Preview Andersonville's Newest Mexican Restaurant
By Melissa McEwen in Food on Oct 28, 2014 7:30PM
Get a sneak peek at Cantina de la Granja, Andersonville's newest Mexican restaurant, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 at a fundraiser dinner for Green City Market at Wooden Spoon (5047 N. Clark St.). The restaurant won't open until 2015, but this is your chance to taste their locavore-centric Mexican offerings such as sweet corn with brown butter and pineapple sage.
Michael Fawthrop, formerly of the Aviary, will craft cocktails to pair with the dinner.
"Cantina de la Granja works with farmers and producers to craft ingredients that will further our unique twists on authentic regional Mexican cuisine," says partner Mark Robertson. "We desire to foster strong working relationships that are mutually beneficial to both Cantina de la Granja and the farmer/producer."
Robertson adds, "our goal is to build a network of strong independent producers who are working with our culinary and beverage teams to deliver the very best experience for our guests. This process may involve working with a farmer to grow a specific varietal or to raise a specific breed of livestock on a particular feed plan to achieve the best ingredients for Cantina de la Granja."
The restaurant will have a 1,400 square foot rooftop garden and their goal is to source 70 percent to 75 percent of the ingredients from within 200 miles of the city. A preview served at Chicago Market's Farm To Market Bash garnered praise and anticipation.