Kie Gol Lanee- Dinner from the food capital of Mexico- Oaxaca

***** For many years, I was employed by LaRaza newspapers, and then Guia ( a weekly TV Guide in Spanish) and for both, the Spanish Yellow Pages. I am quite familiar with the population and have dined at many different restaurants where Mexican ( or Peruvian, or Argentinian, and even Puerto Rican) food is served. But when one sees the word Oaxacan in front of food, be prepared for the best of the best from the “food capital of Mexico”). Where can you find the flavorful tastes of this state? Right in Chicago! Yes, in the Uptown area at 5004 N. Sheridan Road ( at Argyle) you will find a lovely dining room at Kie Gol Lanee, a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant ( 3 years running).

Frank, Cary, Jane and I arrived this evening at 6:15. They were already bustling with diners, outside ( a nice little sidewalk café/weather permitting) and inside. Understand this is a MONDAY night. Who goes out on Monday night? I guess those who want a special dining experience will do so, and I am happy that we were a part of the “in crowd” at this wonderful, yet intimate space on the North side.

The menu is vast with lots of choices, mostly traditional Oaxacan dishes. We began our evening with cocktails. The old saying is “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”, so instead of my usual martinis and Frank’s usual Old Fashion, we opted for specialty of yhe house drinks. Frank, Cary and Jane enjoyed their Margaritas ( a huge selection available) and I partook of a Tepache Oaxaqueno ( a delicious beverage with a little bit of Mexico in the mug).

With the aid of Jorge, our server, we learned a great deal about the menu. It is divided into  Botanas ( appetisers), and then Tostados, Tamales, Ensaladas, Sopas ( more than likely not as big in the summer months), then the Tlayudas ( traditional dishes) and last but not least, Platos Fuertes, the dinners. They offer some great deserts as well.

As you know, we like to do a menu tasting to get a better idea of the entire spectrum in order to provide you with the possible choices you will find, so we went to the section called PRIX FIXE, a 3 course menu that is ONLY available on Monday-Thursday.

This menu allows a choice from PRIMERO ( appetizers, salads, and tamales). Then we get to go to the  Platos Fuertes and then theTercero. In each case we were to pick one from each category, so to truly feel the menu, we each chose something different and then tasted them all!

FYI- before ordering, while sipping our cocktails, we had some chips and mole’ ( very tasty home made). Our Botanas were Guacamole and chips ( Jane’s favorite choice), Garnacha ( masa patty with marinated pork, onion, cilantro, radish, cabbage cheese and a red sauce), Tlacoyos De Frijoles- another corn patty stuffed with refried beans, requeson topped with curds, cactus, tomato, onion, radish, cilantro and red sauce, and last but not least, one of my favorite, a Puerco En Mole Rojo ( a chicken tamale that everyone voted the best tamale they ever had- hands down!).

Our Platos were Chuletas De Puerco (pork chops, stuffed with oaxacan cheese, chorizo, over grilled onions, served with rice, black beans and pursiane on the side). The next was Barbacoa De Borrego (BBQ lamb shank with salad and served with watercress, radish, red onions and lemon vinaigrette. Next was the Camarones A La Diabla ( deviled shrimp with guajillo & chipolte sauce served with rice, salad and avocado). This one had some kick to it- but it was truly a good kick! The last dinner was the Arrachera A La Parrilla ( grilled skirt steak with mini onions jalapeños toreados, mole de huitlacoche, served with rice). While they were all sensational, all four of us agreed that the steak ( done medium to perfection) was the top and while the Shrimp dinner was spicy, two of us truly loved it.

Time for desert: Flan Vanilla, Tres Leches, Pastel de Calabaza and Ncuatole- all were delish! they also offer a fruit with cream, but we were at the point of being full.

By the way, I watched other diners being served and the Tacos looked amazing with a capital AMAZING!

This lovely little secret in Uptown has been leaking out of late and while I am glad for them, I know that soon it will be harder to get in, but worth the wait. They are also getting ready to bring on a new location in Logan Square at 2109 West Diversey so even more Chicagoans and suburbanites can partake of the magic that is to be found at  Kie Gol Lanee.

They are open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 until 10 p.m. with a HAPPY HOUR from opening until 5:30

Fridays  3:30- 10 p.m.

Saturday  10 am-10 p.m.  (brunch menu)

Sunday      10 a.m.- 9 p.m. (brunch menu)    CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

Phone 872-241-9088   visit www.kigol.com 

5004 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago.

Metered street parking on Sheridan Road.

There are far too many pictures of the many items we tasted. You need to visit them and taste for yourselves! You won’t regret it!