If you’re a fan of Latin cuisine, you’re probably drawn in by its rich and diverse flavors. Guy Fieri is a major fan of flavor, and Latin food hits the spot. In this episode of DDD, Guy takes us on a flavorful journey to Bucktown in Chicago, where he discovers a Costa Rican gem, Irazu.
A Taste of Costa Rica
Nestled in the vibrant Bucktown neighborhood, Irazu brings the authentic flavors of Costa Rica to Chicago. Founded by Costa Rican-born Miriam Cerdas over 20 years ago, the restaurant is now run by her son, Henry. “What are the three key ingredients to Costa Rican food?” asks Guy. Henry answers without hesitation, “Vegetables, meat, and chicharrón.”
The Star Dish: Chifrijo
Guy is here to dive into one of Irazu’s standout dishes, the Chifrijo, a traditional Costa Rican appetizer with multiple layers of flavor. Chef Omar Cadena starts with raw pork belly, cutting it into strips and then smaller pieces. “Body by chicharrón,” jokes Guy as they prepare the pork.
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The pork belly is cooked in a hot pan with a little oil, rendering out the fat. The star ingredient? Lots of garlic. “This smells awesome,” exclaims Guy. The pork belly cooks for about an hour and a half until it becomes crispy and golden.
Meanwhile, Chef Omar prepares a pico de gallo with diced onions, tomatoes, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño, salt, and lemon juice. Once the pork belly is cooked and cooled, it’s cut into small pieces and fried to crispy perfection, creating the chicharrón.
Building the Chifrijo
The Chifrijo is assembled in a traditional mortar and pestle dish. It starts with a layer of black bean soup, followed by rice. The crispy chicharrón is added on top, along with the fresh pico de gallo. To finish, avocado slices and Costa Rican Lizano sauce are added, along with some chips for dipping.
Guy takes a big bite and is immediately transported: “The chicharrón is on point—nice fat, nice crunch. The tomato, the onion, you feel it. I don’t need to go anywhere; I’m in Costa Rica right now.” The layers of flavor and texture come together in a delicious, satisfying bite.
The Pepito Sandwich
While the Chifrijo steals the show, Irazu’s menu also features other mouthwatering options. One notable dish is the Pepito Sandwich, a family recipe that has become a staple. This sandwich features a Costa Rican black bean paste made from black beans, garlic, caramelized onions, salt, pepper, cumin, sugar, and Lizano sauce. The beans are pureed to create a smooth, flavorful spread.
The sandwich is built on fresh French bread, spread with the black bean paste and topped with melted Muenster cheese. A perfectly cooked ribeye steak and caramelized onions are added, along with more Lizano sauce. The sandwich is then pressed and toasted to perfection.
Guy is thoroughly impressed: “The beans are prime time, the meat is great, and the nice big onions with the Lizano sauce bring it all together. This sandwich is the bomb!”
Why You Should Visit Irazu
For over 20 years, Irazu has been a beloved spot for authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Whether you’re indulging in the Chifrijo or savoring a Pepito Sandwich, the flavors are consistently delicious and true to their roots. “If you haven’t been here, you should absolutely get here,” Guy concludes. “It’s amazing food and amazing people.”
Next time you’re in Chicago, make sure to visit Irazu in Bucktown. Experience the vibrant, authentic flavors of Costa Rica, lovingly crafted by a family dedicated to sharing their culinary heritage.