Puerto Rico dining brings the tropics to Chicagoland

***** Of course, theater people are very familiar with Puerto Rico with their love of “West Side Story” and for those who have visited this US Territory, the flavors are amazing and the beaches , stunning. Chicago has always been “home” to the community and Division Street  in Humboldt Park ( Paseo Boricua/between Mozart and California) is an area that makes one feel as if they are on a trip to the Island itself. For many years, this is where one would find the food they had memories of in Puerto Rico, but as the years have gone by, the population has spread out and the dining experiences are now “around The Town”

Last night, Frank, Jane and I met with Emanuel J. Arrieta and his Aunt Betsy at one of the family’s restaurants in Logan Square, Jibarito’s, where we sampled a great many of the food experiences offered. The dining space we were in was the sit down dining room located at 3400 West Fullerton in Chicago. Emanuel’s mother has the original corner spot as their “delivery/carry out restaurant, and Betsy the sit down where we dined, just one door west of the original.. FYI- This is a BYO restaurant.

There is also a  Jibaritos on Harlem located at 3317 N. Harlem Avenue, just North of Belmont where they do have cocktails and are known for their Sunday brunch ( we will make that trip, for sure) . For many years, Division Street is where I would go for a jibarito, a true Chicago dish with a Puerto Rican background. The sandwich is the jibarito inspired by the Caribbean platicon. What took place was (supposedly) a late night diner wanted a sandwich, but the restaurant was out of bread, so fried  green plantains became the “bread” and a new sandwich was born. Over the years , more choices ( the original was steak) of contents have expanded. I must say that the plantains at Jibaritos was the crunchiest I have ever had…terrific!

The menu is huge with choices of appetizers, entree’s and sides. We sampled the Alcapurria ( banana dumplings), Rellenos ( a wonderful potato ball) and the Pastilios ( meat pie that was quite yummy), as well as the corn fritter and the P.R. Tamale known as the Pasteles ( which I found to be much tastier than any tamale I had ever had)

We also did two of the “jibarito’s” the bistek/steak and the lechon/roasted pork- both were tasty and while I preferred the steak, I found that the pork was a great second choice. FYI- they also have shrimp, octopus, blood sausage and more. Of course, we had to try the side dish of Arroz con Gandules ( Puerto Rican Rice) and we did the Mofongo with the fried pork ( again, there are many choices). As a beverage we enjoyed the Parcha Kola Champagne, a sweet and wonderful beverage ( next time, I will bring a little vodka to add some kick). and for desert, the flan ( classic creamy vanilla custard with caramel- yummy!

Everything is prepared from scratch, and is as fresh as fresh can be. I can speak for Jane and myself in telling you that this was very tasty food with very little spice. We were given some sauces to add, and while we tried them, Frank devoured them. He loves spicy food, and the spices offered did not let him down.  The portions were great, so if you are in for trying new items, you can select several items and share them. This allows you not to overeat, and at the same time, allows you to try things you might never have experienced. I can tell you that the steak Jibarito is quite a handful. Both Jane and I had 1/3 of one half, Frank the other 1/3 and I would think either one of the hospital workers of his brother, the other half.

As I said earlier, the menu is plentiful, the service quite friendly, and the food is amazing. If you have had the Puerto Rican experience ( either there or in another restaurant), prepare yourself to be surprised. This will become your go-to spot for Caribbean dining, and one added feature, family pricing!

The information on the Fullerton Avenue location- DINE IN   872-315-3140

Delivery/Carry Out   773-799-8601   website www.jibaritosymas.net

hours for Fullerton and Archer Avenue

If you prefer to do the Harlem Avenue location, the following is their information   website www.jibartoschicago.com

Call  773-647-1122  HOURS ON HARLEM- 9.a.m. opein til 8 p.m.  Breakfast/brunch is served on Harlem, and from what I hear, worth the trip ( which we will take very soon)

There is also a South Side location at 6601 West Archer Avenue    773-424-6052  www.jibaritosymassouthside.com .