NUNN IN THE OVEN

Welcome to the Costera Cocina Tulum jungle

Sun. November 12, 2023 12:00 AM
by Jerry Nunn

Costera Cocina Tulum, 850 West Fulton Market, is the latest hotspot designed by the team at Parker Hospitality. The Hampton Social has been a runaway hit with the organization and their newest endeavor follows some of the same concepts but in a different setting.

Tulum is a town in Mexico that is located on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula. As a restaurant Costera is influenced by Mayan culture and the ocean, patrons can expect that chefs Rick Tramonto and Aldo Ayala know their way around seafood. Popping in for a brunch tasting displayed not only that and much more.

As one enters the premises, diners will feel transported to a jungle environment complete with monkeys swinging on ropes and lush greenery throughout. The lights are kept low to add to the immersive experience.

There's an enclosed, heated patio for overflow in the cold months and an upscale bar for more seating opportunities. This place is off to a successful start after opening on October 4, 2023, in the bustling West Loop. Newcomers will notice that no expense was spared even down to curved dishes on every table.

Weekend brunch began on October 28 with some tasty selections such as the savory short rib chilaquiles and the sweet pina colada french toast. The grilled skirt steak, served with sunny-side-up eggs, was a standout with delectable potato-jalapeno rajas, strips in English and salsa verde on the side, a green sauce.

Don't skip the Costera guacamole with shrimp prawns or the Peruvian Ceviche from the raw bar that mixed striped bass with chunks of sweet potato and coconut leche that still kept the sauce light.

The best part might be saved for last with churro rings and coffee ice cream in a chocolate sauce. No one will go home hungry after that and the friendly staff will assist with any guidance needed by guests.

Cocktails from the mixologists include such offerings as a mint and melon mojito titled Beaches of Tulum and Sandia Fuego, a spicy watermelon margarita, among others. To keep the fiesta going servers fly by upon request with a plane filled with tequila shots for an Instagram-worthy photo. The celebrations don't stop until 3 a.m. on Saturdays and late-night hours the rest of the week. Make a reservation on OpenTable for brunch starting at 10 a.m. this weekend and take off on a trip to Tulum!

Visit CosteraCocina.com for the latest information or call 312-300-0774.

MORE CONTENT AFTER THESE SPONSORS