In search of more good mexican eateries in Columbus, Ohio, I found myself at the Hacienda Real at 4855 Sinclair Rd. And, as is part of every central Ohio Mexican establishment, we begin our meal with the obligatory chips and salsa. The Hacienda’s special twist on the chips and salsa routine is to add a dish of refried beans and what must be a Mexican version of cole slaw. I wouldn’t classify it as pico de gallo. I’ll just have to ask what it is the next time I’m there, because, heck, I just don’t know. Nevertheless, we need not know exactly what we are eating in order to consider it good. The chips and salsa at La Hacienda Real are some of the best I’ve had in central Ohio although La Casita’s version definitely takes top honors over salsa a la Hacienda. La Hacienda’s version is muy picante but doesn’t have the same zest that you’ll find at La Casita. As I said in the La Casita review, the cilantro in their salsa really makes it come alive. Hey, it’s like there’s a party in my mouth and everyone’s, uh, yeah. Well, anyway, on to the main course.

I never think of seafood and Mexican together but, with one eye, towards righting or writing this column, I thought, “Let’s order something a little more photo worthy.” So I fired up the whole fried fish and refried beans aka Mojarra. Yeah, everything goes good with refried beans – even whole fried fish! And you know what? This stuff was damned tasty! Tilapia really doesn’t sound too mouth-watering in the first place, and it definitely didn’t look compelling on the menu despite the retouching and airbrushing. C’mon, how good can you make a dead fish look – especially with the head and eyeballs still intact? If anything, my first impression was roadkill. It definitely had the look of a several days old and several runned overs racoon. But don’t judge a book by its cover! This was fine eatin’ tender fish. Hey, and probably something you can make at home. Heat oil – drop fish in – pull fish out – open refried beans – heat and serve together – add green stuff to make look good.

Next time you go Mexican – don’t discount the seafood. They do it well at La Hacienda Real.

4855 Sinclair Rd
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 781-0624

You Should Also Check Out This Post:

• Maca Rumored to be Closing Dec. 19.
• Funk at the Bexley Monk with MojoFlo
• Columbus Dining Blog Roundup - Yeehaw!
• The origins of Katzinger's
• Dine Originals Columbus ends on Sunday

More Active Posts:

• Ol' Bag of Nails - bring a packed lunch along (7)
• About us (6)
• Users online (6)
• Taboo Lounge (5)
• Trader Joe's - specialty grocery store in central Ohio (4)
• La Michoacana Mexican Market and Restaurant (4)
• Jack & Benny's, "Breakfast served all day" (4)
• Where to find late night eats in Columbus? (4)
• Handke's Closes Its Doors (4)
• Taco Trucks in Columbus - El Nuevo Tacos Tao - err, almost (4)