It was a happy Monday indeed as I got to try the new Latinicity’s Pata Negra restaurant at Block 37, located downtown. Latinicity is a full service tapas restaurant and is fairly new to Chicago. Since I had missed out on their grand opening, I was thrilled about visiting and finally trying all their creative, Latin-inspired dishes I had heard about.
Their menu is simple and easy to navigate and comprised of small and large plate options with numerous seafood choices, so I was in luck.
My guest and I started with a variety of their ‘Tradicionales’ such as the Mixed Olives Plate, Gambas Al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) and the Pulpo A La Galega (Sautéed Octopus). The octopus was a knock out; it was zesty with lots of spicy paprika and a little lemon to cut the spice. Both the shrimp and octopus were fresh and juicy in texture. The olives were also some of the freshest I’ve had, and a good mix of different variety.
We also had a steady supply of their amazing Sangria Roja throughout the night, which was made with red wine, brandy, Kalani Guanabana Liqueur and fresh fruit. Personally, I prefer my red wine sangria with brandy over rum, so I was happy. This was just the lush, fruity, beverage I had wanted with my tapas.
From their Verduras (Salads) selections we ordered the Berenjenas which was another gorgeous looking dish. This was a roasted eggplant salad with whipped goat cheese and a raisin escabeche. The marinade of the pre-cooked raisins added a certain sweetness to the frothy cheese, which in turn made the eggplant tastier. We wiped the salad bowl clean!
Then from their Al La Plancha menu, we tasted the scallops, which came out grilled with savory seasonings that didn’t interfere with the flavors of the meat. This was another one of my favorites from the tasting.
The creativity didn’t end with fish either. We also tried their Cheese Charcuterie Board, which was the yummiest assortment of three cheeses, the Cana De Cabra, Manchengo and Garrotxa, each made from different milk. And the highlight was a trio of the Garlic Dolce De Leche, Pear Compote and Lavender Truffle honey it came with. Who needs dessert after those dipping sauces?!
All portions were of the perfect size and at the end of our meal we felt satiated, without feeling stuffed. What a fantastic dinner!
Everything at Pata Negra was authentic and deliciously made. I will certainly return to this restaurant and I hope you get to try it soon!
Latinicity (Pata Negra)
Neighborhood: Chicago Loop
Address: 108 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 795-4444
Website: http://www.latinicity.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:00am -9:00pm, Fri-Sat: 11:00am–10:00pm, Sun: 11:00am - 6:00 pm
Price: $5 - $28