Tag Archives: Fonda Frontera

Hola, Fonda Frontera

Posted by Casey Cora

fondafrontera_logo_rgbWe heard you, Wicker Park. We’re leaving the Xoco Bistro name behind and evolving into Fonda Frontera, our Mexico City-inspired neighborhood restaurant.

“Like the fondas in Mexico City — those homey places serving classic, local food — ours is warm and comfortable, and embodies the essence of Frontera: Mexican spirit, local heart,” said Chef Rick Bayless. “Our goal is to make Fonda Frontera the best neighborhood Mexican restaurant in the city. It is, after all, in my neighborhood.”

Menu here

The bar at Fonda will retain its robust local craft beer lineup, but our bartenders will be mixing up some pretty delicious new cocktails created by spirits director Jeff Walters. There are craft cocktails (yes, you can get a Topolo margarita), mug cocktails and carafe cocktails, all featuring a wide array of mezcals, tequilas and local spirits. Our wine director, Jill Gubesch, who has created some of the most talked about wine pairings for Topolobampo, is creating a rotating list of standout great value wines.

Chef John Sullivan has introduced a raw seafood bar, rich with ceviche, cocteles and oysters, and added more soul-satisfying entrees from our wood-burning grill and oven — some modern, some classic. All very Mexico City. For the XOCO loyal, we’ve kept your favorite tortas and caldos on the menu. As ever, our tortilleras will continue hand-pressing and baking tortillas from fresh heirloom Oaxacan corn masa.

Chef Jose Ramirez continues his reign at the pastry kitchen, kicking out vibrant, Mexican-inspired desserts. (Yes, the golden delicious churros are staying on the menu. We’re not crazy.) 

And because Fonda loves niños, we’ve created what we think is the most amazing $6 kids menu anywhere: quesadillas, fideos en mantequilla (toasted Angel Hair noodles tossed in butter and añejo cheese) chicken noodle caldo and more, all served with agua fresca AND churros AND a ramekin of soft-serve ice cream. They’ll love it!

Fonda Frontera, 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park, opens on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Bring the friends and familia.

Rick to Host “Fonda Fridays” in Wicker Park

Posted by Casey Cora

Chef Rick Bayless is headed to the kitchen in Wicker Park making some amazingly tacos for the “Fonda Fridays” series.

“Occasionally, it’s nice to get out of downtown and just have fun in the kitchen.  I can promise some different, delicious and downright joyful tacos. These tacos will be unlike any thing else I’ve done,” Bayless said.

The “Fonda Fridays” series takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 10, Nov. 17 and Nov. 24 at Fonda Frontera, 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave.

In addition to Fonda Frontera’s full array of Mexican comfort food, the menu for Nov. 10 includes three mouthwatering taco specials: Octopus Carnitas, Smoked Brisket with Salsa Negra and Roasted Chicken with Maitake Mushrooms and Jalapeño Crema. (Other tacos in the series might include crispy sweetbreads with tomamole, lobster with esquites, tongue two-ways with foie gras crema, dry-aged beef with salsa huevona and lamb birria with Chicago-style giardiniera.)

Fonda Fridays will also mark the first time beer from Cruz Blanca Cervecería, Bayless’ brewery in the West Loop, will be served in any of his restaurants outside the Randolph Street locations. First up? CDMX, brewer Jacob Sembrano’s  bright pilsner with a delicate fruity German hop aroma balanced by a smooth, clean and soft bitter finish.

Good food, plus guests can also use the dinner series as an excuse to get a jump on holiday shopping – Rick will be signing cookbooks when he jumps off the line.

The launch of the Fonda Fridays series coincides with other changes at the restaurant, including a move toward Friday brunch, the debut of a new catering service and the introduction of a fall menu, which includes seasonal stars like Roasted Butternut-Bacon Tlayuda and a Spiced Tres Leches Cake with Red Chile-Apple Salsa.