I'm game for EBL. Is that the spot that was Jake's Pizza for many years, and was Mexican seafood until (I guess) recently?

If this doesn't pan out, there's always El Fast (nee Famous) Burrito across the street, and the Bulgarian place a couple doors north that I've never gotten around to trying.

Since I'm feeling less than 100% and this has turned into a more informal commitment, I'ma staying home tonight.

But I love Puerto Rican food and am looking forward to the report.

Giovanna

JoelF wrote:I'm game for EBL. Is that the spot that was Jake's Pizza for many years, and was Mexican seafood until (I guess) recently?

Yes.

JoelF wrote:If this doesn't pan out, there's always El Fast (nee Famous) Burrito across the street,

Not bad, but we can do better in Des Plaines.

JoelF wrote:and the Bulgarian place a couple doors north that I've never gotten around to trying.

Mehanata would be an excellent "Plan C" choice. A huge menu full of Eastern European dishes.

So far, we've got four for El Bistro Latino

JoelF
Cathy and friend Helen
BuddyRoadhouse
GAF
B2B

boudreaulicious, Giovanna, and Sweet Willie are definitely out.

Still need to hear from Stevez, GAF, and Katie

Buddy

I would like to join you tonight for
Plan B

B2B wrote:I would like to join you tonight for
Plan B

Plan on it.

I talked to SteveZ who is settled in for the evening.

GAF will reply here.

I don't have Katie's phone to catch her.

Cathy

Sorry, I didn't realize that this is still a thing for tonight. When Willie called me to cancel, I went ahead and made plans to cook dinner at home. I'm not going to the other PR place, but I'd love to hear a report.

Hopefully, the event at Santiago's will get rescheduled. I'm very interested in trying that place after the glowing reports posted here.

I'm planning to join you. Leaving right now.

I waited a while to see what Willie found out from stopping Santiago's himself, but then I had to get off the computer and get some other things done. I hope those of you who went out enjoyed your dinner. How was El Bistro Latino?

Time to reschedule

to the 10 who were confirmed, which day(s) works best for you?

Mon Oct 24
Tues Oct 25
Wed Oct 26

HI,

I can do Monday or Wednesday, but not Tuesday.

Any explanation about their no-show last week?

Regards,
Cathy2

Cathy2 wrote:Any explanation about their no-show last week?

In fairness Santiago's did try to call my mobile, for some reason the VM was delayed in getting to my phone.

I'll have a clearer idea as to my October schedule by midweek.

Just to fill in some of the blank spaces, as Willie says, the folks at Santiago's did call and leave a message prior to the event. I know this because I stopped by a couple of days later, right around closing time and spoke to the family as they were cleaning up.

In addition to mentioning the courtesy call, Mrs. Santiago explained they'd had issues with the kitchen's fire suppression system and had to shut down on Monday to fix it. Unfortunately, the work went unexpectedly long and they were forced to close down Tuesday as well. She was extremely apologetic and regretted having to close down, but it was an absolute necessity. They're looking forward to rescheduling.

As for our "Plan B" dinner at El Bistro Latino, I'll take the resounding silence as an indication not everyone was as pleased with our meal as they could have been. I thought it was overall very good with a couple of weak links.

We ordered a bunch of apps and a sandwich that were indicative of the menu and Puerto Rican cuisine in general.

The intense flavors of the Lime/Cucumber Agua Frescas was quite refreshing and satisfying.

Beef and Chicken Empanadas were exemplary. Their crisp, golden shells were well stuffed with very tasty fillings.

The Yuca Frita Con Ajo Fresco (basically yucca French Fries) was received as a pleasant surprise by all. Most versions are more fibrous and tough. These were comparable to top quality, fresh, hand cut fries. Served piping hot, their toothsome, crunchy skin gave way to a dense but fluffy/creamy interior. Great flavor too, not at all bland like some yucca fries.

We got a couple of pounds of Lechon, served with baskets of fresh tortillas. The pork was moist and juicy, not too fatty, just enough to add flavor and richness.

Judging by the size of the cut up pieces, our Cubano Sandwich must have been massive in it's initial construction. Admittedly, it wasn't as good as the version at Santiago's, but it was still quite tasty.

Also along for the ride, Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas, Beans (not sure which variety was ordered), and house made Potato Salad and Coleslaw.

The Platanos Maduros were the poor performers. Not bad mind you, but not as good as the beautifully ripe, super sweet, caramelized beauties we were served on our maiden visit. This is an inconsistency EBL needs to solve. I'm not sure why it's a problem at all. I've ordered Maduros at other restaurants and never been served an under-ripe version. EBL's owners acknowledge the issue and know they need to serve them when the peels are practically black. Maybe they're serving so many, they don't have time to let them ripen.

This same problem presented itself with dessert. The plantains in the "Plantains Foster ala BuddyRoadhouse" weren't ripe enough to be served as a dessert. The saving grace came in the form of the Caramel Sauce served on the side. Still, it's a mistake to offer this dish if one of the main ingredients isn't up to snuff.

I hope they figure out the plantain issue. Other than that, El Bistro Latino serves wonderful food. Both they and Santiago's are excellent additions to Des Plaines rapidly improving dining scene. They both deserve success, and I look forward to doing my part to insure it.

Buddy

My preference would be Wednesday (first choice), or Tuesday. I'm out of town on Monday.

In order of preference:

Tuesday
Monday
Wednesday

Tuesday and Monday are ideal. Wednesday is less ideal, but should be possible.

Tuesday would be my preference. I could maybe do Monday or Wednesday; too soon to know yet.

Unfortunately, that's a bad week for me so I'll have to bow out--very sorry to miss but glad the place is back at it!! I'm sure I'll get there eventually. Enjoy!

My order of preference would be
Wednesday
Tuesday
Monday

as far as I can tell at this point.

And by Wednesday, I might be interested in eating again, the picnic being on Sunday and all . . . .

Giovanna

Giovanna wrote:My order of preference would be
Wednesday
Tuesday
Monday

as far as I can tell at this point.

And by Wednesday, I might be interested in eating again, the picnic being on Sunday and all . . . .

Giovanna

These dates are at the end of October, not next week.

D'OH!

Yeah, should be hungry by then.

Giovanna

All of those dates work for me; no preference. Pick whichever day works best for the group.

Buddy

If you do it on the 24th or 26th, may I be waitlisted?

I think I'll have to skip: October looks to be a not-eating month for me to get back to fightin' weight.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed EBL, just haven't had time to post much lately - I kept waiting for someone else to start a thread that I could add to. Really liked those empanadas; the lechon was spot-on (especially with the spicy chimichurri that came with the empanadas); best yucca fries I've ever had; and I can now say that Puertoricano rice and beans beat the snot out of most Mexican preparations.

Hey all, my Oct is just too crazy, I'm going to have to schedule this for Nov.

I'll get back to this thread with a date after speaking with Santiago's. Date will be on a weekday night.

Thanks,

Willie

And we get to see Joel at his fightin' weight.