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Joanne Witt photo
When I heard that a new Latin chicken place had opened outside the loop, I decided to check it out. Situated on Del Monte off of Voss, hOla offers a variety of Central and South American dishes. Calling it a “chicken place” is to unfairly pigeon hole it.
Joanne Witt photo
Owner Jerry Mancuso, who is also the owner of Mancuso's Italian Table, told me that he hired several Latino chefs and asked them for their best “home-style” family recipes. It is those recipes that are featured on hOla’s menu and, based on my first sampling, there are several home runs.
The Costa Rican-style chicken has a citrus and herbed marinade and I choose three sides; black beans, guacamole and sweet plantains. The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and the half-a-chicken serving combined with the sides possibly could feed two people. The guacamole was as good a version as I have ever tasted and the accompanying house made salsas should be bottled for take away.
Guatamalan enchilada plate.: Joanne Witt photo
Next up was the Guatemalan enchilada. Glutinous rice was stuffed with fragment pork and steamed in a banana leaf. It was served alongside arepas and fried yucca. My first non-corn enchilada was a hit.
The final dish I tried (and shared with a friend).was the Peruvian ceviche. I’m excusing the missing corn and sweet potato in Mancuso’s version because the flavors were spot on and the portion was generous for the price.
Peruvian ceviche: Joanne Witt photo
Speaking about price, the quality and quantity add to making it a terrific value. The counter service is friendly and welcoming and hOla offers a drive through and delivery. Another bonus: until it gets a liquor license hOla is offering free beer, red wine, sparkling wine or Costa Rican Sangria (limit is three glasses a person) after 5 p.m. until close.
Mancuso's hOla: 6565 Del Monte, 713-781-4652
Joanne -
went there last week and was very disappointed. Had the chicken tacos and the tortillas were soggy the chicken was not moist and was marginal at BEST. Also it doesnt look like they put alot of money into the location, the place smelled like old restaurant equipment and was musty. This was a former Wendy's restaurant and you could still tell. Mancuso should have just stuck to his italian restaurant, this place has no identity foodwise and just lumps different cuisines together in a feeble attempt to be "creative". The menu outside should be a warning sign alone as they serve everything short of meatloaf tacos. Nasty stuff....
Actually the building was formerly a Hartz chicken franchise. And while I didn't think the food was nasty, I was underwhelmed on my lone visit. To be fair, I visited just a few days after it opened.
I agree with you Joanne. We have sampled several of their delicious dishes and will be back for more! YUM!
I concur more with RAFA and Syd after 2 visits.
From the parking lot it looks like most people agree with us by staying away from hOla.
Stick with Arturo Boda's outstanding restaurant across the street and you will be HAPPY
This place is amazing with the wide variety of latin food, always hot and fresh and worth every dollar.
And not to mention the excellent customer service
Fish taco is the best...... you should try it...
Guys, the restaurant is still fairly new and I am sure they will have their hits and misses. At these prices and with the variety of dishes available I suggest trying them again if your first experience was less than stellar.
My friend and I tried three different entrees and six different sides. As picky of an eater as I am, I was happily surprised.
Wrobel, I hardly think you should compare Arturo Boda's restaurant with the fast food one across the street, do you?
Bena I also heard that the fish tacos are one of their top selling dishes, glad to hear you enjoyed them.