Nando & The Guacamole from Guacamole'x

Guacamole'x Restaurant
451 Morris Park Ave. @ 180th Street
Bronx, NY 10460 718.319.8320
2,5 train to 180th street

Rating: 5 Nando's

It certainly has an unusual name, "Guacamole'x" but what you'll find inside is the stuff food dreams are made of. I came across this Mexican/Dominican Bronx haunt while conducting research for an article on the Bronx Zoo. Nate and I had worked up a HUGE appetite after watching the animals perform in their exhibits. Actually, I think we worked up the appetite arguing while watching the animals perform. Either way, entering Guacamole'x was love at first bite after tasting their signature guacamole. And I know Guacamole!

I wanted the pork chops, but Nate insisted on the their combo meal #4: Chicharron de Pollo, which translates to "fried heaven on a plate." Okay, so it really means "fried chicken crisps" but you get the idea. What a great decision because those chicharrones where fantastic. They were like angels rising. Quality ingredients, delicious menu offerings and a staff that treats you like royalty from the moment you walk in-you can't go wrong.

Inside you'll find an old-fashioned jukebox playing Latin tunes like Vicente Fernandez and Los Tigeres Del Norte while you crunch away at your meal. Whether it's the yellow rice (which is like none I've ever tasted--and I'm a Mexican transplant from TEXAS), or the sweet plantains, or even their habichelas grandes--you're sure to fall in love with the taste, quality and crunch. The next time you pay a visit to the Bronx Zoo or even if you just make a special visit, say hello to the lovable owners: Andres and Yanirys and tell them Nando sent you--who knows, they might give you an extra piece of heaven.

Click on the video below to view Nate talking "a little Spanish" about Guacamole'x.