:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/N42UTKLYNBYTSF3D7ZAZBSWYGA.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NXHRSRSU6OUFCL7AJN4SAKYIHI.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/YOMIWYAB5FBDD23KUKK2EP5ILM.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/NNZHUNFOLOP6J3NWPC3MJNIZ7Q.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/7TAWFUSANAUA25ZZ2MW25NEHJ4.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/E5WT57JIAB2KPOZBF75G2BHTJ4.jpg)
The Mystery Diner has lived in the Kendall County for many years, and it used to be that to find any kind of authentic Mexican food one had to drive to Aurora or Chicago, but that is no longer the case as, in the last several years, a plethora of Mexican restaurants have popped up in the area.
This is great news for those of us who love our chiles rellenos, tamales, enchiladas, and other treats from south of the border. One of the most recent additions to the local Mexican cuisine scene is Que Brava Authentic Mexican Grill in Yorkville.
There is a connection between Que Brava and the popular La Quebrada Restaurant on Broadway just north of Ashland Avenue in Aurora, although the link isn't clear. Que Brava advertises itself on its website as an "Authentic Mexican Grill by La Quebrada Restaurant." As a fan of La Quebrada, the Mystery Diner was ready to put eating pants on and check out this new kid on the block.
He was not disappointed in the least. Que Brava is, in the Mystery Diner's opinion, one of the best new Mexican restaurants in the area.
The Mystery Diner started out his adventure with an appetizer of queso fundido, which is simply melted Mexican cheese served with fresh tortillas. He decided to add poblano chiles to the queso fundido, which was the right choice, adding just enough heat and sweetness to compliment the rich cheese. The queso fundido appetizer is also available with chorizo sausage or just plain.
Before he received his appetizer, he was served fresh chips and warm salsa. The warm salsa is similar to that served at La Quebrada, another sign that there is a connection to the classic restaurant.
Next, the Mystery Diner dove into the main course, a torta with al pastor, a style of marinated, tender pork, on which was piled plenty of beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese and avocado. This was served on warm, fresh torta bread, perfect for lunch on a warm summer day.
Along with a plentiful variety of lunch and dinner options, Que Brava features a breakfast menu, which includes classics like huevos rancheros and huevos with just about any kind of meat you can think of – ham, steak, chorizo sausage, bacon – as well as Mexican-American specialties like chilaquiles, strips of crispy tortillas simmered in sauce and topped with eggs and cheese.
This is one of the best Mexican restaurant gems in the area, and the Mystery Diner can't wait to go back. Maybe this time he'll get breakfast.
• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Record Newspapers. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a restaurant and then reports on the experience. The Mystery Diner is not intended to be a restaurant critic but does highlight the parts of a dining experience that he/she can recommend.
If you go
What: Que Brava Authentic Mexican Grill
Where: 1423 Cannonball Trail, Yorkville
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
Contact: Call 331-207-8938, visit quebravarestaurant.com or see the restaurant's Facebook page.