The Barrington Courier-Review did a nice little roundup on where Chicago’s chefs eat a while back, but we were so honored by the recommendations, we couldn’t help but give it some blog real estate. We were stoked to see La Sirena Clandestina name checked by three different amazing chefs as a favorite spot for industry folks to grab a meal. We couldn’t be more honored that you’re into us, because we’re really into you. Thanks, guys!
Stephanie Izard, of Girl and the Goat and Little Goat fame, really digs our Empanadas, saying “Sometimes the simplest things, when done perfectly, are my favorite go-to’s. The empanadas are flaky, tasty and comforting.”
Our Empanadas are intertwined with a memorable evening for Chris Curren, Executive Chef of Homestead on the Roof, West Town Bakery & Diner and The Berkshire Room. He remembers choosing La Sirena Clandestina as the spot for his first meal out with his girlfriend after the birth of their son. He noticed that we’re “doing amazing things in that little space — great food, great drinks, great ambiance, great service. We ordered a bunch of food, including the empanadas. It was the best and most flavorful meal I’ve had all year. Everything had big flavors — the kind that punch you in the face with deliciousness.”
Carriage House’s Mark Steuer raved about our Pork Milanese: “I loved it because everything about it was perfectly executed. So often, the seasoning is off, or a sauce is too thick or thin, vegetables are over or under cooked… On John Manion’s Milanese, the pork was perfectly juicy, the breading was flavorful and crispy. The chanterelle mushroom ragoût had a lot of acid to it, which I love, and the creamy mustard sauce really brought it all together. It’s one of the best plates of food I can remember eating.”
When asked of his own favorite meal, John Manion passed the love right back to Carriage House, giving the Quail with Black Pepper Dumplings some high praise: “Most likely my favorite thing to eat in Chicago. If I eat at CH and don’t have it, I feel empty inside.”
