For those who miss the kamoosh served at the original La Choza on Paulina, Comida Cantina on Central St in Evanston has a dish on their menu called "KAMOOSH DE LA CHOZA", described as "Chips, creamy black beans topped with melted cheese, guacamole and sour cream", with various proteins (real and fake) available as add-on options.

Besides being born and raised 5 houses off the lake in E.Rogers park, I returned there in the late 70's and probably ate kamoosh @ La Choza 100 times between 78-85 (same w/Poolgogi/Pusan House now Susie's). If I can find my passport I'll try to get to Evanston and give this a whirl and report back.

Jazzfood wrote:Besides being born and raised 5 houses off the lake in E.Rogers park, I returned there in the late 70's and probably ate kamoosh @ La Choza 100 times between 78-85 (same w/Poolgogi/Pusan House now Susie's). If I can find my passport I'll try to get to Evanston and give this a whirl and report back.

I'd meet you over there.

=R=

Jazzfood wrote:Besides being born and raised 5 houses off the lake in E.Rogers park, I returned there in the late 70's and probably ate kamoosh @ La Choza 100 times between 78-85 (same w/Poolgogi/Pusan House now Susie's). If I can find my passport I'll try to get to Evanston and give this a whirl and report back.

Not to hijack, but in that period (1978-1985) I was at Poolgogi Steak House virtually every Sunday morning--certainly after a l-o-n-g Saturday night--for either poolgogi & eggs or bibim bap, which I was convinced was the perfect hangover remedy!

There's a second restaurant in Evanston that has "kamoosh" on the menu, but without the homage to La Choza. Blind Faith Cafe's version appears as "Kamoosh - Crisp tortilla chips covered with black beans, melted cheese, sour cream and guacamole. Served with salsa roja".

Comida states they "reimagine classics" on their website. Some of that interests me (short rib) but some don't (basmati rice). It's not like anyone can't make kamoosh so in fact, I will and check these out when possible.

I hadn't realized kamoosh is internet famous enough to get an Urban Dictionary entry

Should change my handle to Alan Urban?

Ate it many times. Although I don't remember black beans, I remember refried or pinto beans. The kamoosh was not a bunch of chips dumped with toppings. Rather it was fried pieces of tortilla carefully spread with beans and melted real cheese and I believe topped with guacamole and maybe sour cream.

I don't remember blk beans either. Thought they were refried.

My memory is the same as toria and Jazzfood. That reference to black beans in the latter day versions was jarring. Wrong region of Mexico compared to the rest of the menu.

What part of Mexico uses basmati rice?