Executives on Randolf

-By Jennifer Kucich

As its name implies, The Executives on Randolph was initially created to serve the business crowd of the Loop. However, a tie and briefcase are not necessary at this cozy, traditional Mexican restaurant.

While this 2- year-old eatery was originally going to be a French bistro, the owners decided to go with a Mexican cuisine. "We knew more Mexican, so it only made sense to go with that," says Roberto Hernandez, son of owner and head-chef Roberto Hernandez Sr.

Upon entering this quaint and colorful restaurant, visitors are immediately greeted with sensational aromas from the first-floor kitchen. Small tables are adorned simply, yet elegantly with a vase of flowers and decorative flatware. The artwork on the walls and sounds of Salsa allow diners to comfortably transcend into a Mexican dining experience without being too over-bearing like many of the larger and louder Mexican restaurants.

"The Executives is cozy. We want this to be your place," says Roberto Hernandez Sr. "The client is the owner, we are just here to do something nice for the owner."

Whether he is asking you what kind of music you would prefer, or sharing his philosophy behind the success of The Executives, it is quite apparent that Hernandez wants each of his customers to not only eat at The Executives, but to experience it.

At first glance, the menu can look a bit intimidating. Aside from the guacamole and quesadilla, most of the dishes differ from those at larger, more commercial Mexican restaurants. The menu offers more traditional Mexican dishes such as "Bistek a la Mexicana," which consists of sliced outer skirt steak sautéed with Jalapeno, onion and tomato or "Camarones al Mojo de Ajo," skewered shrimp broiled in a slightly spicy garlic sauce. If you desire a vegetarian dish, the Enchiladas Rojas, or corn torillas dipped in a guajillo sauce and stuffed with queso fresco will definitely satisfy your craving.

Even the more familiar items like the guacamole, is slightly better than you would find elsewhere. Possibly it is the addition of jicama and cucumber to this avocado-based appetizer that makes it more memorable, or perhaps it is just the quality of the ingredients.

"The reason we are different from other Mexican restaurants is because we serve 'market food' meaning that every ingredient is extremely fresh and each dish is prepared with a high level of attentiveness and a commitment to perfection," says Roberto Hernandez Sr.

"Most Mexican food is loaded with saturated fat which can leave people with an uncomfortable feeling post-dining. We serve healthy Mexican cuisine that incorporates many fresh vegetables into the dishes and limits the amount of saturated fat," Hernandez says."

I know a lot of people are concerned with watching their weight so we make subtle substitutions, such as baking rather than deep-frying our tortilla chips for example, so you can eat as many as you like without feeling guilty."

The fact that they prepare their food under a more healthful eye however, does not mean they are skimping on flavor.

"The Enchiladas Rojas were incredible," says first-time diner Rob Rehal. " I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for excellent Mexican food served in a very friendly and comfortable environment," he says.

The comfortablity of dining at The Executives is key to its success. The staff does not make you feel rushed, rather they invite you to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal.

"I love this restaurant because the dishes are out of this world-truly high class, yet there is not a feeling of arrogance and snobbery which typically accompany many upper class restaurants," says Jaime Marie Pompa, a patron of The Executives.

If you have room after your entrée be sure to indulge in the "Flan Napolitano" or if you feel like something lighter, the Café con Leche is the perfect treat to end the meal.

The Executives on Randolph is cash only. Dinner entrees range from $9.95 to $18.95. The dress attire is casual and there is near-by parking. If talking public transportation, the #9 Halsted Street bus will drop you off at Halsted and Randolph and then you just walk a few blocks West. The Executives is located at 1300 W. Randolph. Walk-ins are welcomed, but if you would like to make reservations call: (312) 666-1220.

Homepage