Amelia's Mestizo Grill, Chicago

Recipes from South-Central Mexico inspire the chefs at Amelia's Mestizo Grill, but the menu also incorporates familiar Old-World flavors. The spirit of innovation undergirds their commitment to traditional Latin-American staples, with dishes such as the grilled pork tenderloin with roasted quince that the [_Chicago Reader_](http://gr.pn/VYnAZk) claimed, ""could have come out of a far more pretentious kitchen."" Stuffed poblano peppers arrive with a sherry-pecan sauce, and smoky chipotle peppers add a distinctive kick to the Mediterranean-tinged flavors of the grilled rack of lamb and potato gratin. Coming back to its roots once again, the restaurant's dining room embodies a down-to-earth ambiance, complete with exposed brickwork and simple wooden chairs. A red accent wall adds a splash of color to the space, as do vibrant paintings of flowers, children, and Mexico's first rainbow.