Latest news with #Fajardo
Eater
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
A Downtown Taqueria Brings Mexico City Vibes to the Loop
Located at the corner of Wabash and Monroe in the Loop, it's not exactly obvious what Momento, a new Mexican restaurant, is. One side features a causal taqueria while the other a more formal sit-down cantina. Co-owner César Fajardo says he and business partner Christopher Roldán haven't just launched a restaurant at 44 S. Wabash, but they've launched a brand that will 'reshape how people think about Mexico, its culture, and people.' The restaurant officially opened in May after giving customers a sneak preview over summer 2024 during Lollapalooza weekend. 'Besides the flavor, we think taquerias are more about the culture of getting a taco, and some of those things haven't been imported well into the United States,' Fajardo says. Forget taco platters. Momento seeks to emulate Mexico's taco stands, where customers order items one at a time. 'You're setting the pace of the rhythm of how much you want to eat,' Fajardo adds. Momento weaves in its message through cheeky language on the menu and napkins. 'If you want to talk to the manager, se habla en Español (also English 'cause we speak both)' is written on the cantina menu: 'From the beginning, we felt Momento should be a brand that is loud as in a way we are reclaiming our space,' says Fajardo. With its main entrance on Wabash, the taqueria offers an abbreviated menu of what's available in the neighboring cantina. Step up to the orange counter to get a Momento card that will be linked to a credit card. Linger a moment to watch the nixtamalized masa made from varieties of heirloom Mexican corn being pressed by hand before being placed on the tortilla-making machine. The tortillas are also available for purchase in vacuum-sealed bags. 'Because 70 percent of our dishes are based on maiz, we put a lot of effort to have good corn,' says Fajardo. To share, there are elotes, guacamole, and ridged potato chips sprinkled with lime juice and hot sauce, a popular Mexico City street snack. Tostadas come layered with grilled ribeye, spicy tuna, and Sinaloan-style fish with a kicky chile-lime sauce. The fried tortillas are sturdy, so go ahead and pick them up to eat. The tacos are available in six varieties, including ribeye topped with crispy potato strips, fried whitefish with mango pico de gallo, and birria-style mushrooms. From the trompo, a Mexico City tradition, the shaved beef is paired with vegetables. Full meals in the style of Mexico's comida corrida come in the form of stews (guisados) like slow-braised beef tongue and cochinita pipil, all served with rice, beans, and tortillas. A large window features artwork depicting six cartoon-like characters. Like at a museum, a panel next to it offers details of its significance, although here it's in English and Spanish. 'Icons of faith, reimagined for today,' it reads. Peek inside another window and you'll see a colorful floor-to-ceiling mural of a winged woman. Those in the know will recognize her as the Angel of Independence who sits atop one of Mexico City's most important monuments. Surrounding her, illustrations depict various Mexican icons. Inside the small space, orange banquettes and chairs mirror the signature color of Mexico City's buses and metro stations. On the tables, small computer screens provide access to the menu and ordering process. Over on the cantina side, an expanded menu also includes shareable molcajetes such as grilled fish and starters like shrimp quesadillas and tamales. Six additional tacos are available that offer creative taco takes (think quesabirria, charred octopus with salsa macha, and roasted sweet potato) on the traditional dish. Desserts include arroz con leche, chocolate 'abuelita' cake, and sweet corn cake. Two chefs from Mexico City oversaw the menus. Alex Preschez is executive chef at the Hotel Sofitel, while pastry chef Fernando Prado is behind Cuina, a bakery, restaurant, and culinary school, also in Mexico City. In the cantina, tech-driven experiences are combined with modern murals from Mexican artists and more traditional design motifs. At its Monroe entrance, a digital interactive screen displays various Mayan masks. On shelves next to the restrooms, there are black-and-white photos of popular Mexican screen stars from the past. Inside the women's restroom, a red-lit infinity mirror inspires selfies. An interactive beverage experience has been incorporated into the design of the 97-seat cantina to encourage guests to get up from their tables and mingle. At one, mezcals and tequilas are dispensed in tasting-size portions. Various draft Mexican beers, including some exclusive to Momento, are available at one end of the 14-seat bar. Both are accessible via a Momento card. Beverages can also be ordered from servers and bartenders. 'In Mexico, a cantina is a place where your table is the very beginning of the experience,' says Fajardo. 