Chicago’s culinary scene just got more delicious—and more meaningful. This December, Mercadito River North launches Taco 4 Strength, an innovative monthly collaboration that marries exceptional Latin cuisine with cultural impact, benefiting the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago (ILCC).
A Partnership Built on Flavor and Memory
The inaugural month features a powerhouse collaboration between Chefs Carlos Garza and Zoe Bryant from CARNIVALE, who have crafted an extraordinary Lamb Barbacoa taco that bridges tradition and innovation. But this isn’t just another creative taco—it’s a dish rooted in deeply personal memory and cultural tradition.
“First of all, Barbacoa is a very traditional dish in Mexico,” explains Chef Garza. “You braise the lamb with peppers, tomatoes, and spices—very bold, strong flavors—and we braise it for about three hours, until the meat falls off the bone.” For Chef Garza, the dish evokes Sunday mornings in Mexico, a weekly ritual where families gather over Barbacoa, Birria, or pozole. “I remember near my house, there was a person selling barbacoa. As a child I didn’t drink back then, but I noticed that everyone had a beer at the table, enjoying their Barbacoa.”
That childhood observation sparked the taco’s most ingenious element: a beer-infused tortilla that reimagines the classic pairing of barbacoa and cerveza.
Innovation Meets Tradition
“With these tacos, I thought about it, and I created a tortilla that tastes like beer to pair with the lamb Barbacoa, with relish on top and some cilantro,” says Chef Garza. “That’s what brings me back to those Sunday morning memories—Barbacoa and a beer tortilla with lamb.”
Chef Zoe Bryant embraced the creative challenge of translating that vision into reality. “I think it was just kind of thinking outside of the box, but also thinking about what people love and what goes together. I mean, who doesn’t like beer and tacos?” she says. “So we were thinking, how can we make this unique? We came up with adding the hops and the Modelo into the masa to make the tortilla for the taco itself.”
The result is a revelation: tender, three-hour braised lamb shank barbacoa nestled in a ghee-glazed, beer-infused tortilla, topped with a vibrant mixed pepper slaw and fresh microgreens. It’s comfort food elevated—a taco that honors Mexican Sunday tradition while showcasing the kind of culinary creativity that makes Chicago’s food scene world-class.
The Perfect Pairing
To complement this show-stopping taco, Mercadito’s mixologists crafted the Coco-Guava Margarita—a tropical twist on the classic that brings together reposado tequila, fresh lime, coconut milk, coconut cream, and guava. The cocktail’s creamy sweetness and bright fruit notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory barbacoa.
How Your Dining Makes a Difference
Here’s where it gets even better: for every Taco 4 Strength purchase—including the featured taco and cocktail—Mercadito will donate 5% of proceeds directly to the International Latino Cultural Center. These funds support vital cultural programming across Chicago, helping the ILCC preserve, celebrate, and share Latino heritage through arts, education, and community initiatives.
It’s a simple formula: great food + great drinks = great impact for Chicago’s Latino community.
How to Participate
Supporting this initiative is as easy as enjoying a memorable meal:
Where: Mercadito River North – 108 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL
What to Order: The December Taco 4 Strength (Lamb Barbacoa) and the Coco-Guava Margarita
When: Throughout December
Why: Every purchase supports the ILCC’s cultural programming
Simply ask your server for the Taco 4 Strength when you visit, and you’ll be treated to an exceptional culinary experience while contributing to an important cause. And since this is a monthly program, you can return throughout December—or in the months to come—to continue supporting the ILCC while discovering new chef collaborations and seasonal flavors.
The Bigger Picture
Taco 4 Strength represents more than a charity initiative—it’s a celebration of what makes Chicago’s food scene special: innovation, collaboration, and community. By bringing together talented chefs who honor their cultural roots while pushing creative boundaries, a committed restaurant partner, and a cultural institution dedicated to preserving Latino heritage, this program creates a delicious cycle of giving that everyone can be part of.
The genius of this collaboration lies in its authenticity. Chef Garza and Chef Bryant haven’t just created a gimmick—they’ve crafted a taco that tells a story, honors tradition, and invites diners into a shared cultural experience. Every bite connects you to Sunday mornings in Mexico, to the ingenuity of two exceptional chefs, and to the ongoing work of keeping Latino culture vibrant in Chicago.
So gather your friends, head to Mercadito, and discover how one incredible taco can strengthen an entire community. Because in Chicago, we believe the best meals are the ones that nourish both body and soul.
Mercadito is located in River North. For more information about the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago and their programs, visit their website or follow them on social media.
