MAY STREET CAFE
(312-441-4442)
A WBBM RESTAURANT REVIEW BY SHERMAN KAPLAN
BROADCAST DECEMBER 14, 2007
May Street Café is actually at 1146 West Cermak, where co owner and Chef Mario Santiago and his partner, Guadeloupe Agular have been at it for five years, slowly building their restaurant’s reputation and following.
Start with truly special tortilla soup, enriched by sour cream and avocados in a spiced tomato cream broth with chunks of grilled chicken.
Butternut squash soup is even better and can make you forget that you ever wanted to count calories. Its flavor is embellished by dried cranberries and a subtle addition of creamed horseradish.
T
he soups are just a couple of starters that showcase imagination and the creative instinct. Among specialty entrees, la pina de la playa is centered on Spanish rice with shrimp and bay scallops in a sauce that collects the flavors of mild chipotle peppers and savory coconut, served in an open half of grilled pineapple. Some of that pineapple taste works its way ever so softly into the flavor mix.
Seafood choices include wild striped bass napped with the flavors of ginger and dates combined into a fruited sauce. Wild salmon is served with a collection of influences including black beans and fresh vegetables.
The Chef takes pride in the wealth of fresh meats, provided by Allen Brothers, a company which supplies some of Chicago's most acclaimed restaurants. A rib eye, which I spotted at another table looked great.
For vegetarians, Chile Rellenos is excellent with a filling of Chihuahua cheese inside a poblano pepper fried in a creamy egg batter. Spicy tomato sauce tops it all.
There are several ala carte sides. I like the idea that mashed potatoes are literally mashed to order with a variety of flavorings ranging from plain to herbed.
As for desserts, mango flan is killer with intense flavor and rich texture. But, chocolate cake, while praised by some at our table, strikes me as similar to a boxed cake mix.
May Street Café is at 1146 West Cermak. It’s BYOB, conversation friendly and has secure free parking. You won’t spend more than $70 a couple with tax and tip. May Street Café has a K/RATING of 19.5/20.
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