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Best Bites Chicago

This week’s Best Bite: Pork belly tacos, polenta, and drinks, Takito Kitchen

Pork belly tacos with sesame tortilla, morita salsa, fresh mozzarella, pickled onions, and arugula
Pork belly tacos with sesame tortilla, morita salsa, fresh mozzarella, pickled onions, and arugula

Why it’s this week’s Best Bite: With its prime people-watching location, irresistibly snackable menu, and creative seasonal drinks, this new high-end taqueria in Wicker Park practically screams Chicago summer. My dear friend and I were completely enchanted by our weeknight spot on the patio as we debriefed from the wedding we’d attended the weekend before. Of the tacos we ordered, the pork belly with fresh mozzarella and pickled onions was my favorite, well-balanced even with the rich pork belly. The polenta, made with locally sourced grains and cheese, blew me away with its creaminess punctuated by smoky bits of bacon, and the masa crackers were an especially delicious vehicle for sampling each of the three complex salsas. It was tough to decide on a drink, but I landed on the ¿Por qué No?, which paired just the right fruits with mezcal without being overly sweet. I think I’ll be spending more balmy nights on this patio in the coming weeks – assuming I can get a seat.

¿Por qué No? cocktail with lemon, blueberry, peach, and Sombra Mezcal
¿Por qué No? cocktail with lemon, blueberry, peach, and Sombra Mezcal
Polenta with cheddar, smoked bacon, pickled chilies, and cilantro
Polenta with cheddar, smoked bacon, pickled chilies, and cilantro
Tomatillo pistachio salsa, tomato hibiscus ghost pepper salsa, and avocado salsa verde, served with masa and rice crackers
Tomatillo pistachio salsa, tomato hibiscus ghost pepper salsa, and avocado salsa verde, served with masa and rice crackers

The details: Takito Kitchen , 2013 W Division St., Chicago.

Categories
Best Bites Chicago

2012 Best Bite #14: Chicken tacos, Antique Taco

Each day in December, I’m celebrating my best bites (and sips) in 2012, posted in chronological order.

Chicken tacos
Chicken tacos

Why it’s a Best Bite: When I heard Antique Taco described as “a taco stand meets farmers market meets Anthropologie,” I had no doubt that the atmosphere would be delightful. My first visit was for a close friend’s birthday, and we were immediately impressed by all the artistic details (such as the intricate china pictured above). Of all the tacos we ordered, I didn’t expect these to be my favorite, but I appreciated the subtle, sweet-and-sour balance of marinated chicken, honey yogurt, pickled red onions, and cucumbers. The market-fresh ingredients and generous fillings make the tacos here a contender for the city’s best.

The details: Antique Taco, 1360 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.