ARTango Restaurant {Review}

Usually when I review a restaurant, my guest is the Baron or for those times when girlie time is in order, my friend Melissa joins me. But every now and then, Joel pulls up a seat to the table and it's a great way to see how a restaurant can also cater to the kiddies. Thankfully Joel has gotten his share of restaurant exposure and [for the most part] is well behaved. A recent experience we all had together was for brunch at a brand spanking new restaurant, ARTango Bistro. Located in the Ravenswood neighborhood on the north side of Chicago sits this beautiful restaurant that's full of culture and delicious cuisine...

ARTango Bistro is a combination of artistic expression and fresh Latin fare with unique ingredients. Our original take on South American cuisine will guide you through a thrilling journey of sights, colors, aromas and flavors. 

Our menu features a combination of Argentine and Venezuelan heartiness and Peruvian spiciness with a fresh and healthy modern twist. We use fresh ingredients specific to the Southern hemisphere such as quinoa, mango, avocado, aji peppers, pears, and yams. 

Menu highlights include arepas (Venezuelan corn flour buns stuffed with meat or veggies), empanadas, lomo saltado, Argentine-style steak, and eggs Benedict. We also offer Bristol Italian coffee.

When we visited, the restaurant had just opened four weeks prior. Starting off with brunch and lunch, they have kicked things off on the right foot. And speaking of feet, this restaurant has strong ties to tango along with art, hence the name...

ARTango is a place where you can enjoy tango music and dance and experience authentic Argentine culture. Tango gives us a chance to connect with another person...in embrace. ARTango is our own little Buenos Aires in Chicago where everyone can feel the heat of the milonga nights. 

Our space is gracious yet edgy, modern yet rustic and was crafted and designed by local artists and architects. With exposed brick walls, a beautiful bar, and hand-crafted light fixtures and furniture, ARTango is a unique and artsy space. The walls are decorated with photographs, paintings, murals and installations by local artists.  

We had the opportunity to enjoy their brunch and lunch items during our visit. Everything brought to the table was not only delicious but so beautifully presented. It's no wonder, considering the executive chef is Isaak Reyes, who comes from Bistrot Margot, a popular French restaurant in the city. He offers some creative plates that capture a sense of artistry that really elevates South American cuisine. Here are some dishes to try...

Quinoa Risotto Salad , Grilled Portabella Mushrooms

Assorted Empanadas

Tuna Tiradito

Arepa with Chorizo, Provolone Cheese, Aji Amarillo Mango Sauce

Tuna Ceviche

Grilled Salmon, Peruvian Purple Potato, Aji Amarillo Passion Fruit Sauce

Argentine Styled NY Strip Steak with Chimichuri Sauce and Roasted Potato

The restaurant also started offering a dinner service this weekend so definitely check it out! And if you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving with a night out, ARTango is offering a special Thanksgiving Prix Fixe holiday dinner menu, which is also BYOB friendly for $39/person... so reserve a table!

Course 1

Salad: Roasted Seasonal veggies, Arugula, Goat cheese croquets,
Candied walnuts and Balsamic Reduction

Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Chipotle Beets

Assortment of Empandas (veggies, ham and cheese, beef)

Provoleta Grilled Provolone Cheese with Marinated Red Pepper and Olives

Course 2

Roasted Turkey Breast, Sweet Potato Cake, Green Beans, finished with Passion Fruit Sauce

or

Duck Breast and Duck Confit , Wild Mushroom Risotto finished with Fig Sauce

or

Mahi-Mahi , Quinoa Cake, Diced veggies, Pecans, Aji Amarillo Mango Sauce

or

Argentine Style New York Strip Steak, Roasted potato, Grilled Asparagus, Chimichuri Sauce

or

Filet Mignon , Caramelized Onions, Truffled Butter, Roasted Potato,
Grilled Red Pepper finished with Malbec Sauce

Course 3

Sweet Trio

Mango Flan Dry Fruits and Candied walnuts

Alfajores with Dolce de Leche

Pumpkin Cake with Whipped Cream