Hi folks, After reading on the net several recommendations for a Mexican restaurant in Chicago named Nuevo Leon, we tried it last weekend for lunch. It was excellent. Their stews were outstanding. I tried to order a beer, but they do not have a licence. I was told I could bring my own, but it was too late for this visit. Their iced tea comes already sweetened, which surprised me. I don't usually use sugar in iced tea, but it was a fine match for the meal. Thanks to all the people who recommended it. Nuevo Leon is on 18th near Ashland. By the way, I don't digest onion or garlic very well and was prepared to suffer for the rest of the day, but I didn't have any trouble at all: I view this as a minor miracle. This restaurant is not a good choice for vegetarians. The dress is very casual; it is truly a neighborhood restaurant. Lunch for two with tip cost $13. For dinner, we ate in the first floor restaurant (Entre Nous) at the Fairmont Hotel (on Columbus near Wacker). The Fairmont is very posh. I was as dressed up as I could get (silk dress, pearls, low heels) and felt under dressed. Men must wear coats and ties. So, why did we go there? They have a fixed price, 4-course meal for $19. What a deal. First course was either a fish terrine or wild mushrooms and sausage in pastry, soup was creamy and buttery with the flavors of smoked pheasant and sweet corn, main dish selections included breast of duck, blue fish, veal, and a fourth choice I can't remember, for dessert we could choose anything off the dessert cart. The chocolate cake with raspberry sauce was so rich even a committed dessert eater could not finish it; ditto for a fantastic creme brulee. There was fresh fruit salad and about 6 other choices (cheesecake, apple tart, peach cobbler). This $19 deal has been going on for some weeks now. The friends who discovered it a month or so ago had a different menu (lot of lobster).
Chicago, IL