CHICAGO (CBS) — Mexico’s only Michelin-starred taco restaurant is teaming up with a Wicker Park taqueria for a limited time — and foodies are excited.
In fact, they are so excited that they waited in line for four hours.
Taquería El Califa de León is an unassuming taco stand in Mexico City that has exploded in popularity over the past year since receiving the prestigious Michelin star. The Michelin Guide says there’s a good reason why El Califa de León has been around for more than 50 years.
“This taqueria may be austere with just enough room for a handful of guests to stand at the bar, but its creation, the Gaonera taco, is exceptional,” reads the Michelin Guide entry for the taqueria. “Thinly sliced tenderloin is expertly prepared to order, seasoned with just salt and a dash of lime. At the same time, a second chef prepares the excellent corn tortillas on the side. The combination that is created is elemental and pure.”
That taste of Mexico from El Califa de León has come to Chicago — and people were willing to sacrifice their entire day to enjoy what some say are some of the best tacos in the world.
The line wrapped around several city blocks and snaked around corners. Some got comfortable in chairs while waiting in line, while others relaxed with shots of tequila.
Most waited for hours before the doors opened at 5 p.m
“I got here at 2 p.m., but I was in line around 3:15,” Cedric Mays said.
“I took half a day off from work,” said Anais Castillo. “I thought, this is something I want to be a part of.”
They all waited for authentic Mexico City tacos served in a collaboration between El Califa de León and Tacombi, a multi-city taqueria chain with a Chicago location at 1422 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park.
All four tacos served at El Califa de León were on the menu: the aforementioned Gaonera, bistec (steak), chuleta (pork chop), and costilla (beef rib).
“We’re also from Mexico City,” Castillo said. “So I think there’s a little bit of pride knowing that we have one of the few taqueria with Michelin stars.”
“When you think of a Michelin star, I don’t think you think of a taco stand,” said Karla Valencia, “so when I heard tacos, I thought, Michelin star, yes! I thought, I’m there. “
El Califa de León has been in the family of Mario Hernandez Alonso since 1968.
“The line is great for me,” he said.
Alonso said he never thought his no-nonsense taco stand would attract so much praise and loyal followers so far away from Mexico.
“It really changed my life. It’s been almost six months since he got this award, and I’ve received so much recognition that I’m sharing it here,” Alonso said through a Spanish interpreter. “I want them to fulfill everything they imagined as soon as they take that first bite, and more.”
After cold rain and several hours on their feet, people finally got their hands on the decorated tacos.
“Was it worth three hours? No,” said Mykel Andrew. “But they were good.”
“Awesome, worth all the wait,” said Jeremy Crawford. ‘We got here around half past two. We waited two and a half hours. Worth every second. Worth every cent. It’s amazing.’
In case you missed Wednesday night’s festivities, or just don’t want to wait in line, two of the tacos are still on the menu at both Chicago Tacombi locations for the next two weeks. In addition to the Milwaukee Avenue Tacombi, there is also a location at 126 N. Peoria St. in Fulton Market.
Charlie de Mar
