OMG, AMAZING FOOD!…read more
If you're looking for real, authentic Latin cuisine, try La Choza (The hut). Most of you realize the best food comes from "hole in the wall" dive restaurants. Well, that stereotype holds true here. La Choza actually sets the precedence in this case. No frills, sub-par service but delicious food.
Upon entering, the only waitress in the nearly abandoned moderately sized dinning room, looked surprised when I walked in. Perhaps, I was the first white person to enter looking for a meal. When she finally realized I was there to eat, she allowed me to sit anywhere. The high schooler was inexperienced to say the least but eager to get my order. I started to order a Dos Equis, and she demonstrated the same puzzled look as when I walked in, and she explained they don't serve alcohol. None the less, I was satisfied with water. The unnamed waitress quickly returned with the beverage and kindly asked if I needed a few more minutes which she took literally because three minutes later she arrived attentively again to get my order.
The menu was broken up nicely with items for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The names were in their native language with an English description of each item. A few amateur pictures doted the menu and even included a kid's menu. I decide to go with two appetizers, the nachos and papusa (tortilla pouch with filling). A choice of filling for the papusa was nice but I simply chose queso (cheese) and again a choice of meat for the nachos, which I chose pollo (chichen). A moderate wait of about fifteen minutes was not broken up by chips and salsa as you might find at an American chain Mexican restaurant but it gave me time to absorb the lack-luster atmosphere.
Two TVs in either front corners of the restaurant, one of which had music videos being controlled by someone in the establishment who was browsing their favorite songs on YouTube. The authentic Latin music was quickly replaced by modern American Rap which was not well received. Minimal decor reminded me that I was in a struggling "Mom and Pop" restaurant who likely spend most of their effort on the quality of the food.
My expectations at this point were dwindling but when the gigantic plate of nachos arrived at my table, my hopes were rekindled. My taste buds did not go wanting as I explored the yellow corn chips pilled high with diced grilled chicken, loads of thick queso blanco, fresh shredded lettuce and what I expect was fresh made guacamole which was outstanding. The papusas also arrived at about the same time with a sizzling, cheesy blend inside that oozed out slightly as I cut into the tender tortilla shell. A cup of orange shredded stuff was served with the papusa, which was indescribable by the waitress. The mystery stuff was amazing: a tangy, sweet, juicy, coarse, bright orange vegetable consistency was the highlight of the dish. Upon my own research, I believe it was a jicama slaw of sorts. It was absolutely delicious as was the rest of the food.
In summary, they need some improvement in the service area, but with food like that, I will be back over and over. The total bill was right at ten dollars before tip, and provided more food than I could eat in one sitting. That is to say, even the modest spender will find dinning pleasure at this authentic Latin eatery.
