Growing up, when my family was in the mood for Hispanic food, we’d go to Latin Lounge. Unfortunately, Latin Lounge, has closed down.
The last time I was in East Chicago, I drove past the former location and reminisced about the delicious food.
I was recently reminded about how delicious Latin food can be when I went to Delicia in the Broad Ripple area.
My friend Adrienne is a foodie so when she asked me to meet her at Delicia, I knew it was going to be out-of-the-box dining in a super cool setting. I was right.
I entered into the former video store and was amazed at its transformation. The simple Latin chic décor was inviting and cozy.
I found my friend and sat down to begin my evening of food and good conversation. As we caught up on each other’s lives, waiters attended to our every need. Any time my water glass was half empty, someone would come by to fill it. Our main waiter was also well versed in Delicia’s menu.
He enticed us to begin our meal with an appetizer. We chose the guacamole. I really don’t like guacamole, but being that I’m trying to be more adventurous, I decided to try their guac. It was good.
For my entrée, I chose the Tamal Corn Cakes made with tamal cakes (which reminded me of cornbread), barbacoa beef (or shredded beef), pico de gallo, cilantro-lime crema and queso fresco.
This was one of the best meals I have eaten in a long time. The tamal was on the bottom and the meat covered the cakes. Normally I don’t care for my food to…mesh…but in this instance, it was perfect together. Each bite of tamal, beef and toppings was even more delicious than the last.
My friend had the Pork Carnitas Tacos made with carnitas (or meat), salsa fresca, lime, stewed black beans and served with herbed green rice. Her three tacos were artful, but not overly fancy. She said her dinner was delicious as well.
Being that it was a girl’s night, we decided to splurge on dessert. Adrienne ordered the classic Latin custard, flan, and I ordered another classic, tres leches, a sponge cake soaked in milk with lime meringue, rum and guava compote on top.
It was heavenly and rich. I paired it with a cup of coffee while my friend and I finished our conversation.
Honestly, if my friend didn’t have to leave, I believe we could have sat in that restaurant for hours primarily for our good conversation, but also for the comfortable atmosphere. Basketball was even on the flat screens at the bar near our table, and that didn’t deter our relaxing evening.
I must say that Delicia is not cheap, however you get what you pay for. My meal portion was huge and, in my opinion, worth the $16. My friend and I spent about $35 each on our meals. It’s also not for those without a sophisticated palate. They serve some well-known items and flavors, but they also have a few items like octopus salad and duck enchiladas.
I am certainly going back to Delicia for dinner. They do upscale Latin food right.
