Antique Taco opened their doors May 15, 2012 in Wicker Park, Chicago, offering a limited menu of various, deliciously creative tacos. Little did they know that their lone vegetarian taco, The Market Mushroom, would be a massive hit with vegetarians, meat-eaters and taco lovers.

Ashley and Rick Ortiz, husband and wife team, envisioned Antique Taco as more than a causal taco joint – they wanted it to feel like home. Every detail receives a handmade touch, from the personally selected antique adornments, down to the hand-stamped “Mushroom” taco skewer. Rick manages the kitchen, dreaming up seasonal taco recipes and Ashley utilizes her event planning background to handle the store front. Whether they’re cooking or tasting, they share a clear vision for mushrooms on the menu.

Their Market Mushroom Taco is not your ordinary mushroom experience.  A handmade corn tortilla envelopes three mushroom varieties – shiitakes, oysters and criminis – delivered twice a week from local mushroom farm River Valley Mushrooms. Since mushrooms are well-known as a great substitute for proteins, Rick treats mushrooms like meat, starting with giving the mushrooms a quick sear on the grill. The mushrooms’ natural flavors are elevated with a garlic and thyme marinade and then accented with a unique combination of garlicky kale, pickled vegetables including cauliflower, lime-soaked onions and drizzled with a cilantro cream. Each taco is made to order from the freshest local ingredients.

Antique Taco places a strong emphasis on seasonal, wholesome food and their menu always reflects that. Due to the unique fact that mushrooms are always in season, they’re not going to be leaving the menu anytime soon. Can’t wait to see how they’ll be incorporated next!

If you can’t make it to Chicago to try a taco for yourself, try these chef-approved tips that Rick guarantees will make your own mushrooms tacos just as tasty (or close to it!):

• Quality of mushrooms is a key factor; look for dry, tightly closed caps.
• Season mushrooms with salt immediately after searing to pull out the moisture and maximize the depth of the mushroom’s natural flavor.
• Try olive oil in place of butter when searing or sautéing mushrooms.
• Utilize the liquid mushrooms release when cooking; it’s where the most flavors are captured.
• Experiment with different flavor pairings – think out of the box.

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan (the taco can be prepared vegan without the cilantro cream), meat-eater or a general mushroom enthusiast, Antique Taco will steal your heart and it is well worth a visit to taste what all of the buzz is about, next time you’re in Chicago.

Antique Taco is located on 1360 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622.

Hours:

Monday: Closed

Tuesday- Thursday:  Noon – 10PM

Friday –Saturday:  Noon – 11PM

Sunday: Noon – 8PM

*No Reservations