DeColores: community-minded from the tortillas to the tequila and mezcal
// By Jacqueline Brennan
At the DeColores Community Dinner at Upswell Chicago, you can expect “a wonderful dining experience with wonderfully home-cooked recipes,” says owner and chef Sergio Reyes. The Mexican eatery and bar is located on Chicago’s Lower West Side in Pilsen – home to the National Museum of Mexican Art and an art district that reflects the neighborhood’s strong connection to Mexican-American culture, history, and identity. In fact, the murals along 16th Street in Pilsen are considered iconic, depicting the community’s growth from its indigenous roots to an urban center.
Founded by Chef Sergio and his wife, Priscilla, DeColores opened in October 2009. They hire and purchase locally, “from our tortillas down to our tequila and mezcal,” and support and participate in local fundraisers. They also continue to expand, opening two additional locations at Chicago’s Midway International Airport, “creating opportunities for our staff, as well,” Chef Sergio adds.
The Michelin Guide 2019 confirms his assurance of a wonderful experience. “This Mexican restaurant’s slate-colored walls feature a beautiful rotation of work from local artists, making the walls a great conversation starter even before the delicious fare hits your table. The lovely bar is yet another bit of artistry, featuring shelves tucked around a series of metal branches; and a wonderful, colorful flower motif on the back wall. A relaxed atmosphere, warm service staff and well-made cocktails seal the deal.”
As you talk with Chef Sergio, Priscilla, and their staff, you’ll dine on a menu featuring secret family recipes, including taquitos de papa, house-made chips and salsa, arroz Mexicano, frijoles guerros, tortillas, ensalada azul, mole poblano, chipotle shrimp, and tilapia fajitas.
The story of DeColores is an amazing one, according to Chef Sergio, and he’s “looking forward to telling our story and showcasing our culture and food under one roof.
“We are continuing our ancestor’s dream of a better life as we seek to solidify our own identity, while staying true to our roots and core values of hard work and commitment.”
Upswell Community Dinners take you into Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods to eat like a local, get a sense of what life is like in the community, and experience firsthand how bonding over food and mission might lead to new friends and innovative solutions. To sign up for this Community Dinner, just select DeColores when you register for Upswell.