A new chef is taking Humboldt Park by storm! In the same space where La Plena once operated is now, Janellie’s Kitchen, a Puerto Rican woman-owned restaurant, open Monday through Thursday. 

We met Janellie Opening Day to support Paseo Boricua’s newest addition. 

“I'm stoked,” says Janellie. “It's extremely satisfying and an honor to be a young female representing Puerto Rico on Paseo Boricua, a dream come true.”

Now positioned in the middle of Chicago’s Puerto Rico Town, Janellie still has critics to win over. “People are still confused [about the closing of La Plena] and that's ok. Some are excited to see new faces, others are doubtful of my ability to meet their expectations of an authentic Puerto Rican food,” says Janellie. 

Her meals are inspired by humble cooks from "el monte" (high mountains) she met in barrio Espino, San Lorenzo, PR.

Janellie was born in Chicago and moved to Puerto Rico where she met her husband, Moises (pictured above). After having kids Janellie came back home in 2014 to give her family the experience of enjoying all four seasons and learning a second language. 

With Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas (Puerto Rican Festival) around the corner (June 9-12) Janellie plans to set up the front patio of the restaurant to look like a chinchorro de Puerto Rico, serving classics like alcapurrias, bacalaitos, ensalada de mariscos, pastelillos de camarones and their famous pinchos made on the grill.

After a soft launch in the local commercial kitchen at Mercado del Pueblo, Janellie has advice for young womxn entrepreneurs. “Keep pushing even if you fail, as long as you want something you must work for it and ALWAYS bet on yourself.” 

Check out this latest Humboldt Park gem Thursday - Monday and follow them for updates and specials.