Manola Restaurant

Fans of Mexican fare have another option in Manola Mesquite Fajita Factory, which opened in the former Mellow Mushroom location on U.S. 98, Hattiesburg, Ms.

Owner Fernando Gomez and the chefs say diners can look forward to offerings such as Mesquite Grilled Angus Ribeye Ranchero, Chicken Chorizo, Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers and Fajita Factory Chicken Pasta Bake. Desserts include Strawberry Stuffed Churros, Chocolate-Dipped Key Lime Pie and Mango Changos.

This restaurant is a little different than your standard Mexican offering.

“The concept, it’s more health-oriented,” said Gomez, who also owns Fernando’s of Magee and Papi’s locations in Louisiana. “We have a mesquite oven, and you can see the cooks when you walk in.

“Not only that, but we have a fresh-table guacamole for every dinner. We prepare everything fresh, in house — the guacamole, the salsa, everything. When people come here, we want them to walk out saying, ‘Wow, I have never been to a Mexican restaurant like that.’ ”

Gomez said in addition to giving his guests a unique experience, he wants to be able to educate them on the many facets of Mexican food.

“A lot of times, you walk into a restaurant, and you ask them what they put in the salsa, and they can’t tell you because they don’t know,” he said. “But we can tell our diners, this is fresh tomatoes — no MSG, no preservatives. This is fresh.”

Give us a try today!