Happy #15 Carnivale!

[rating=5] As we live thru the “pandemic” and many Chicago dining spots have been closed, several have done great and innovative things to keep their name “out there” and to keep their employees active. For many, it has been the delivery and “curbside” services. As many our opening their outside dining, some even creating an “outside”, we know that in the near future, they will return to full dining, with some restrictions and changes. A Chicago favorite , Carnivale . known for its colorful ambiance, delicious food and outstanding drinks, it appears they have been quite creative in their reaching out to those who miss them.

They have designed a great “Meals to Go” menu so that while we wait for the restaurant to open, we can still enjoy the artistry of their chef’s and kitchen staff.

Tonight , Jane and I had the pleasure of doing a pick-up of one of the three special offers.

I picked up,  curbside, two boxes. One was a neatly packaged evening of dinner and the other an assortment of items needed to complete making their special “Cotton Candy Martini”

In our box-

Sabor Y Carne

Guacomole & chips was our choice ( the other Ropa Vieja). Jane loves Guac and chips, so that was our selection.

For the entrée, there were three choices. We selected the Peruvian Chicken and the Salmon ( leaving behind the arrachera). Our dinner included fried plantains, safito rice, black beans and some marvelous root potatoes.

The portions were amazingly huge, thus leaving some food for lunch tomorrow. everything was perfectly packaged and as we moved to plate the dinner, we realized that they are an amazing kitchen!

This is the more economical of the special packages at $60  dinner for two. Dinner for 4 is only $100

If you desire a bottle of wine, you can do so for $40 in addition

The other box contained the Cotton Candy Kit ( for their martini) and at $45 included:

375ML bottle of Carnivale Vodka

grapefruit soda

6 limes

Carnivale Cotton Candy

Carnivale Caramel Corn ( this was not in our box, but did not affect the taste of the martini- plus a reason to go back).

There are other drink kits and two other great dinners available at very similar pricing. En Fuego has empanadas, Ribeye, Tenderloin with mashed potatoes, elote and asparagus. Paella De Carnivale is a Ceaser Salad and Requeson with Paelle De Mariscos

You can check out their menu at  www.Carnivalechicago.com

They are opening up their outside dining by reservation only 312-850-5005

If you have never dined at Carnivale, they will be opening soon, or if you want to savor their great flavors, now, pick up the phone or go online and see what all the fuss has been about. They are celebrating 15 years of being a Chicago Favorite. This is the restaurant that started the Fulton Market District. They are one-of-a-kind serving Latin inspired food from South America, Central America and Mexico for those seeking a festive experience that will last forever. When opened, they have fantastic dining areas that will add to the full Latin experience. But while you are waiting, try one of these “Meals to go” offers.

NOTE: We were able to “zoom” with the chefs and management to learn more about the experience we were enjoying at home and also learn the secrets to mixing the special cocktails they are known for.