'Maybe you end at another one because you meet people and you dance, sing, drink, and share stories. We want people to explore the place.' For its design inspiration, the dining room references Mexico's many cathedrals. Overhead are 3D arches and spires in pink and purple, a nod to the vibrant colors of Mexico City's beloved jacaranda tree blossoms. With all this talk about branding, it's important to note that Fajardo a content creator and brand developer by trade. He's pushed buttons when it comes to his nationality when he created a three-minute video in 2018 called 'I'm Mexican' that delivers a rapid-fire message on Mexicans' strength when faced with adversity. The video went viral with 4.5 million views on YouTube. It's via that video that Roldán, who owns franchises of French multinational gelato chain Amorino in Mexico City and Chicago, first connected with his fellow Mexico City native. When Roldán found a potential space for a restaurant, he reached out to his now friend and asked how the video would translate into a restaurant. From there, the idea and message for Momento grew. 'This is a showcase for authentic Mexico,' Fajardo says. 'We want everything at Momento to be meaningful.' Momento Taqueria, 44 S. Wabash Avenue, (312) 363-3136, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Momento Cantina, 36 E. Monroe Street; open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Reservations available via OpenTable . See More: Chicago Restaurant Openings
Metro
5 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Man Utd sent latest transfer message by Real Betis over 'complex' Antony deal
Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo insisted the club are still pursuing a deal for Manchester United winger Antony but said finances could prove an issue. Antony enjoyed a resurgent spell at Betis during the second half of last season, helping fire the club to the Europa Conference League final and scoring nine goals in 25 appearances. And the Brazil international is now desperate to return to Spain, repeatedly making it clear he sees his future at Betis. The 25-year-old has no future under Ruben Amorim back at United, but the Red Devils do not want to loan him out again and are seeking a permenant transfer this summer. Betis have not spent over £20m on a player in six years, but are set to raise funds through the departure of midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who is close to joining Atletico Madrid. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Regardless, Fajardo conceded that reaching a deal with United for Antony could still prove difficult, but said they would do everything in their power to bring the winger back to the club this summer. 'We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation,' Fajardo said. 'Given the player's level and his recent career at Real Betis, it's not an easy transaction. 'But, as long as Antony hasn't committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony. 'I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club. In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the club. 'We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past, so that Antony can be here. Today, the market is open, as I said before, it's very dynamic, and we are part of that game.' Antony is prepared to take a 30 per cent wage cut to help seal a move away from Old Trafford. The former Ajax star is currently on £150,000-a-week. But United would still demand a fee in the region of £32.58million to avoid a loss on the player under the profit and sustainability rules (PSR). More Trending Asked about Antony's publically stated desire to return, Farajado added: 'It doesn't surprise me (Antony wants to return to Betis). 'And I'd like to take this opportunity once again to highlight the work that Real Betis does as a whole, across all departments. 'When a player arrives here and has such an immediate impact, that's no coincidence. It's the result of the work, sacrifice, and seriousness of everyone involved on a day-to-day basis. 'Not only so that Antony can perform and give his best, but so that all the players who join Betis can reach their prime.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: £70m England star makes transfer decision amid Chelsea and Man Utd interest MORE: Valencia respond to Arsenal's opening transfer bid for Cristhian Mosquera MORE: Arsenal told £67m transfer target will be sold if he does not 'wake up'
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GMA Network
19-06-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
June Mar Fajardo leads PBA Philippine Cup BPC race
June Mar Fajardo may be on his way to another Best Player of the Conference award as he led the statistical points race of the PBA Philippine Cup at the end of the elimination round. San Miguel's Fajardo had 40.4 average statistical points (SPs) to lead the race as he averaged 17.5 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His teammate CJ Perez placed second with 38.5 SPs, while Robert Bolick of NLEX finished third with 37.6 SPs. At close fourth is Magnolia's Zav Lucero (37.3 SPs), while Jason Perkins of the Phoenix Fuel Masters (35.5 SPs) and TNT's Calvin Oftana (35.4) followed suit. Should Fajardo be named as the Best Player of the Conference, it will be his 12th overall. Votes from the players and members of the media are also factored in the BPC decision. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
