Ivan Valdez of Taquizas Valdez on His Favorite Spots in the City

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Every month, people from Chicago's hospitality industry will share recommendations for food, drink, ingredients, and more as part of our Chef Picks series.

Chef Ivan Valdez named his Irving Park restaurant Taquizas Valdez after the backyard taco parties he used to cater with his mom, Rosa. After working in kitchens for Chicago’s The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, the Kendall College grad and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps opened his dream restaurant in December of 2024. The fast casual spot offers a nuanced, and user-friendly menu of cheffed up Mexican-style tacos and tortas (on crispy housemade telera rolls), plus mole wings, fries (including the daunting but delicious Taquiza fries loaded with skirt steak, guacamole, and melty banana pepper “fondue”), and more that give the bright space a “something for everyone” vibe. 

We asked the 30-year-old Logan Square native to share his favorite local eats and activities.

Favorite Restaurant

Ramen Wasabi in Logan Square. The order with my wife on date night is edamame, Tokyo spicy chicken wings, pork belly bao buns, big eye tuna poke bowl, and spicy roasted garlic miso ramen.

Favorite Dish

Beef Wellington. Chris Pandel at Swift & Sons makes the best.

Favorite Place to Drink

Chasers Sports Bar & Grill in northwest suburban Schiller Park for Allagash Whites and two, three shots

Favorite Place to Shop or Buy Ingredients

Whittingham Meats in south suburban Alsip for pork shoulder for al pastor and bone-in NY strip steaks

Favorite Local Chicago Brand

Javier Garcia's Big Mich Michelada Mix

Favorite Place in the City to Bring an Out-of-Town Guest

United Center for a Bulls game

A Person in the Industry You Admire

Jonathan Zaragoza