Chilam

There was a time, back in the mid-80s when Mexican food, or, more precisely, Tex-Mex, was a big trend in Paris. Then, as happens in big cities, food trends shifted elsewhere. But now it's back, Mexican food that is. And this time it's the authentic Mexican food that is getting its day in the sun. Chilam is fashioned like a little street food stand with colorful paper flags like the kind you see at wooden beach side kiosks grilling up fresh carne asada and roasted pork as filling for the corn tortilla tacos. Except here, you are in the heart of the Marais, in fact just a few steps off of the rue des Rosiers. You can have your choice here of vegetarian or meat (chicken, beef, pork) tacos and also hamburgers, Yucateca (chicken), Michoacana ( pork & beans) "Buns," or also made with duck filet or grilled gambas (marinated prawns). But why this little Mexican food stand/restaurant really passes muster is because its tortilla chips taste like the real crispy-fried deal and are served with guacamole, the kind they make in Baja Mexico. There are also two types of margaritas, spicy and regular and each are served in a salt-rimmed glass and are blended with ice. For the warmer months, this is an ideal stop for lunch, afternoon snack or dinner.