Hip Hip Ole!

Style Weekly took a trip downtown this week for another stab at Café Ole, which is now under the able management of Richmond's former favorite coffee shop owner -- Betsy. That's Betsy Thomas to those of you who frequented Betsy's Coffee Shop in Carytown back in the day. After a fumbled attempt to open a cafe in Plant Zero a few years ago, Betsy found her way to one of downtown's, hands-down favorite lunch spots:

This food is fast. If you come during lunch rush (which is the only option, actually), there will be a line, but it moves quickly. You’ll need to get your eyes on that chalkboard menu and decide, because your turn’s coming.

A novice can’t go wrong with the fish tacos; the place has made a name for itself on the strength of this recipe: blackened tilapia with mango and apple, chipotle honey sauce and red cabbage for bite.

If you’re particularly hungry, the big-as-your-head burritos are filled with nicely grilled steak, chicken or slow-cooked shredded beef. Each variety gets added kick from flavorful Spanish rice and beans.

The other staples of fast, low-brow Mexican-American fare, tostadas and quesadillas, offer the palate a reminder of what these straightforward but all-too-often-neglected culinary inventions really can deliver: delicious sustenance in just the right amount of time. 

Even the tortilla chips get extra attention with a few crisp flautas in each order of the standard corn variety, a surprise as special as a note from your mom in a brown bag lunch.