💃 A New Year-Level Mexican Feast at Lena Brava

Last night, a reunion dinner with friends at Lena Brava totally redefined my idea of Mexican food! Meat after meat — beef, lamb, pork, chicken, fish — all laid out like a festive Lunar New Year feast. This was a full-on carnivore's paradise — veggies had no place here (the menu barely offered any 😂). 📍 900 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 🐟 STRIPED BASS The star of the night — a gorgeous two-toned grilled fish with red adobo & green mojo sauces. The fish was so tender it melted at the touch. Roasted summer squash added a sweet, juicy contrast. 🥑 Guacamole (Cold Bar) Upgraded classic — wood-roasted tomatoes and Serrano peppers layered the flavor. Paired with crispy chips — addictive! 🍖 Grilled Lamb Chop (Small Plates) Charred outside, juicy inside — no gaminess, just pure savory goodness. 🥩 BAJA PARRILLADA (TURF) A meat lover’s dream — Prime steak, bone-in pork chop, garlic chicken skewers, roasted potatoes, bacon. The potatoes baked under crema, bacon bits, and chives were sinfully delicious. 🌽 Street Style Corn (Sides) Shaved-off kernels grilled with Mexican cheese, chili powder, and creamy sauce — spicy, cheesy, pull-apart heaven. 🍭 Boston will always feel like a “hometown of happiness” for our crew. Two couples were there — I’ve known one since undergrad, watched them grow from awkward crushes to marriage. Seeing them still warms my heart and renews my faith in love. Funny enough, all four friends now work in data-related fields. Me? Maybe I won’t shine in the data world, but I believe I can make my mark somewhere else. It hit me — this dinner felt like my old League of Legends team comp: bot lane couple, top/jungle couple, and me mid lane, quietly farming minions. Different paths, but we’re all fighting to win at life. #Chicago #ChicagoEats #Boston #LifeInTheUS #MexicanFeast #FoodAndFriends #Nostalgia 🥂🌮