ROGERS PARK — In a stretch of Clark Street known for its family-owned taquerias, one new business is hoping to stand out by going "rogue."
Rogue Fusion, which replaced Uptown Taqueria at 7027 N. Clark St., is blending the flavors and dishes of Latin America and Italian, serving up classics like tacos, pastas, steak, fish and more, chef and co-owner Jose Mendoza said.
"We are in the heart of [the] Hispanic community, so everybody's looking at us like, 'What are you fools doing over here?'" Mendoza said with a chuckle. "There's a lot of Mexican places here. But here we are, trying to introduce ourselves to those who love the adventure of trying something different."
Mendoza, a native of Mexico, said after working with other renowned chefs in the city and as a chef at Lettuce Entertain You-owned restaurants, he wanted to open his own restaurant using some of the flavors and dishes he worked with as inspiration.
Favorites on the menu from Mendoza include the tacos, Cuban sandwiches, crab beignets and other staples like steak, fish and homemade soups.
The diner is also BYOB, sans the uncorking fee, Mendoza said.
Though his food has the taste of fine dining, Mendoza said he wants everyone to be able to afford and enjoy his dishes.
"If you are a city worker on the street or coming from your office, we'll treat you equally," Mendoza said. "We want people to enjoy something that they probably would only once a week because it's expensive — [but] over here it's really affordable."
Rogue Fusion is open from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
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