Malnati's president expands into fish tacos with Buzz Bait Taqueria
CHICAGO (WLS) -- What do you get when you cross the seafood expertise of Kamehachi with the business acumen of Malnati's Pizza? A fish taco place, of course.
It's actually the brainchild of Malnati's president Mark Malnati, and it all stems from a trip he took to California many years ago.
It's a few thousand miles from the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, but Buzz Bait Taqueria is trying to capture some of that essence in Old Town. The idea was hatched about five years ago by Malnati.
"It was always his dream to do something a little different like that where somebody could come and get a really good fish taco," said Mike Sterner, the general manager at Buzz Bait.
The most familiar would be the fried cod, but the toppings are slightly different from the Southern California original.
"Ours is Sapporo-battered cod; it blows up, it's really big. It looks outstanding, great on the plate; has the cabbage. We use a yogurt sauce which is similar to a crema," Sterner said.
Ahi tuna poke is sushi-quality, thanks to the folks at Kamehachi; the tortillas here are brushed with teriyaki, adding sweetness, while fresh avocado gives it a richer mouthfeel. Even the salmon tacos take on a different hue.
"The salmon is rubbed, we put it in the smoker, it smokes for two-and-a-half, three hours. During that process, about halfway through, we glaze it with a sweet chili sauce and it comes out and it's fabulous," Sterner said.
Sides are seasonal, which means this excellent Mexican-style elote is likely off the menu by now, and there's even a small bar, so you can grab a beer or one of their house-made margaritas in an attempt to recreate that Baja peninsula vibe.
"We wanna be the fish taco place of Chicago. That's what we're looking to do," Sterner said.
Buzz Bait does not skimp on the fillings, so be prepared to not only eat your tacos by hand, but also have a fork handy.
For now, the restaurant is only open for dinner.
Buzz Bait Taqueria
1529 N. Wells St.
(312) 664-2899
