|
Windy City Guide.com Cover Article
Mexican cuisine has been a staple in the U.S. for decades—our proximity to this neighboring country has rightly kept us fascinated with its people, its culture and its lovely geography. But the image of Mexican food many of us hold in our heads consists of a few fast food items like tacos, burritos and nachos with lots of cheese. In reality, we’re talking about a diverse region with an exciting cuisine and thrilling history. Celebrate this timeless, exciting cuisine at Arlington Heights’ Fuego Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar.
17 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights (847) 590-1122 © Copyright by Windy City Guide.com |
By Helen A. Lee
Authentic Mexican food is known for its unique flavors, spices and colors. Today’s true Mexican cuisine has been strongly influenced by a succession of empires, including Spanish colonization in 1519. The Spanish conquistadors introduced rice, beef, chicken, wine, onions and garlic to the corn- and chile-based cuisine that already existed in this part of North America. Aztec and Mayan traditions abound; the French occupation introduced baked goods. Trade with the Philippines, plus continual mixing with other cultures and religious traditions such as Christianity introduced Mediterranean and Arabic flavors as well. 
At Fuego Mexican Grill, all of these elements inspire a cuisine that may surprise you if you’re used to Tex-Mex, an Americanized form of Mexican cuisine characterized by the heavy use of melted cheese and starches. The menu at Fuego is pure Mexican. It includes regional dishes from all over Mexico and over 140 choices of 100% agave tequila. For example, you can sample cuisine from the state of Puebla, in the central and southeastern part of Mexico, where the May holiday Cinco de Mayo originated. This area is known for spicy chicken, pork, lamb and vegetable dishes served with corn tortillas. Mole sauces like Mole Poblano, guacamole (prepared tableside at Fuego), antojo (much like Spanish tapas) and seafood are popular here as well. 
Fuego Mexican Grill constantly hosts fun events, designed to please all palates. During the first Wednesday of each month, the restaurant hosts an authentic Tequila Pairing Dinner. The menu features four delicious courses with cuisine from regions in Mexico, accompanied with shots of tequila, margaritas and an after-dinner tequila cocktail for an all-inclusive price. Reservations are required.
Also watch out for the “South of the Boredom” tour, in which Chef Juan Luis Gonzalez highlights cuisine from a different Mexican state every month—upcoming months will include dishes from Oaxaca, the Yucatán Peninsula and Michoacán. It just goes to show that something’s always happening at Fuego Mexican Grill! Don’t forget there’s also live mariachi music every Wednesday night as well. You can make your reservations online at www.fuegomexgrill.com.