Midwest Mex: Nick Finds Amigos on Green Street
TacoTown would like to welcome our new contributer- Nick of Nick’s Adventure’s in Food, coming straight outta Champaign-Urbana, Illinois! Nick will be helping us in the quest for edible mexican food in the midwest..
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Too many times I have doubted Grace over food, her cooking, and her choice of establishments in which we choose to dine in. It seems that every time that I have a great doubt, she proves me very, very wrong. Our latest outing was no exception.
Green Street is a place of hustle and bustle, at least in whatever form you can call such a thing in a Midwestern town. Of course the primary crowd that congregates around Green St. are those who are somehow related to the University of Illinois, students, teachers, staff, construction workers, all types of people from all walks of life. I think this diversity helps to create Green St. into what it is, eateries that range from Chinese to Korean to Pizza to Mexican. Now, I have always been a big fan of Mexican food, and I’ll be the first to admit that I am a stupid gringo when it comes to Mexican food, but I think I have learned enough from books and Mr. Bourdain to understand that the Mexican food I get is usually a very unauthentic cuisine, developed and molded to fit the tastes of Americans. Lot’s of cheese, sauce, covering of flavors, a departure from the real natural taste of foods that most cultures really seem to enjoy.
It is with that, that I think about my old favorite Mexican eatery that was once on Green St., they served Tacos (soft only), and burritos, basically the standard fair, but there was something different about the place, I don’t know if it was the tiny atmosphere, but I ate many a meal there, savoring over their chicken and pork tacos, covered only with cilantro, onions, and salsa verde (green salsa). Often, I was the only person eating there, and found myself in the back dark corner, reading various books and enjoying this food, thinking about another time, sometimes another place.
In the time after that place failed, my alternatives on campus for Mexican food was quite bleak… Q’doba popped up, but I could tell right away that this was just another fast food place, same thing with Chipotle. Don’t get me wrong, I can enjoy a taco or burrito from either place once in a while, but its just too heavy, filled with stuff I’m not sure I should be eating, and somehow things don’t marry together properly on my palate, the flavors seem forced, cheese sauce with black beans with rice with salsa’s with lots of salt, and finally a meat that seems to be overcooked, not cared for, disappointing, in a single world.
Enter Los Amigos. Sitting next to two Chinese places, it is somewhat lost in it current location, passed by many times by me and others, it was last night when Grace and I needed something quick to eat that she suggested Mexican food. Now this was a surprise, as Grace likes tacos, but usually doesn’t volunteer to go eat Mexican food… especially for dinner. With that said, I argued for other places, but she firmly guided us to Los Amigos, and I went in somewhat reluctantly. I took one look at the wall with the menu and I knew I was wrong. Tacos, burritos, nothing special one thinks, until you see the feelings, the various usual Carne Asada (which was amazing, I think textbook execution of what Carne Asada can be, and should be) and Barbacoa, but they had Lengua, beef tongue. Talk to people around me, and if they know me well, they will tell you of my constant quest to eat beef tongue, the meat is amazing, and is probably the most under-rated part of the cow in my opinion. Not wasting anytime we ordered. Two Carne Asada tacos (all tacos are soft shell, another good sign in my book), one Lengua taco, one carne asada burrito, and guacamole with chips.
The guacamole came first and was on our table in no time. It was a very rustic preparation, everything in large chunks, not the usual paste like avocado baby food we are accustomed to in the U.S. They gave us a salt shaker and some chips and we were off. The salt combining perfectly with the large pieces of avocado and tomato, something that tastes right, tastes natural, tastes good. The burrito and tacos soon followed, the Carne Asada was amazing, but the beef tongue was something else, slightly salty, with onions and cilantro it really was the highlight of the meal. A little salsa verde on it for some kick of spice and the meal was complete.
Now I wanted to write a review right away, but I refuse to let one night do everything on its own. I went again this afternoon for lunch. I ordered entirely different fillings for my taco (including Chile Relleno). One word, dazzling, it was possibly the best meal I have had for a long time that was Mexican food it reminded me of a huevos con chorizo I had that was served with fresh lime that warmed me greatly, of the tacos I had years ago at another place only a few blocks away. I really enjoyed the meal, and feel that Los Amigos is a hidden treasure of Green St. Often the best treasures we can have do not hide from us, but are in plain sight. All it really takes is a change of perspective or a different view to get us to see them for what they truly are.
Los Amigos
Rating: 
404 E. Green St.
Champaign, IL 61820
Recommended Dishes:
- Lengua Taco (Beef Tongue)
- Carne Asada Taco (Skirt Steak)
- Carne Asada Burrito
- Guacamole
- Chile Relleno Taco or Burrito
To be honest that’s all I have tried, I’m sure everything is worth a try (well maybe not the quesadilla or anything with cheese on it…)
A final note. Tonight Grace made a tomato and beef stew. This was possibly one of the best stews I have had, it was so simple, used no broth, very little salt and seasoning, a perfect accompaniment of vegetables, sausage, and beef, all stewed slowly for several hours. I’m still full from two bowls that I have had. These last 24 hours I may not have eaten what King’s feast on, but I sure do feel like on. Go out, take some time, and enjoy your meals, don’t just eat something fast, eat a good meal, savor it, it will change your day.
