorful.

Sergio recommended the quesadilla, which was outstanding -- made with cheese, epazote, and serrano chile.

Next we had sopes topped with meat and avocado and two kinds of tamales (rajas and chicken with green chile).

We finished the meal with a warm, sweet empanada filled with guava paste and cheese.

Sergio enthusiastically related that the ingredients are locally sourced and all natural, nothing is frozen, everything is made from scratch. He related (no doubt because he would have no way of knowing the level of experience of this pale nordamericano woman) that some customers got tears in their eyes when they ate some of the specialties he produces, and would tell him his food was just like their grandmother's. (I love it when people are excited about what they do.)

Sergio also said (and I figured this would appeal to this group) that they have what is, in essence, a "secret menu" -- which, he explained, means that they had to limit the menu, but that doesn't limit the chef. If it's from Latin America and involves corn, they can probably make it. Just ask.

This is probably not worth the trip north if you're in the city, where Latin cuisine is fairly available, but if you're in the northern suburbs -- or if you're heading to Wisconsin and wondering if there's anything to eat in Gurnee (Momcorn is not far off 94), or heading for Great America (which is very nearby), this place is a good option.

Momcorn is small and casual, with yellow and orange chairs and booths, walls decorated largely with photos of corn, situated in a strip mall next to a Subway. But it's definitely not ordinary.

Sounds like it is worth a road trip.

The LTH North Lunch Group dined here yesterday. A stellar lunch indeed - including the secret menu - capped of with complimentary natilla dessert.

One member of the group pronounced this place to be GNR worthy. I see a future visit to check out the breakfast burrito - served from 9 -11:30am. Thanks again to Cynthia for the heads up on this gem.

For you city folk - best spot to refuel on the way home is at the Speedway on 41 & Buckley. You're welcome.

The regular menu is great, but the secret menu offered greater variety -- including an outstanding hibarito. And I noted a lot of items on the secret menu that I want to go back and try.

The item on the menu identified simply as "corn on the cob" is, in fact, Mexican-style elote -- with mayo, chili, and cheese. You can get it on the cob or in a cup, which is tidier and easier to share with others.

Don't know what impact this might have on the restaurant, but my friend who knows the owner of Momcorn (does his taxes) says he just sold the place -- and as much as he loved it, he's glad to be moving on. But he did sell it rather than close it, so it might stay the same for a while.