This Thriller Diner has nothing in opposition to a great taqueria – tacos and burritos rank excessive on my listing of non-public weaknesses – however I additionally maintain there’s all the time room for extra inventive Mexican fare.
Blue Margaritas, which opened not too long ago in Oglesby the place the KFC/Taco Bell had lengthy resided, checks that field properly. The menu teems with Mexican standbys, but in addition extra unique dishes that showcase creativity within the kitchen.
Tempura fried eloite bites, one of many extra inventive choices on the menu at Blue Margaritas in Oglesby. Contained in the batter is charred corn tossed with lime, garlic, inexperienced onion, cilantro, chili, smoked paprika and 5 cheeses. (Thriller Diner)
That creativity extends to the constructing facade and to the inside. Aside from the remnants of the east-side drive-thru, you wouldn’t know this eatery is a transformed fast-food spot. The Blue Margaritas homeowners gave the constructing a makeover with contemporary paint and landscaping.
The makeover was much more outstanding inside. Gone are the take-away counters, and the eating room was remodeled with new furnishings: high-backed cubicles with wrought-iron thrives and new upholstery, together with tile flooring and Mexican and Southwestern artwork.
However on to the meals. Whereas the menu options Mexican staples similar to fajitas and tacos, there are atypical choices of beef, rooster and fish that caught the attention of this Thriller Diner.
Rooster breast in mole sauce with rice and black beans, one of many entrees out there at Blue Margaritas in Oglesby. The individuals who transformed the previous KFC/Taco Bell right into a sit-down restaurant put as a lot care into the plating as within the lush decor. (Thriller Diner)
The Thriller Diner and my eating companion chosen tempura fried elote bites as a starter. The appetizer is comprised of deep-fried balls of charred corn tossed with lime, garlic, inexperienced onion, cilantro, chili, smoked paprika and a mix of 5 cheeses.
For an entree, Thriller Diner tried steak mar y tierra, a surf-and-turf combination of tenderized flank steak and seared shrimp with zucchini and bell peppers. The entree was served on a cast-iron skillet so sizzling it continued to prepare dinner the greens a great quarter-hour after the waiter positioned it on the desk with well-heeded warnings to not contact the forged iron. (This dish is just not advisable for households with young children in attain.)
Steak mar y tierra is a Mexican surf-and-turf combo out there at Blue Margaritas in Oglesby. Be warned: That skillet is HOT and ought to be stored at arm’s size from the little ones. (Thriller Diner)
My eating companion opted for pollo con mole. Mole, after all, is a seasoned, chocolate-accented sauce not unknown to Mexican menus, although this explicit dish was served with rice and black beans slightly than refried beans.
Service was crisp and attentive, if additionally a tad keen on suggesting cocktails and desserts. Blue Margaritas is open seven days every week. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday by means of Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Main bank cards are accepted. Blue Margaritas is at 101 S. Lewis Ave. in Oglesby. Be aware there are sister places in Peoria, Springfield and Washington, Illinois.
Blue Margaritas, now open in Oglesby, is a part of a series of Mexican eating places with places in Springfield, Peoria and Washington. (Thriller Diner)
• The Thriller Diner is an worker at Shaw Media. The diner’s identification is just not revealed to the restaurant employees earlier than or through the meal. The Thriller Diner visits a distinct restaurant after which studies on the expertise. If the Thriller Diner can not suggest the institution, we won’t publish a narrative.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Blue Margaritas
WHERE: 101 S. Lewis Ave., Oglesby
PHONE: 815-993-9291
INFORMATION: bluemargaritas.com