Hooting Miss Owl: Review: Birthday Shenanigans at La Choza

The lovely staff at La Choza

Skulls for children to colour in! Perfect for keeping them entertained :)

I've been keen as mustard to try out La Choza for a while now and my birthday seemed like the perfect opportunity. La Choza offers authentic Mexican street food in a colourful, fun setting in Brighton's North Laines. Take a seat in one of the booths inside or there's seating outside (providing the good old British summer doesn't put you off!). Mexican style blankets are offered to customers for when it starts to get a bit chilly.

We were unable to book a table for 7 as they only take bookings for parties of 10+ and anything less is on a 'first come, first served' basis, so when we arrived at La Choza I was a little apprehensive to whether we would get a table at all (something that you don't really want to worry about on your birthday). It was very busy on arrival and after a short wait outside we were moved to a table inside and got busy ordering drinks and perusing the menu. The food is very simple, healthy and affordable. You start off by choosing your base (tacos, burrito, quesadilla or tostadas) then your filling (slow cooked beef, pulled pork. homemade chorizo are more besides) and then finally your salsa (habernero, chipotle, green salsa or if your feeling really brave... XXXtra hot naga salsa!). All ranging from about £6.50 - £7.50.

Pulled Pork Tacos

Kiddies sized meals for the little ones

Taco flavoured kisses

Munching down on a Churros or two for dessert

To start off with we had 2 plates of nachos (£5.50 each) to share between the seven of us whilst we nattered about news and going ons. The nachos were delicious and smothered in melted cheese, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole. They didn't last very long and were quickly demolished. Everyone ordered different things for their mains but I decided to go for tacos with pan fried prawns in chilli, garlic and lime topped with habernero salsa. It was a bit of a wait for the food but we were not in any particular hurry and were quite happy trying out the Mexican style drinks that La Choza had to offer. I highly recommend the hibiscus margaritas or why not try the Michelado? A Modelo Especial (light beer) served with lime, chilli and salt. Surprisingly delicious. Several members of our group favoured the frozen Lemon & Lime margaritas.

One of the other reasons I chose La Choza is because they catered for children. Molly (our 4 year old) dined with us and she enjoyed munching down on a chicken taco from the kids menu, that was also reasonably priced at £4.50. Included in the price is a kiddie's drink and she quite happily slurped down a hibiscus frozen drink (a bit like a slushy) or two. She told me, "It's wonderful! The food is yummy and I love the skeleton above the door". For times when she got a bit restless and bored of adult conversation there were colouring-in sheets provided with a variety of Day of the Dead skulls. This certainly kept her occupied and was very happy when the staff pinned it on the wall with some skulls that had been coloured-in by other mini-customers.

All in all, La Choza was the perfect spot for some birthday fun and much needed catch up with friends. With an affordable menu, great service and delicious drinks, it was everything I had hoped it would be and much more. A very entertaining spot for grown-ups and kids alike, La Choza is a colourful addition to the North Laines' eclectic mix of eateries. I can't help but wonder why they weren't here before! The fact that they also do takeaway means that I can see Mexican food on the menu at Cassa Owly for some time to come.

Head to 36 Gloucester Road, Brighton for some taco treats at La Choza. Also check out their Facebook page for special offers and updates.

BRING ON THE TACOS!