Comments icon Comments

On any given day in Chicago, it’s always a treat to stroll down Fulton Market and be lured in by some of the city’s top food destinations. One can find nearly any cuisine they are craving within a few city blocks and transport across the globe through food. So, the next time you crave the warm sun and tropical vibes of Mexico, enter the oasis that is Parker Hospitality’s newest concept, Costera Cocina Tulum: restaurant by day, club by night. The excessive palms and boho ambiance will guide the path to your table where you’ll be treated to the standard of excellence that Parker Hospitality concepts are known for. Modern and elevated takes on authentic Mexican dishes and boozy, craft cocktails will take up every inch of your table whether you’re in for lunch, brunch or dinner. Here’s what we love for weekend brunch, with a return for lunch and dinner being a must!  

Raw Bar 

Whether you are at Costera for brunch, lunch or dinner, the Hamachi Tiradito is the lightest and most refreshing way to jump start your tastebuds and launch into your meal.  Nestled in a pond of habanero-watermelon broth, delicate morsels of Hamachi soak up the surrounding citrus party that also features wakening bites of orange and zesty lime.

Img 1937

For The Table 

“It’s all about how it’s prepared, not the way it looks.” - That’s what the staff informed us of when we naively questioned why our Short Rib Quesadillas looked more like empanadas and not quesadillas. Turns out, it’s the fresh corn masa that makes a quesadilla, not the cheese! Everything we thought we knew about quesadillas was thrown out the window the second our teeth sank into the first bite of succulent short rib neatly stuffed into that masa-based, empanada-esque dumpling. Two treasure troves lie beneath a pile of lettuce, crema and queso fresco lending a crisp freshness to the rich, shareable dish.

Img 1943

Brunch Mains 

Chocolatey. Indulgent. The perfect blend of savory, sweet, warm and spicy. Those are just a few ways to describe Costera’s Mole Poblano Enchiladas. Shredded chicken is wrapped in a cocoon of corn tortillas before inky mole is ladled over, making the three enchiladas disappear underneath. Thinly sliced radishes, avocado, lettuce, cotija and a drizzle of crema fresca complete this staff favorite platter. 

Img 1945

Chilaquiles have become a bit of a personal brunch staple and it’s safe to say my plus one and I have never had one as uniquely prepared as Costera’s. The Short Rib Chilaquiles come piled ridiculously high with a mountain of tortilla chips, heaps of melt-in-your-mouth short rib, sour cream and red onions, awash in red salsa that is unlike any we’ve had before. Though we were already bursting at the seams at this point in our meal, the chilaquiles were so intriguing we couldn’t help ourselves from coming back for another fork full.  

Img 1946

Dessert 

Recommended by seemingly the entire Costera team, the Churros and Ice Cream is the perfect ending to any meal at the Fulton Market restaurant. Nested over the most delicious coffee ice cream, rings of crunchy, yet soft churros are enhanced by a dulce de leche and chocolate sauce for your sweet tooth’s pleasure.  

Img 1950

Brunch Cocktails 

There is never a better time to enjoy an espresso martini than brunch and Costera’s, El Secreto, will have you boozin’ and cruisin’ for the rest of the day. Enjoy the caffeinated concoction of Espolon Repo Tequila, La Colombe Cold Brew and house made coffee liqueur.  

Img 1939

Freshen up the palate with the tried-and-true Paloma, crafted with rosemary infused Montelobos Mezcal, chili infused Tromba Blanco Tequila, pamplemousse, lime and grapefruit Jarritos.  

Img 1949

As ever, no brunch is complete without a bloody in hand. Try Costera’s Bloody Maria, expertly mixed with house made bloody mary and Cimarron Repo Tequila.  

Img 1948

Not included on the brunch cocktail menu but on the regular cocktail menu is the Sandia Fuego. Also known as a spicy watermelon margarita, this crafted cocktail is made with spicy infused Tromba Blanco Tequila, lime and watermelon agave.  

Img 1936

Costera Cocina Tulum at 850 W Fulton Market is open for brunch on the weekends starting at 10am.  

Comments

View Comments (0)