Halloween is fast approaching, and with it comes the return of Piñatta’s annual infernal luna negra ritual at Monday Night Foodball. This event, hosted by Santiago Guerrero and his brother Emilio, is a celebration of various autumn observances that coincide with Santiago’s birthday.
Piñatta is known for its precolonial Mexican cuisine, and this year, they are offering a stygian blue corn tortilla tostada. This antojito is so dark that it seems to absorb the light around it. The tostada is topped with Nichols Farm honeynut squash, Masienda Bayo frijoles, chipotle-black garlic glaze, and lacto-fermented finger peppers.
In addition to the tostada, Piñatta is serving two variations of heirloom hominy pozole verde—one made with Slagel Farms turkey broth and the other a vegan smoked mushroom version. Both are garnished with cabbage, red onion, and purple radish, offering a taste of green Hell in a bowl.
For dessert, indulge in a sweet pumpkin flan with coconut, guajillo caramel, and spiced pepitas. And if you’re looking to take the heat home with you, Piñatta will be selling their salsa macha and hot sauces, including pineapple-ghost pepper and hibiscus habanero.
To set the mood for this unholy feast, DJ Evil Nerd Pete will be providing music from 5 PM until sellout on Monday, October 28. The event will take place at 2905 N. Elston in Avondale.
If you survive the night, be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming Foodball schedule, including the return of El Hongo Magico on November 4. This fungal vegan sorcery is not to be missed.
In other food news, Justyna Haluch is making waves with her supersized Polish French bread pizza, known as zapiekanka, at Schiller Woods. Loaves & Witches, an Edgewater cafe catering to spiritual, sober, and queer communities, is welcoming all patrons for a late-night meal. RICE, a new monthly meal series and art collective, is creating community through South Asian cuisine.
Wax Vinyl Bar and Ramen Shop in West Town is combining Japanese cuisine with a celebration of local music and DJ culture. Von Harris’s Fat Plate Fridays are popping up in unexpected locations, serving up delicious food with a twist. And Josh Noel’s new book about the history of Chicago’s signature spirit, Malört, aims to demystify this unique beverage.
With so many exciting food events happening in Chicago, there’s no shortage of delicious experiences to explore. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Mexican cuisine, vegan options, or experimental flavors, the city’s vibrant food scene has something for everyone.
