For those who live or stop by the northern suburbs, Truco Taqueria & Margarita Bar ( 211 Randhurst Village Dr., Mt. Prospect; TrucoTaco.com ) is certainly worth visiting.
And, city slickers, don't be deterred by the fact that it's in a large retail setting like Randhurst Mall. Located next to an AMC movie theater, this restaurant offers some intriguing items, indeed.
Start with one of the better margaritas I've triedand continue with guacamole that packs a little heat. Speaking of heat, I thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp flatbread, except that it ( as well as one of the tacos ) came with peppersand peppers are not on the menu. The general manager apologized, but I was briefly concerned that the chef put additional items on dishes that had not been requested.
However, those mistakes aside, I highly recommend the tacos ( part of the "authentic" experience the spot promotes ) as well as the El Gringo burger, which is as all-American as it sounds ( and not part of the authentic experience ). Truco is a good spot to hit just before taking in that summer blockbuster.
Mott St. brings the brunch
Thrillist recently announced its list of the best burgers in Chicagoand Mott St. ( 1401 N. Ashland Ave.; MottStreetChicago.com ) topped said list, even besting the sandwich at the revered Au Cheval.
Without having tried Au Cheval's offering, I have to say ( or write ) that Thrillist is pretty much on the mark. The burger I had for brunch recently was simply amazing ( a word I try not to use too often ), with the patties topped with sweet-potato shoestrings, hoisin aioli, miso butter, American cheese, dill pickles and pickled jalapenosand this one had an egg on it, for good measure.
However, the four-year-old Asian-fusion spot has more to recommend it than that wonderful sandwich ( although that's certainly enough for most people ). Other brunch items include everything from a pork-belly Benedict to the Bowl of Awesomethe most healthful dish you'll ever try, complete with chlorophyll, yogurt, raw honey, bee pollen, hemp seeds, sprouted buckwheat and amaranth.
But if you don't want to go the healthful route, the burger is a sinfully delicious way to go. By the way, if you're there on a Sunday, be sure to ask for Lola and ask her the meaning of lifeshe will know of what you speak.
Note: Restaurant/bar profiles are based on invitations arranged from restaurants and/or firms.