My husband is obsessed with guacamole. If we're at a restaurant that serves it, we must have it no matter what they're charging for it or what it's smeared on (guacamole pasta? Bring it on!). He likes it on hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, in chili, I bet he'd eat it on ice cream (come to think of it, Vietnam Kitchen does do an avocado milkshake!) He even loves the word, say it with me now, GUACAMOLE. It really rolls off the tongue. Obviously, I hate to take him to Guaca Mole, at 9921 Ormsby Road.
Fernando, Cristina and Yaniel Martinez are possibly my favorite Louisville restauranteurs; they are the great minds responsible for Guaca Mole, Mojitos, Havana Rhumba and Mussel & Burger Bar. I expected excellence from Guaca Mole and I got it. The trio of guacamoles was comprised of the traditional; Yucateco with roasted corn and poblanos peppers pickled red onions and plantain chips; and Con Chicharron with radish, queso fresco, pepitas, and pork rind.
We also had the trio of Ceviche. Ceviche tastes bright, it's a real palate awakener—the shrimp was my favorite. The queso was without a doubt the best I've had. Melted cheese with caramelized onions, mushrooms and chorizo—that was the queso of the gods. The Mexican Flan was the creamy cherry on top of a great meal. Everything was gorgeously plated and presented, the service was above and beyond, and the price tag wasn't too bad. We did have to wait about 45 minutes for a table, but it was a Saturday night, and shame on us for not calling ahead.
My husband finally got his fill of guacamole, but now he has a taste for the good stuff. It's like he'd been drinking cheap gas station beer his whole life and got a taste of Dogfishhead Chicory Stout. Looks like there's a lot of Guaca Mole in my future.
photos: Elizabeth Orrick
