Sunday, March 25, 2012

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.

9 comments:

  1. Oooh everything looks and sounds delish specially that French toast!
    Hope the weather improves.
    Thanks for dropping by my blog =)

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    1. Thanks Kristeta - they sure are! Weather was much better today!

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  2. Mmmm chilaquiles is one of my favorites! I love Mexican breakfasts too - I think because it's such a complete meal and can easily be made vegetarian. Although I do occasionally order chilaquiles for dinner too ;-) I haven't had breakfast at XOCO but that would be something to put on my list :) Condensed milk on french toast? Drool.
    By the way, I think A. and I sat in that exact same spot - that's the side facing the street, correct? I think I may have a photo like that too, haha! I do remember those dark blue walls and I remember liking the artwork. The artwork in my photos looks a bit different though, I wonder if they switch them up.
    Have you tried Rick Bayless' other restaurants in Chicago? (Frontera/Topolobampo)

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    1. Ahhh haha! Yes, it's facing the street!
      I tried Topolobampo - very good too, though I think they're overly priced haha!
      Frontera, not yet, but they have a fast food version at Macy's - will probably try that next!

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  3. I'm pretty sure I had Huevos Rancheros recently, but I can't remember where! This place looks awesome though. Parang ang colorful and cozy.

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    1. Chris! Think, think, think where that was! Yup, actually it's a sort of fast-food restaurant, but made-as-you-order.

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  4. Sarap! There's torrijas here as well - and I am thinking that torreja from Mexico is inherited from Spain :). torrijas is very common during easter season. It's been an essential food during fasting as it is rich and thick and filling. Much like the origin of pancake in UK :) It may have an Arabic origin though. Father-in-law often makes this for dessert and I love to top it off with chocolate powder hehe... sweet tooth!

    Spanish Pinay

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  5. ok correction... "Torrijas" is plural so you know.. the "is(es)" from my comment should be are haha i-correct pa ba. Torrija is the singular form naturally. Just want to emphasize that the name is actually Torrija :-D

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    1. Ohhhh! Most probably they were! We loved it! Lhot, umiiral ang pagka-OC mo hehehe!

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