A year after it opened in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, Mexican restaurant Carino is a Michelin starred restaurant for its “boldness and creativity.”
The Michelin Guide lauded Chef Norman Fenton for his “distinct, ambitious manner” in his approach to Mexican cuisine, highlighting ingredients like huitlacoche, a parasitic disease that grows on corn and is a Latin American delicacy.
“He lists out ingredients like an auctioneer, and his pace is energetic. Quickly, the courses compound: A stunning huitlacoche ravioli with fried corn silk, then a queso truffle quesadilla, and at some point, a lamb tartare tostada seasoned in the style of al pastor,” according to the Michelin Guide.
The guide also noted how Fenton and his team takes dishes like tacos and tostadas that are familiar but are reimagined.
“Indeed, this tasting menu features boldness and creativity in spades, starting with ‘chips and salsa’ in the form of salsa verde jelly and a tortilla crumble. The best seats are at the counter, which offer an up-close view of this small team, all of whom work diligently and engage with guests freely.”
Carino took to Instagram to express thanks to the team and diners.
“What a year, what an honor,” Carino posted on Instagram Tuesday morning. “We are beyond thrilled to have been awarded our first star by the Michelin Guide. Congratulations to our entire team for all of their hard work over this past year that has brought Carino to life. This has truly been a team effort and we wouldn’t be here today without you.”
Alinea retained its three stars as did Smyth, which garnered three stars last year. Logan Square pasta-focused hot spot Daisies received a Green Star for the second year in a row.
Here’s the complete list of 2024 Michelin starred restaurants in Chicago.
Three Michelin Stars
Alinea
Cuisine: Creative
Smyth
Cuisine: Contemporary
Two Michelin Stars
Ever
Cuisine: Modern
Oriole
Cuisine: Contemporary
One Michelin Star
Atelier
Cuisine: American
Boka
Cuisine: Contemporary
EL Ideas
Cuisine: Contemporary
Elske
Cuisine: Contemporary
Esmé
Cuisine: Contemporary
Galit
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Indienne
Cuisine: Indian
Kasama
Cuisine: Filipino
Mako
Cuisine: Japanese
Moody Tongue
Cuisine: Contemporary
Next
Cuisine: Contemporary
Schwa
Cuisine: Contemporary
Sepia
Cuisine: American
Topolobampo
Cuisine: Mexican
Green Star
Daisies
Cuisine: Italian