Tex-Mex restaurant Mi Cocina, or “My Kitchen,” is located in Highland Park Village and is surrounded by stores like Hermès, Escada and Chanel, establishments which allude to the elegant atmosphere of the restaurant.
Mi Cocina’s décor is classically modern; the furniture and wall hangings are white, black or metal, and many business professionals enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in the accommodating entryway seating area.
Walking through Mi Cocina is much like maneuvering an obstacle course. While walking in the small space, patrons must watch out for waiters holding hot food, slippery floors, misbehaving children and two heavily crowded bars. The tile floors, high ceilings and exterior wall made of windows also cause excessive noise.
Mi Cocina plays traditional salsa music and even the most uptight diners can be caught slightly swaying to the music. Of course, those people usually have tasty looking frozen drinks sitting in front of them.
Within five minutes of being seated, the friendly and inviting waiters come to take drink orders and bring the complimentary chips and salsa. The appetizer cup of queso is rich, creamy and not too spicy. The waiters hurry to bring multiple orders in a timely fashion, even when the restaurant is extremely busy. The kitchen prepared the food, creating a festive and desirable presentation. The chicken flautas were even more delicious than one could imagine; the freshly -shredded, white meat chicken breast melts in your mouth.
Unlike many other Tex-Mex restaurants, vegetables do not overpower the flautas. However, the cheese enchiladas, a typical favorite, are not up to par. Although they were made to order (no onions), they arrived slightly warm. Despite the chilly enciladas, the overall atmosphere is warm and inviting. The price of a meal is more than reasonable considering the generous portions of food.