By Rachel Muston
Ola Cocina (pronounced Ola Co-cee-na) opened their doors on Wednesday, December 11 in the old Mitla location and I rushed in on their first day to check it out. I had been anxiously awaiting their opening. In the months since Mitla closed at 62 Barrette, the windows have been covered but it has been a hive of activity inside. The extensive renovations include a sleek new gas stove, a super fast steamer (for tamales), a new floor, a great paint job, and the addition of a soda dispenser -- meaning they have Harvey and Verns on tap.
Editor’s Note: Word on the street is that Ola Cocina will have some hot Mexican bites at this Saturday’s Beechwood Solstice Social, from 2-4, as well; get them before they are gone!
There is some bar seating and a shared family style table, but like it’s predecessor, Ola Cocina is primarily a take away business. What is most important, though, is the food. Fans of Mitla will see familiar items on the menu such as tortas and quesadillas. However, there are some new items, as well, such as tacos (with fillings like pulled pork, house made chorizo and chicken) and churros. Owner Donna Chevrier, is starting with a shorter menu while they get their legs; tamales were put on the menu this week, and in the new year, look for ‘meals to go’ and even paella. Brunch will be available on Saturdays, including the essential huevos rancheros. Donna and 2nd in command Matt Herbert are focused on making food that is familiar but also has a bit of a twist. Fresh is the name of the game here - everything is made from scratch (including the corn tortillas, made fresh daily).
And the food is good. That first night I picked up a taco platter (three tacos plus 2 sides) for hubby and a torta (vegetarian – not on the menu but just ask) for me. The torta (aka “Mexican panini”) was a fantastic mix of refried beans, guacamole, cheese, onions, herbs and spices that was grilled until everything was warm and melty. Yum. Hubby said his pulled beef tacos were equally delicious. I can attest that the sides of beans and Mexican rice were very tasty.
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| Images: Rachel Muston (2013) |
While there are no vegetarian-specific items on the menu yet, Donna has had many requests for vegetarian offerings and is looking at making the vegetarian torta a mainstay, possibly along with some other items. In the meantime, just ask – many things on the menu can be vegetarian-ized.
The hours are perfect for dropping in on your way home from work. So perfect that I stopped by again on Thursday for another torta.
Welcome to the neighbourhood Ola Cocina. We are glad you are here!
Ola Cocina
62 Barrette St
613-746-6222
@olacocina
Hours:
The hours are perfect for dropping in on your way home from work. So perfect that I stopped by again on Thursday for another torta.
Welcome to the neighbourhood Ola Cocina. We are glad you are here!
Ola Cocina
62 Barrette St
613-746-6222
@olacocina
Hours:
Mon - closed
Tues - 11-7
Weds - 11-7
Thurs - 11-7
Fri - 11-7
Sat - 11-7
Sun – closed