Went to Topolobambo in Chicago for the first time this week. The owners are Rick and Deann Bayless. The food is authenic regionally based mexican, very upscale. Here's what we had: As we were seated, the waiter brought complimentary guacamole, heavy on the cilantro. Instead of tortilla chips, there were "chips" of cucumber and jicama. I like this because it wasn't as filling as tortilla chips. For an appetizer, my husband and I shared the chile relleno stuffed with masa and blue crab. I expected a batter fried chile and was pleasantly surprised that what was served was a fresh roasted chile with stuffing and a roasted tomato sauce. Very nice, but not that exceptional. The next course was ceasar salad for me and soup for my husband. We were disappointed that they were out of the corn chowder. They offered an oxtail soup instead. My husband tried this. It was a hearty, rich soup that I really enjoyed. The ceasar salad was not so great. The menu described a lime dressing. I tasted something very bitter in the dressing that I didn't like. For and entree, I had the escolar ( a white steak fish, like swordfish) This was served with a garlic, chile, hearts of palm relish. The sauce complimented the fish which was cooked perfectly. This came with a timbale of rice. The rice was brick red and spicy and very unique. My husband had a stuffed trout that was not as good as the escolar. We shared a California Merlot with dinner. For dessert, I couldn't pass on the blood orange ice. My husband tried a warm almond tart served with bittersweet chocolate sauce. Of course, we shared. Both were tasty. Anyway, The food was pretty good but I think I like mexican food better in a more casual setting. The owners have a casual restaurant in the same storefront area. Its called the Frontera Grill. I prefer scooping guacamole in jeans rather than a suit. So if we go back, will go to Frontera.
Chicago, IL