'Fresh twist to food' at Corner Cantina

The intentions of Corner Cantina’s Executive Chef Raul Del Toro come to life in the Mexican-American offerings of the Marengo establishment. Opened since March 2012, the Southwest-inspired restaurant located at the corner for Grant Highway and South State Street offers a menu for a variety of palettes, a private dining room for parties, a full bar and catering.

Del Toro came on board in October 2012 after he closed the doors of his previous restaurant Del Toro’s Tex-Mex Grill and Bar in Huntley. Due to the recession and the inconvenient road construction on Route 47, Del Toro made the decision to close the doors after more than a decade in business. Though one door had closed for Del Toro, an opportunity arose to become part of the Corner Cantina family.

Del Toro found his love for food while working in the dormitory cafeteria at Illinois State University. Though he studied education, he took his passion for cooking after graduation and never looked back.

Del Toro said he sees his new position as an exciting challenge to cater to the tastes of the people of this "little big town.” He also said he enjoys the available resources that Marengo has to offer.

“Marengo is full of farms and it’s really great to be able to get the vegetables from these local farmers to make our dishes and salsas,” Del Toro said. “It’s great to have that relationship with the farmers in the area and there is nothing more important to execute a successful menu than fresh ingredients.”

Del Toro said he brought his Roasted Tomato Jalapeno Salsa and Roasted Tomatillo Salsa recipes that were customer favorites at his Huntley establishment to pair with Corner Cantina’s Mexican fare such as the popular steak fajitas.

Del Toro said that Corner Cantina does not stop at the traditional Mexican cuisine staples but also has sandwiches, ribs and a Friday night fish fry that are sizeable draws.

“I love to bring my own fresh twist to food,” Del Toro said.