Chicago Michelin One-Star Topolobampo |🌮

Scrolling through my food photos, times have changed! At the end of 2023, I went with a good friend 👯 to a low-key but delightful Michelin one-star restaurant: Topolobampo, which specializes in high-end Mexican 🌮 cuisine. There aren't many Mexican restaurants in Chicago with a Michelin star, so it naturally piques curiosity about how it performs. 🌟 Recommendation Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 (4/5) ✔️ Suitable for: Fans of Mexican cuisine 🌮, those who want to try different Michelin flavors, and diners who prioritize taste over hype. ❌ Not suitable for: Fans of minimalist cuisine 🍽️ and those who can't handle spiciness 🌶️. Appetizers and Cocktails: The dining experience at Topolobampo is phased. We started in the bar area with appetizers and cocktails. 🥂 Oysters & Corn Soup 🦪 The oysters were fresh with a hint of spiciness, making them delicious and appetizing. 🌽 The corn soup was a highlight—smooth, rich, and perfectly spiced, with the signature flavors of Mexican cuisine. It really opened up the appetite. After a few drinks, we moved to our seats for the main course. The dishes at Topolobampo were more refined than I expected, while still carrying a strong Mexican traditional flavor. 🔥 Roast Duck with Mole Poblano and Pan-Seared Foie Gras This was the most surprising dish of the meal. The duck was perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and juicy inside, paired with the rich cocoa and spice flavors of Mole Poblano. The foie gras was smooth and just the right amount of fatty, adding a touch of luxury to the dish. 🦞 Monkfish Cheeks with Clams and Crabmeat The monkfish cheeks were very special, with the fish being chewy and the clams and crabmeat full of flavor, though a bit on the salty side 🧂. 🧀🌽 Cheese-Stuffed Corn Cakes These were aromatic and satisfying, with melted cheese, a classic presentation of Mexican flavor. 🍰 Dessert: A Pleasant Surprise Many Michelin restaurants tend to skimp on desserts, but Topolobampo did not. The desserts were thoughtfully designed with Mexican flair, beautifully plated and rich in texture, rounding out the dining experience nicely. 🌮 Low-Key but Worthwhile Mexican Fine Dining 🎭 Compared to some Michelin restaurants that rely on "hype," Topolobampo focuses more on the flavors themselves. Each main course is rich in Mexican flavor while maintaining the refinement of high-end dining. For those looking for a unique fine dining experience, Topolobampo is a great choice! #Chicago #MexicanRestaurant #Michelin #MichelinOneStar #ChicagoLife #ChicagoFood #ChicagoEats