The Old Man’s Hut

Last week I finally gave the newest Chinese restaurant in Monona a try, La Choza Del Viejo.

The name means “the old man’s hut” in Spanish. While a Chinese restaurant with a Spanish name is more than a little odd, it's exactly this kind of incongruity that adds color to an increasingly bland, cookie cutter area. The owner and chef is one Evelio Castillo, which explains the name.

I neglected to take any photos of the food but nothing tasted like it came from Sysco. The teriyaki beef was tender, if perhaps a bit oversweet; the hot & sour soup was great - not particularly viscous and with a nice black pepper accent; and the egg foo young was rather light & fluffy and not too greasy with a nice fresh oil flavor.

Service was friendly and swift. Highly recommended.