Veteran Chef Opening Taquizas Valdez In Irving Park

New Mexican Restaurant to Bring Flavorful Options to Neighborhood

Chef Ivan Valdez is bringing his passion for cooking to a new Mexican restaurant in Irving Park, Taquizas Valdez, set to open this month.

About the Restaurant

Taquizas Valdez will be located in the former Tano’s Pizzeria storefront at 3038 W. Irving Park Road. The restaurant will offer a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, tortas, and starters like taquiza fries and torre de ceviche.

Menu Highlights

Some of the menu highlights include:

• Pollo al lemon, a lime-marinated chicken thigh served with onion, cilantro, avocado, and Fresno on a corn tortilla
• Al pastor, an achiote-marinated pork shoulder served with a pineapple-habanero relish, onion, and cilantro on a corn tortilla
• El Americano, a marinated skirt steak served with munster cheese, romaine, tomato, and lime crema on a flour tortilla
• Taquiza fries, crispy fries served alongside skirt steak, banana pepper fondue, frijoles negros, guacamole, lime crema, and radishes
• Chilaquiles breakfast torta, served on fresh baked bread with a choice of red or green chilaquiles, frijoles negros, crema, and queso fresco

About the Chef

Chef Ivan Valdez has a rich culinary background, having worked at several popular restaurants in Chicago, including Homestead On The Roof and West Town Bakery & Diner. He was also a sous chef at Portsmith and Lobo Rey, and led the kitchen at award-winning Mexican restaurant Quiote in Logan Square.

Personal Story

Valdez’s love of cooking was inspired by his late mother, Rosa Valdez, who taught him how to cook from a young age growing up in Logan Square. He remembers watching her cook and learning simple meals like eggs and chorizo, and eventually experimenting with different culinary styles.

Restaurant Operations

Taquizas Valdez will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The breakfast menu will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and the lunch and dinner menu will be served from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the restaurant will transform into a panaderia, or bakery, serving Mexican pastries, breads, cafe de olla, Mexican hot chocolate, and breakfast tortas.

Conclusion

Taquizas Valdez is a labor of love for Chef Ivan Valdez, who is dedicated to bringing flavorful and authentic Mexican cuisine to the Irving Park neighborhood. With its unique menu offerings and cozy atmosphere, this new restaurant is sure to become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

FAQs

Q: What is the address of Taquizas Valdez?
A: 3038 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60618

Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Q: What types of dishes will be served?
A: Taquizas Valdez will offer a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, tortas, and starters like taquiza fries and torre de ceviche

Q: Will there be a breakfast menu?
A: Yes, the breakfast menu will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and will feature options like chilaquiles breakfast torta and more

Q: Will there be a panaderia on weekends?
A: Yes, on Saturday and Sunday mornings, the restaurant will transform into a panaderia, serving Mexican pastries, breads, cafe de olla, Mexican hot chocolate, and breakfast tortas