Maize Mexican Grill

In a town full of Mexican eateries (almost about a dozen, much more than a little over a decade ago) there’s a new kid in town.  Maize Mexican Grill is located on the northwest corner of First and Green, where Ye Olde Donut Shoppe and Derrold’s used to be.  Opened for barely a week it’s been getting steady business.

Since I’ve never had “authentic” Mexican I can’t say I can speak with authority about Maize’s menu.  But from the ethnic make-up of the clientele, the food does bring in people who know.  Seeing a new place to dine I high-tailed there today with my weekly lunch partner (MWLP).

Maize is very small, more of a take-out place than anything else, but there are countertop space and chairs to sit and eat at.  The menu is modest and most items are a la carte, letting diners pick and choose their meal at will.  First off we were given a basket of homemade tortilla chips and two kinds of salsa.

Tortilla chips and two kinds of salsa

Since I’m not familiar with the salsa family at large, other than the ubiquitous tomato-based one,  you’ll just have to go there and try them.  It could be a tomatillo-based salsa or roasted chipotle, not sure.  The chunkier one in front is spicier that the creamier one towards the back.  

MWLP had two Tacos de Lomo (ribeye taco).  Thick slices of presumably marinated meat were served in handmade (and homemade) corn tortillas, with plenty of cilantro.  MWLP mainly tasted cilantro and thought the meat lacked flavor.

Tacos de Lomo at Maize Mexican Grill

As for me I ordered the Carne Asada, which came with a small salad, rice and beans, refried beans, and handmade tortillas.  The presentation looked nice, but the meat lacked flavor.  It could have used some marinade or more salt before grilling, since the meal did not move me.

Carne Asada at Maize Mexican Grill

 We washed down our meal with a bottle of Mexican Coke (for MWLP) and pineapple flavored soda (for me).  The people behind the counter were super friendly and the overall experience of our first foray to Maize Mexican Grill was enjoyable.  This place has potential and I hope they will make it here in C-U’s food scene.

**** out of *****

Welcome to UrbanaFare!

This blog is dedicated to exploring food and other edibles (plus liquids) found in, around, and outside of, Champaign-Urbana.  Those who know me know that I am very picky when it comes to food, especially dining out.  With the economy in a tailspin, it’s hard to eat out as often as we would like, let alone get good food.  In Champaign-Urbana alone, three restaurants have closed their doors within the past several months.  I don’t like to write reviews that are all sweetness and light.  I like to get into my food (although not literally) and see if what I eat is worth the money I’m paying with.  If something sucks, I’ll let you know, and why.

We won’t be exploring just food, but also product discoveries, some book reviews, and maybe, just maybe, some cooking show reviews.  There might be some hard hitting articles from time to time that I invite readers to respond to, especially if you’re not from around here and would like to input what’s going on in the food scene where you live.