I was going to add to
this thread on La Granja, but it seems that La Granja has undergone wholesale changes and has been re-christened D'Candela. I never made it to La Granja, but the (new?) owner has abandoned the tacos and other generic Mexican dishes and is focusing on more authentic Peruvian fare--though he has not changed the awning as of yet:
I opted for the rotisserie chicken, as it is still prominently featured on their menu. I thought it was really delicious, well-seasoned and moist.
The maduros were excellent as well. Crispy edges and delightful sweet flavor.
The real highlight, though, was the
chicha morada, the purple corn drink that Norca at Cafe Salamera (moment of silence) introduced many of us to. D'Candela's version was more aggressively spiced (with cinnamon, I believe) than Salamera's and it was garnished with small bits of fruit. Really outstanding.
The menu also features items that reflect the famous Peruvian culinary diversity: Peruvian-style fried rice (
Chaufa), chicken in walnut sauce, several spaghetti dishes (
tallarin), Peruvian-style tamales,
Anticuchos (beef heart skewers), and ceviche.
The cook, Miguel, came out and chatted with me a bit. He said he was from Mexico and that the owner was Peruvian. Miguel was real friendly with me and seemed eager to please.
I will definitely return to D'Candela to try more of their Peruvian offerings.
D'Candela
4053 N Kedzie
773-478-0819