Chicago South American Cuisine at Its Finest – A Feast by the Fire 🔥

Heard about the chef’s counter at EL Che Steakhouse & Bar, an Argentine spot, and immediately booked. Turns out they only host one table per night for the set menu—maybe it’s still under the radar, because we snagged a reservation just one day ahead. We sat right in front of the charcoal grill, watching them cook, plate, and work with fiery passion. Just staring into the flames was mesmerizing. And this has to be the happiest kitchen crew I’ve ever seen—singing, chatting, spreading good vibes. Food made with this much joy just has to taste incredible. The chef said it’s “cooked with love.” At one point, I asked what they were snacking on (fries!), and they brought us a beautifully plated portion straight from the kitchen—an extra dish on the house!😂😘 The $175 set menu promises 10 courses, but with staff surprises, we ended up with 11. After two desserts, the waitress offered us chocolate cake to go—since we were totally stuffed!💕👌 Starters included beef tartare with bone marrow mayo and onions (salty and tangy), followed by grilled oysters, shrimp, and scallops. The flavor profile was consistent—lots of mayo and fried garlic—and leaned salty overall.❤️😍 Then came mushroom ravioli and those gifted fries—absolutely explosive in flavor. By now we were getting full… but the mains were just beginning. Grilled quail with a Chicago-style BBQ glaze—sweet, spicy, almost like Cantonese marinated pigeon—was incredibly tasty. Then, three beef courses: Dry-aged strip steak with a refreshing salad to cut through the richness.😂👍 My favorite—a "diao long"-style cut with special mashed potatoes. So good I would’ve cleaned the plate if I had room! The sauce drizzled over the potatoes comes from an Argentine café the chef loves. A simple salt-seasoned filet paired with sweet lobster—surf and turf to close the mains.😍😁 By this point, even I (a guy with a big appetite) was beyond full. Desserts followed: one with toffee notes, another with sea salt and coconut milk—both served with ice cream and cake. The whole experience lasted over 3 hours, but it never felt long. Watching the team cook with such joy lifted our spirits too. Hands down the best South American meal I’ve had so far! #ChicagoLife #ChicagoEats #DateNight #GrillFeast #FoodDiary #MichellinDining