XOXO to XOCO!

This weekend was an oddly busy one, but I could not resist posting my thoughts on XOCO.  My friend Mia, actually prompted me to try this Mexican restaurant which I pass by every bus ride to the office for more than a year now.  Ok, so there was actually one failed attempt back in Winter of 2011 (due to insanely long lines), one successful attempt about a week ago (for dessert).... and finally yesterday, breakfast!  I've come to realize that I'm more and more drawn to mexican breakfast food, and I think it all started with breakfast burritos (beef or chicken, eggs, salsa wrapped in burrito wrapper - darn, I don't know what they're called... "wrap"?).  McDonalds has them and I've never ordered anything else since I tried it - I will definitely miss breakfast burritos when I fly home to Manila because they don't carry this in their menu (now if only Mr. Yang reads this).  Then I discovered Huevos Rancheros (tortilla, salsa, refried beans, rice) which apparently is a breakfast staple not only in Mexican themed restos, but also available in many Chicago breakfast/brunch places.  Again, none in Manila - ugh.  And finally, what this tribute of a post is for... the one I've lost sleep for (not exaggerating, but maybe a little bit).  Chilaquiles!  Tortilla chips, roasted tomato-serrano sauce, cheese, scrambled eggs - yummy.  I like that it's somewhat a casserole/fritata and it's served in a sort of cast-iron plate.  Though you might think it's like Mexican left over resurrected in a pretty (intimidating) plate, it's d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s.  Be careful though and don't burn your tongue out of low EQ like I did!  But it's definitely worth it.  

XOCO is a relatively small place and you'll have to stand in line to order your food.  We ended up sitting at a long bar with high chairs, so like I usually do while waiting for food... take pictures!  I like their decor - not in-your-face Mexican fiesta theme, but very subtle and stylish.  And yes, they used dark blue for their walls!

We ordered Ham-Cheese-Mushroom Empanada for appetizer which I thought they'd just serve as is - not even in a plate but just a plain brown paper bag.  But no, they topped it with cheese and served with this thick sweet chili-tomato sauce.  Best empanada I've ever had in my life.  Great first impression.  And for our morning coffee, we had chocolate cappuccino and latte.  The chocolate flavor is a little strong, almost like they put a shot of liquor.  And for the main course - Chilaquiles and Torreja.  Torreja is Mexican for French Toast (so I guess they should call it "Mexican Toast"?), topped with bacon and walnut bits.  It was the creamiest french toast ever that I'm guessing they used condensed milk (idea light bulb flashing)!

Chocolate Cappuccino and Stack of Napkins (why not? :-))

Ham, Cheese, and Mushroom Empanada

Torreja a.k.a French Toast

My new love - Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles' plate handle and yes... it was a gloomy Spring morning.