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New eatery offers classic, authentic Mexican food

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By Teri Horsley, Contributing Writer 6:10 PM Thursday, December 16, 2010

HAMILTON — It’s not often that a restaurant owner greets me with chips and homemade salsa when I stop in to let them know I’ll be dining there.

In fact, it never happened until I met Lolita Bohn, proprietor of Lolita’s Cantina & Grille in Hamilton. I only mention it now, because the gesture perfectly describes Lolita’s warmth and friendliness, traits that are just as enjoyable as the Latin food she serves.

“This is my baby. I have never run a restaurant and, in fact, I’m a nurse, but I love my food and want others to enjoy it, too,” she said.

Eighty percent of the menu at Lolita’s is made up of Mexican food, while the other items feature Argentinian cuisine. Lolita’s Argentinian father and Guatemalan mother influenced her cooking, and all of her dishes are home made daily.

Even the chips and salsa are made fresh, with the chips being a lighter, airier version of what you’d get in a typical Mexican restaurant. There are two types of salsa: mild and hot, although the hot is actually more of a medium, but both are very good. Other fresh sauces include the spicy tomatillo, which is served over fresh Tilapia, guacamole, which I don’t usually like, but found this to be chunky and delicious, and a mild brown sauce, which is served over the Argentinian Empanadas. (fried beef stuffed in a pastry shell that is then deep fried).

After sampling a variety of entrees, my hands down favorite was the Tilapia because it was grilled extra crispy which many restaurants can’t seem to manage. The tomatillo sauce gave it just the right amount of kick, and the fresh black bean and roasted corn salsa it topped complimented it perfectly.

“We roast the vegetables in all of our sauces, and use a variety of marinades and fresh herbs in our entrees, which adds to the overall freshness,” Lolita said.

Sweets lovers won’t be disappointed in the Tres Leches cake, as Lolita changes up the traditional Mexican favorite by adding a touch of brandy to the sauce. My friend described it best when he said it tasted like a milk shake cake. It was definitely not as grainy as many Tres Leches cakes I’ve had at other restaurants in the past.

Reservations are accepted at Lolita’s, and catering is available. Private parties can be held on site with three days notice, and bar service featuring beer, wine and margaritas is offered.

A kids menu is available for those younger than 12, with full-size entrees being served with smaller portions of rice and beans.

Daily lunch specials are not listed on the menu, but are often American favorites like fried chicken and fried shrimp.

Lolita’s has been open for a month in the building where Walt’s Barbecue, operated by her husband, Walt, was located.

Carry-out is available at the cantina and the same menu is offered throughout the day.

How to go

What: Lolita’s Cantina & Grille

When: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Where: 1242 Main St., Hamilton (in Town & Country Shopping Center)

Cost: Empanadas $5.99. Other appetizers range from $3.79 to $7.99. Tilapia is $9.99. Other entrees average $10 to $14. Mexican favorites such as tacos, enchiladas and chimichangas are $6.99 to $9.99. Kids items are $4 and $5.

Critic’s choice: Chips and salsa (hot), Tilapia, Tres Leches Cake.

More info: (513) 867-1333

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