In the space which used to house the Wicked Pulp juice bar, Corey Jones has opened an awesome tortilla joint called Loco Pollo. It's located on Washington Ave., near Silly's and Coffee By Design. Corey isn't advertising that he's open, but Adam and I spotted the lights on and people inside eating when we drove by Wednesday night on our way to a reception at the Portland Motor Club. All week I've been dying to try it out (after waiting a year and a half for it to open), but I didn't have a chance to get over there until yesterday.

Around 11:30, Adam and I ducked in for a quick lunch before heading out of town to a party. When we first walked in we had the place to ourselves, which gave us the chance to chat with Jones. A few minutes later another couple came in (who'd clearly eaten there before) and then Anestes Fotiades, the author of the must-read PortlandFoodMap.com, stopped by to check out the scene.

Something tells me Jones' plans for a soft launch might be revving up a little faster than he expected.

The decor bursts with Mexican warmth and good cheer. The food is simple, filling and affordable. Jones is serving up soups ($4-6), tamales (3 for $6) and tortilla plates ($8 for a medium chicken plate). An experienced baker comes in every morning to make the corn tortillas and tamales.

Adam ordered two green chile chicken goat cheese tamales, and I asked for a tortilla plate with beans and rice. Jones also whipped up two mango-banana-strawberry smoothies for us. When the food arrived at the counter, we took it and headed over to the sauce bar, so we could load up on the excellent salsas and hot sauces.

My meal was simple and satisfying. The rice was fluffy and sprinkled with delicate bits of cilantro and the fresh, warm tortillas had the heft and flavor you can only get with scratch made. Adam was equally pleased with his spicy tamales, filled with chunks of chicken and parcels of goat cheese. The salsas rounded out each dish perfectly.

Loco Pollo is located at 52 Washington Ave., at the base of Munjoy Hill. It's open Mon.-Sat. 11:30 am-8 pm. 899-4422.