Las Tres Mosqueteras in Parkview Grill. Photo: El BeiSMan
For Women’s Month I am going to delve into a personal culinary delight and take the reader for a taste into Parkview Diner. This neighborhood treasure is located on the corner of 19th Street and Damen Avenue in Pilsen, facing Harrison Park. It’s a block away from the National Museum of Mexican Art. I like its location, the feeling you get when walking in, the smell of the food, the attention of the owner and employees, and I love to eat my favorite dish: chilaquiles.
Besides my personal option there’s a variety of dishes customers can find at Parkview ranging from their breakfast specials to meat dishes. The food is fresh, cooked in front of you, and has every characteristic of those delicious homemade flavors that linger long after the meal. A free soup comes with your order. The soup is different each day and varies from a savory lentil soup to a tasty navy bean soup made out of 12 vegetables including potatoes and celery. That is truly appetizing and healthy.
Now we get to Las Tres Mosqueteras, the gems that run the place. Marta Solís, originally from Ecuador, is the owner. A jovial, friendly lady who welcomes everyone with a greeting and a smile. She opened Parkview 26 years ago, and as a female entrepreneur she made many sacrifices, but always looked toward the future and never gave up. She’s seen the changes in the neighborhood, the gentrification going on. Rents go up, Mexicans move out and students and other American professionals move in since they can afford to pay these higher rents. Parkview has an ideal location close to the Damen Pink line. The clientele is a mix of those who remain and the new arrivals. However the place continues to succeed.
Solís said that two movies have been shot there, as well as a special for Rush Hospital. Furthermore politicians and famous people have and still visit the place. Running a successful diner gives her joy and she’s proud of having achieved it. But she doesn’t do it alone, she has her son Nelson who works there as well as the two other Mosqueteras that are part of Parkview. Their names are Laura and Lucy. They work right alongside Solís and prepare and serve the meals to the customers.
Solis doesn’t see running Parkview as a burden, but rather a distraction, because it keeps her satisfied. She says that when people retire and stay home all they do is watch TV. By working and staying active she interacts with people and she feels the human touch all while providing nourishing food. This is what brings gratification to her life.
Over the years the neighborhood has changed, but one thing is for certain; Parkview stays true to serving good quality homemade food and that customers keep flocking to it. And Solís is happy looking at the park and connecting with people. ¡Buen provecho!
Chilaquiles Parkview Grill Style. Photo: El BeiSMan
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Leticia Cortez is a teacher, writer, activist. She was born in Mexico, grew up in Chicago and has travelled the art world. She has worked at Truman College, Santa Fe H.S., and presently teaches Latin American literature at St. Augustine College.
Parkview Grill is open everyday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.