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GMA Network
15-06-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
San Miguel back in familiar territory after claiming top seed ahead of Philippine Cup quarters
After missing a playoff for the first time in a decade last conference, San Miguel returned to familiar ground after claiming the top seed in PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Sunday. The Beermen, who failed to catch the quarterfinals bus last Commissioner's Cup, did so after crushing NorthPort with a dominant 126-91 win at the Ynares Center Antipolo to assure themselves the top spot that comes with a twice-to-beat bonus. CJ Perez, who admitted they were all disappointed following their early exit last conference, led the way this time with 24 points laced with five rebounds, one steal, and one assist while Jericho Cruz and Don Trollano each chipped in 17 markers as the Beermen ended the elimination with an 8-3 card. June Mar Fajardo finished with a double-double effort of 10 points and 11 rebounds together with four assists and three steals while Marcio Lassiter chimed in with 10 markers and four boards. But San Miguel isn't overly focused on their seeding, especially as they are set to take on a dangerous Meralco side that took the All-Filipino crown away from them last year. "Nasa top seed kami ngayon pero it doesn't matter kasi lahat ng teams ngayon sobrang nag-improve and last conference, hindi sanay 'yung San Miguel na wala sa playoffs and lahat kami parang disappointed," Perez said. "So ang ginawa namin ngayon ay nag-focus sa top four at dahan-dahanin namin 'yung playoffs until finals." For San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, their preparation for the quarterfinals began as early as their game against the also-ran Batang Pier. The Beermen wasted no time imposing its dominance, cruising to an early 57-38 lead with the troika of Fajardo, Lssiter, and Perez powering a 13-5 run to close out the first half. Perez then dropped 11 of his total output in the third frame that stretched the gap to a massive 25-point separation, 92-67. It was all San Miguel from that point with Jeron Teng completing a three-point play that sent them to their biggest lead at 111-74 halfway through the payoff period. "This game is very important to us. A win will get us to top four with a twice-to-beat advantage and if we lost and Ginebra wins, we'd have been at number five so we treated it as the start of a best-of-three [series] so nakaisa na kami," Austria said. "We need one more game sa quarterfinals to get to the semifinals. Credit sa mga players kasi at the start of the conference, they worked really hard." NorthPort, which ended its campaign with a dismal 2-9 win-loss record, leaned on Joshua Munzon as the veteran guard poured in 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one block while Cade Flores posted13 markers and 12 boards. Scores: San Miguel 126 – Perez 24, Cruz 17, Trollano 17, Tautuaa 14, Fajardo 10, Lassiter 10, Brondial 8, Tiongson 7, Teng 4, Cahilig 3, Rosales 2, Calma 2, Ross 0. NorthPort 91 – Munzon 19, Flores 13, Balanza 11, Yu 11, Taha 9, Abueva 5, Nelle 5, Cuntapay 5, Bulanadi 5, Kwekuteye 5, Onwubere 3, Nava 0. Quarters: 25-16, 57-38, 92-67, 126-91. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
07-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
PNP to deploy 37,000 cops for School Year 2025-2026 opening
Some 37,000 police officers will be deployed by the Philippine National Police for the opening of School Year 2025-2026 this month, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said Saturday. "Nakahanda na tayo... Nasa 37,000 police officers ang ide-deploy natin," Fajardo said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB. (We are ready. We will deploy around 37,000 police officers.) "Five thousand ang ilalagay natin sa mga police assistance desk sa mga paaralan," she added. (Five thousand [police officers] will be assigned to police assistance desks in schools.) "Mayroon ding police mobile at foot patrollers malapit sa mga paaralan," Fajardo said. (There will also be police mobile and foot patrollers near schools.) In Northern Mindanao, the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) has heightened security across the region ahead of the opening of classes. PRO-10 director Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman ordered all provincial and city police offices to deploy maximum personnel in strategic areas, including schools, transport terminals, airports, seaports, malls, business centers, and other areas where people converge, according to an earlier report by GMA Regional TV. The Department of Education earlier announced that public schools across the country would open classes for School Year 2025–2026 on June 16, 2025 This shift marks a return to the pre-pandemic school calendar, as outlined in DepEd Order No. 12, Series of 2025. The school year will run until March 31, 2026, covering 197 class days, including the End-of-School-Year (EOSY) rites. —KG, GMA Integrated News
