Australian Company Brings Mexico to Illinois

[rating=5]Fast Food! While most of us enjoy far too much of this, and no matter where you go you see one drive-thru after another, we all know that for the most part these eateries are more for convenience than flavor and health. Anyone who has been to Mexico or any Hispanic neighborhood of any city, knows that there are lots of little stands where one can buy food that is fresh and tasty. Steven Marks, a New Yorker who transplanted to Australia , saw that people loved the Mexican food and while it was “street food” it was healthier than most of the other “stuff” people were eating. His thought was to create a restaurant that took the “street food” one step further- make it healthy to go along with the flavors that people love!

Now , they have arrived in America! They started in our state in Naperville and have added Schaumburg to their chain. This afternoon, I took a few of my “bowling buddies” to the Schaumburg location, just West of Woodfield Shopping Center. This is a high traffic area with lots of shopping, industry and Auto dealers. The restaurant is called Guzman y Gomez ( named after two of his childhood friends). While it is a “drive-Thru” ( two lanes and busy, but smoothly operated) they have a nice dining room inside and an area for outside seating when the weather permits. Alan, Mel and I sat inside today.

The way it works you place your order, they hand you the drink cups that you paid for and a number which you place on your table. When your order is complete, one of the servers will bring your food to the table and make sure that you have all that you need in order to make sure that your dining experience is memorable!

First of all, the meals are made to order so you are not getting meals that have been sitting under heat lamps. Step one is to select your style. Burrito Bowl, Nachos, Burrito, Nachos, Quesadilla, tacos, enchilada, and  something unique, the Cali Burrito ( French fries in a burrito) a very tasty treat indeed. Speaking of fries- wow! Their fries are amazing! You can use ketchup, but I suggest you eat them as they are (terrific) or dip them in the MexChimi Mayo- makes them even better!

They have different sizes so the hungry man can get his fill while the light eater can satisfy his or her hunger. They also have a salad that is special, and of course, kids meals. Like other well known Mexican dining experiences you can select your filling: chicken, angus steak, pulled pork carnitas, shredded beef brisket, seasoned ground beef and for those who prefer non-meat, Fajita vegetables with Guacamole.

We partook of pretty much everything! The tacos were as good as they get. I swore that they were up to what I have had in Mexico and in the Little Village area of Chicago ( authentic though and through) The Enchilada Buttiro was a masterpiece as were the Burrito Bowls. Wait until you see the prices! You are going to think they made a mistake- they didn’t! Guzman y Gomez wants their diners to enjoy fresh tasty food at prices that are family friendly. They even have “meal Deals” the whole meal at $8 or $10 depending on size- a great meal at a great price!

They have a unique slogan “tell your taste buds the siesta is over! They dish up the amazing flavors of Mexico” right here. They do catering as well. Right now there are two locations in Illinois ( with more to come).

Naperville: 1519 N. Naper Blvd. and Schaumburg ( where we dined) at 795 East Golf Road. The staff is efficient and very polite. This is not a typical fast-food restaurant- these people care!

Their website www.guzmanygomez.com