I hate tacos said no Juan ever! Grab a cerveza, tear open a bag of corn chips and kick back to celebrate National Guacamole Day on Friday, September 16!
Whether you go out to mark the occasion or chow down at home, there is no excuse to let this day pass by without eating guacamole. Here are four fun facts about our favourite bright green zesty spread and four restaurants to treat yourself:
•The Aztecs invented guacamole…when the Spaniards arrived in the New World, they discovered an Aztec sauce called ahuaca-molli; the name refers to something mashed and testicles, as the stone fruit reminded them of this part of the body.
•In the early 20th Century, our favourite fruit went by the unappealing name of ‘alligator pear’ due to its bumpy green skin – it has also been called a butter pear.
•The world’s largest bowl of guacamole weighed in at 4123 kg, that’s the weight of three midsize cars, about 130 golden retrievers, or roughly 6060 chipotle burritos; it all came together at a New York Jets NFL game in 2019.
• There are more than 450 varieties of avocado grown around the world, but the Hass – named after a US postal worker Rudolph Hass, who has owned the patent for the seedling since 1935 – is the most popular.
Serving Townsville with Tex Mex fare and Margaritas for nearly 30 years, Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill on Palmer Street is a local favourite. With venues also in Cannon Park and Redcliffe, diners are transported to a world of wagon wheels, spurs, cacti and brass lanterns, while eyeing a mouth-watering menu from both sides of the border.
Start your Mexican feast with freshly made guacamole and corn chips; before joining amigos for house specialty Aztec pie – shredded chicken, spring onions and creamy sauce, layered between tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and cheese.
Find a little slice of Mexico in the heart of Brisbane at Frida Kahlo’s Summer House on Goodwin Street in Kangaroo Point. Nestled in a modern, leafy courtyard in The Docks, this restaurant delivers all things taco and tequila in picturesque surrounds of potted greenery alfresco; while indoors rocks a vibe of colourful wall murals, statement lighting and a well-stocked bar, promising cheeky cocktails.
Stop in on Thursday for house guacamole, pico de gallo, roasted pepitas and blue corn chips; then devour signature chicken enchiladas, with mole, green pipian, adobo sour cream, feta and coriander, best washed down with a Cadillac Margarita.
Like all good things, a table at Mamasita is definitely worth waiting for, so follow the crowd to this Collins Street establishment. This hugely popular eatery has been described as Melbourne’s first true taqueria and its smart wooden benches, banquettes and bar stools are full from lunch ’til late.
Sip an ice-cold beer and chow down on guacamole with onion, lime, coriander, chilli and tortilla chips; before sharing a plate of roasted pork belly, pickled cabbage, apple, cascabel and fennel. Andale, Andale!
Fun and funky kitsch-style dining awaits at Muchacha Mexican Kitchen on Pitt Road in North Curl Curl. Don a sombrero as you enter this vibrant eatery, where brightly coloured floral tablecloths and mismatched plastic stools set a playful mood for Mexi-Cali fare at its best, either indoors or alfresco watching the world pass by.
Pair a plate of guac with freshly-cooked corn chips, or wrap your mouth around spicy buffalo chicken wings, followed by fully loaded chilli con carne, chipotle yoghurt, guacamole, cheese, pickled jalapeños and white corn tortilla chips.
For more Mexican fun, click here to find a restaurant near you.
