Bringing his experience in some of Chicago’s finest kitchens, executive chef Armando Gonzalez has created something quite unique at Libertad. The intimate storefront space in Skokie may not seem the natural choice for modern Latin American cuisine, but diners are flocking there for pomegranate-ancho chile glazed shrimp, chicken and watercress flautas, and chimichurri skirt steak.
Libertad Restaurant
7931 Lincoln Ave.,
Skokie
(847) 674-8100
libertad7931.com
All of the entrees are meant for sharing, giving customers the freedom to sample dishes from Argentina, Brazil or Mexico.
If this still doesn’t sound like the most kid-friendly menu, consider dining on a Sunday evening, when the restaurant offers kids the chance to build their own quesadillas. My sons were a bit skeptical without a standard kids’ menu in hand, but our server put them at ease with their own kiddie cocktails and an immediate tasting portion of the day’s soup. They then built massive quesadillas with cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms. The chef added grilled chicken for a tasty finish.
My husband and I chose several dishes for all of us to share. Who would have guessed my kids would devour pork belly, yuca fries or mole ice cream? Libertad gave us the freedom to try something new, with the security of quesadillas to satisfy small appetites.
