Chicago is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, but what if I told you one restaurant, in West Town, draws inspiration from 27 Latin American countries when creating menu items? I recently had the chance to sample Dell’ Rooster‘s cosmopolitan brunch menu, and I thought I should share my recommendations below 🙂
The story of the restaurant began over 20 years ago, when founder and Chef Miguel Tenesaca immigrated to the United States from Ecuador and settled in Chicago’s West Town. Soon, Tenesaca started working in kitchens all over Chicago, first as a dishwasher, slowly climbing his way up. As explained on the restaurant’s website, “a rooster or ‘El Gallo’ is a well-known animal throughout all of Latin America, and is said to refer to an animal that brings faith, strength, hope, unity, life, the beginning of a new day, and much more. It ultimately represents how Miguel chose to live his life, and why the restaurant is named Dell’ Rooster.”
I visited Dell’ Rooster one crisp fall morning, my mind excited for the culinary journey that was about to start. The beautiful interior decoration and the symbolism of the rooster drew me in, while the delicious, vibrant carnival or flavors compelled me to stay over and to fully appreciate each moment of my brunch experience.
From Colombia’s Arepas de Choclo to Mexican Sweet Corn Empanadas, the influences of Latin American cuisine can be felt throughout each of the dishes served at Dell’ Rooster. The menu is extensive without feeling overwhelming, and the dishes are expertly curated and beautifully prepared and presented.
The first dish I tried was actually my favorite of the entire meal. With its perfect crust enveloping the plump, tender shrimp, Encocado Du Camarao (crispy coconut encrusted shrimp with tamarind glacé and Malagueta peppers) delivered a sensational bite, that satisfied my desire for comfort and my inquisitive mind eager to start the culinary exploration.
I was also excited to taste the Warm Stuffed Dates (goat cheese, romesco, bacon, black garlic aioli), whose sweet, luscious sauce danced on the palate, and created an irresistible combination with the decadent dates wrapped in bacon and packed with creamy, dreamy cheese.
For mains, the Rooster & Son Enchiladas (charred tomato sauce, roasted chicken, crema, cheese, cilantro microgreens, egg your way) enveloped my foodie heart in a mesmerizing, soft blanket of edible hugs…
…while the Crispy Rooster (buttermilk crispy chicken, tomato, pickled cabbage, spicy aioli) delivered satisfying crunch and zesty seasonal cabbage goodness.
My sweet tooth delighted in experiencing the Dulce De Leche Pancakes (buttermilk pancakes, dulce de leche, blueberry compote, whipped cream)…
… and the stuffed French Toast (lime custard, coconut, pineapple syrup, whipped cream, blueberry compote). The latter’s silky and fruity seasonal syrup was a masterful addition, which balanced the flavors beautifully while delivering irresistible, unforgettable fall vibes.
My brunch experience at Dell’ Rooster was the perfect celebration of Latin American harmonious culinary complexity. It made me happy, it fueled my enthusiasm, and it created lasting memories reverberating in each moment. The dishes were a joy to discover, and the symbolism of the rooster was exciting to unpack. I look forward to visiting Dell’ Rooster again soon because more stories are waiting to be shared, and more magical creations have yet to be discovered.
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