Tacolicious just makes me happy. The name is playful, the food is great and served with panache, the restaurant is quirky and the location is well-thought out. Of course I would not expect less from this team of Joe Hargrave and wife Sara Deseran who head up a talented team. Out of their first Mexican cooking concept restaurant on Chestnut Street in San Francisco, there are a total of four including the one I love in downtown Palo Alto.
What makes it so special? I think it is the attention to detail. Joe and Sara took the time to learn about the varied cuisine of Mexico, making countless trips there before creating their menu offerings. Key staff has also done much research; well if you can call a tour tasting Mexico’s tequila region, research? Every day they present their clientele with tasty libations and cuisine, using the freshest ingredients and offering great value. They make dining here fun. It’s fun for two, fun for a family, or fun for the nearby student population. Each week they feature a ” Taco of the Week” and some are quite famous, like the yummy Korean Bulgogi taco served with kimchi. 
Sara has authored a cookbook that tells the tale of Tacolicious. It is a delightful read: well curated and written in a simple, easy style that connects with people by including the story of each recipe. The recipes and photography are beautifully done. If you are a Mexican food lover (who isn’t?) you’ll want to own one. Pick up a book at one of the Tacolicious restaurants or look online for “Tacolicious, festive recipes for Tacos, Snacks, Cocktails and More” by Sara Deseran, Ten Speed Press.
Tacolicious is famous for their Classic Guacamole served with house-made tortilla chips. Here with permission we share the recipe with you.
All images by Kurt Winner
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Tacolicious Is Delish In Palo Alto: Guacamole Recipe For You
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Sara and Joe advise that you don’t just use this as a dip for chips only. Serve with veggies to dip, or a big dollop on a sandwich in place of mayo.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) gently mashed avocado ,preferably Hass (about 4 avos)
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp diced yellow onion
- 1 tbsp minced jalapeno chile
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Place the avocado in a bowl.
- Add garlic, onion, chile, cumin, lime juice, cilantro and salt and use a fork to smash everything together to your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust lime juice and salt.
- Let sit for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 110
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the recipe call for Hass avocados specifically?
The recipe specifies “preferably Hass” avocados. Hass avocados have a richer, creamier flesh and a higher fat content than other varieties, which gives the guacamole a smoother, more flavorful base when gently mashed.
Why does the recipe call for resting the guacamole for 15 minutes before serving?
Step 4 of the instructions says to let it sit for 15 minutes to develop flavors. The garlic, 1 tbsp minced jalapeño, 1/4 tsp cumin, and fresh cilantro need a brief rest to meld together with the 1 1/2 tbsp of lime juice.
What is the role of cumin in this guacamole?
Cumin is not in most home guacamole recipes, but Tacolicious uses 1/4 tsp to add a subtle earthy, warm undertone that complements the fresh jalapeño and lime without dominating the avocado flavor.
Tacolicious is one of our favorite local restaurants, and your guac is spot on!