-By Bill
Chicago is a melting pot of ethnicities which is reflected in the enormous selection of restaurants and markets, but if you’re like me, a foodie in the ‘burbs, options can be limited. The standard ‘ethnic’ aisle of any major market (Jewel, Dominick’s) generally consists of some ramen noodles, instant curries and taco bell dinner kits (is this offensive to anyone? I’m a white male, not exactly of authority to speak on the topic, but this really gets under my skin).
Fortunately, there are some solid spots out there, and if you dig Mexican food as much as I do, you need to check out La Rosita in suburban Glendale Heights.
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| La Rosita - Exterior |
Not only is this store massive, the selection of products inside is incredible: varied, fresh, often hard to find produce, spices, house made/seasoned meats, cookware, etc.
Oftentimes, ethnic markets pride themselves and fresh, ready to use produce, and La Rosita is no different. Avacados and tomatoes ready for immediate use are abundant, as are citrus, fresh chilies, tropical fruits (pineapples, bananas, prickly pears, coconuts).
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| Fresh Produce |
The dried chili and spice section is as large as any I’ve seen, with standard chipotle, pasilla and ancho varieties, but also the harder to find mulato, cascabel and moritas. Dried shrimp, Mexican oregano, canela, jamaica and piloncillo round out the spice offerings.
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| Dried Chili Selection |
At the 50 foot butcher/seafood counter, they have house made chorizo, whole roasts of beef shoulder, rib roasts, lamb, whole chickens, turkeys, pork roasts and ribs, ceviche ready fin fish, oysters, and true langostines. Pretty much all protein varieties are in abundance.
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| Meat and Seafood Counter |
Need cheese? Name your pick, from queso fresco to anejo, cojita and Oaxacan varieties. They also offer fresh crema and several varieties of goat’s milk.
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| Cheese Selction |
On top of all the fresh produce, they have several types of Mexican Chocolate, tortillas, masa harina (no fresh masa, sadly), prepared salsas, hot sauces, dried beans, rice, banana leaves, corn husks, etc. They also offer a great selection of equipment like tamale steamers, tortilla presses, cazuelas and ollas.
The real beauty of La Rosita though, lies in the in-store taqueria. Kick butt tacos for $1.50? Worth the trip alone.
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| Taqueria Menu |
-Bill
La Rosita Carneceria
500 North Ave, Glendale Heights, IL
(630) 534-6890
wow!! that amazing that store. now I buy my food there..thanx
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