Made-to-order authentic Mexican dishes star at Streamwood's My Cocina

Dining options in Streamwood expanded by the arrival in late August of My Cocina, a family-owned-and-operated 40-seat restaurant offering authentic Mexican cuisine.

The startup, run by Sitaly Pinedo and her mother, Lorena Cazares, offers sit-down as well as carryout and delivery service within a five-mile radius. It also caters private events. The two proprietors bring a wealth of food service experience to the table, but My Cocina represents their first venture as owners.

Housed in a small strip mall and occupying space that previously has had various other restaurant tenants, the venue's interior walls are now painted in vivid tropical colors; however the florescent lighting is a bit harsh. During a recent visit, I found the blaring of a televised Spanish-language soap opera an unwelcome distraction.

However, it's not ambience that attracts clientele to this restaurant.

Rather, the big draw at My Cocina (the name translates as “my kitchen”) comes down to its broad menu of reasonably priced made-to-order classic dishes, many relying on family recipes.

Guacamole is hard to beat as a reliable appetizer, perfect for sharing. Mashed avocado mixed with onion, garlic, cilantro and other seasonings created an ambrosial dip. Unfortunately, the accompanying tortilla chips could have been less oily.

Starters also included ceviche (citrus-marinated shrimp), quesadillas (tortilla stuffed with Chihuahua cheese, chorizo, steak or spinach) and huarache espinado (grilled cactus, refried beans, chorizo and Oaxaca cheese), among others, such as taco salad and meatball soup with carrots and chayote.

Among the entrees, I can recommend one of My Cocina's signature dishes, Momias de Guanajuato. It features six large shrimp wrapped in bacon and served with a semisoft caribe cheese melted over a chipotle cream sauce. This tasty creation came plated with rice and refried beans.

Meanwhile, my dining partner had her hands (and mouth) full of one of the most substantial burritos in memory, half of which went home for lunch the next day. The capacious tortilla - a bargain at $7 - was stuffed with shredded chicken, Mexican rice, refried beans, Chihuahua cheese, onions and sour cream.

The kitchen offers chicken with mole sauce, braised short pork ribs with cactuses served over tomatillo sauce and sauteed marinated skirt steak. Still more possibilities include enchiladas, tamales and a variety of tacos filled with a choice of skirt steak, chorizo, shrimp or tilapia. Looking for a vegetarian alternative? One option among a handful is chile relleno (roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese).

Coffee, tea, fruit smoothies and soft drinks comprise the beverage list. No alcohol is sold.

For dessert, the decadent made-in-house tres leches cake didn't disappoint.

<i> Restaurant reviews are based on one anonymous visit. The Daily Herald does not publish reviews of restaurants it cannot recommend.</i>

My Cocina

16 N. Bartlett Road, Streamwood, (630) 855-5745,

facebook.com/mycocina.mexicangrill/

Cuisine: Mexican

Setting: Neighborhood storefront eatery

Prices: Appetizers: $6 to $9; entrees: $7 to $16; desserts: $4

Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday

Parking: Free lot