Guac That Rocks
Three mighty but minimalist mashes that give us reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
GUACAMOLE AND CHIPS $3.50, Olecito
Olecito is the new hermana pequena to Ole Mexican Grill across the street, offering takeout until 9 p.m. That this guacamole is as colorful as the Mexican flag signals its vibrant taste on the palate. Two Hass avocados are mashed fresh with chopped cilantro, onions, tomatoes, salt, and lime juice. Just-right amounts of jalapeno give this guac a welcome bite. Chips are fried pieces of homemade corn tortillas - crispy little shovels. We only wish the guacamole came with a few soft tortillas to mop up every last bit at the end. Bottom line Freshness and flavor make us want to shout ole!
GUACAMOLE AND CHIPS $8.95, La Verdad Taqueria Mexicana
The small amount of onions or hot peppers in this guacamole made us wary, but the creamy dip with chunks of avocado and lots of fresh cilantro gets a lift from lime juice, sea salt, and a sprinkle of scallions. A crumble of mild Cotija cheese tops the salted chips, homemade from the corn tortillas used for soft tacos. No heat here, unless you also scoop the chips into one of the accompanying salsas. Bottom line Purists will love this nearly unadulterated dip, and it wins the top chip award.
GUACAMOLE AND CHIPS $5.95, Salsa's Mexican Grill
The guacamole here is made from scratch, but perhaps a little too early in the day. Overly chilled when it arrives at the table, it needs some time for the flavors to emerge. Small amounts of onion and tomato dot the dip, and we were delighted to find just a shred of lemon peel. The biggest disappointment? Chips come from a bag! But the vibe, with the room's tin ceiling, red walls, painted wood tables, cactus murals, and one live saguaro strung with Christmas lights scream fun. Bottom line The decor here will put you in the mood to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, even if the chips don't.
Olecito
12 Springfield Street, Cambridge, 617-876-1374
La Verdad Taqueria Mexicana
1 Lansdowne Street, Boston, 617-351-2580, laverdadtaqueria.com
Salsa's Mexican Grill
18 Dorchester Street, South Boston, 617-269-7878
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