Update: La Humita

Mike G’s review of La Humita appears two years later as still right on, and on a Saturday at 6pm its success is clear. There was a party of 10 just starting and only one empty table in the place. There are at most 10 tables. The brothers who seat and serve are a great team, even if there is some miscommunication (we were asked once from each about ordering appetizers and after asking for the check were given a dessert menu). No mind, it was a very warm experience.

The space is crowded in parts, but Mr. Food Nut was told that an expansion above the current space should be complete in a couple of months and will add live music. It’s so tight that a batted butts twice with the brothers on the way to the bathroom.

We brought wine, but I was surprised to see another table ordering from a brief wine list (I’m a little embarrassed about this). Therefore, I’m not sure how long this BYO will last. It appears the license is active, but they are continuing the BYO out of the kindness of their own hearts? This is a very warm, inviting place thanks to these friendly brothers.

I wanted to sample appetizers and was pleased to enjoy a humita (see this ABC link for a great description: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/060204_hh_humita.html ), the potato pancakes, and fried plantains with a fine salty, firm and fresh cheese. The potato pancakes were like mashed potato patties and not very interesting. The empanada was tempting, but I had to say no to more oil.

I tasted the steak with plantains, rice, and lentil stew. The stew was mildly seasoned and beautiful, accentuating the legumes with perfectly cooked rice and sprinkle of parsley. Nothing spicy on the menu I tried and this is not a “chips and salsa” place. Though, I read later you could ask for some Ecuadorian salsa, it was not served. Personally, I think salsa on the tamale-like humita would ruin its subtle, soft flavors of sweet and salty. A nice touch on the table was a pepper grinder, and this was all I added to my humita and lentil stew. Unfortunately, parts of the small piece of steak that I tried were inedible. I realize $13 doesn’t warrant an excellent piece of meat, so I don’t recommend this dish outside of the stew.


Mike’s report from May 14, 2003 of La Humita here:

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=946,

We tried La Humita for the first time last night. Overall, it was just an "OK" experience. We started with the Calamari, which was tender, but the batter was flavorless. Roasted red pepper sauce didn't really add much. The whole dish lacked seasoning. Husband had Lomito Saltado and I went with Arroz con Camarones. The fries with the Lomito were of the thick "steak-cut" Sysco variety and were a bit soggy. My dish had 5 small way-overcooked shrimp around a pile of yellow rice. Again, lack of seasoning/flavor. We've had both of these dishes prepared far better at La Pena. No dessert menus were brought or offered. We had to ask for coffee. Our busser was great, the owner/manager did stop by to greet us, but our server was mildly unfriendly. Maybe we hit them on an off night, but nothing about the experience made me want to go back. When we're in the mood for this type of food, we'll head over to La Pena.

Just to update - their upstairs is complete. There's a bar, live music on weekends and karaoke weeknights.

La Humita
3466 N Pulaski

La Pena
4212 N Milwaukee

Hubby and I went to La Humita for lunch 2 weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I thought the empanadas were the best I have ever had! Hubby really enjoys La Pena better too. La Humita is small so I can imagine what it was like when really crowded. Still, I can't wait to go back!