The avocado is the undeniable king of trendy foods. It’s the central ingredient of avocado toast — the most popular brunch order of the hip. But it’s also the foundation of guacamole, which is a mainstay at happy hour, Taco Tuesday, and so much more.
But avocado is about so much more than avocado toast and guacamole, and it’s about time that fans enjoy it in some unexpected ways.
Tandoori Avocado
Tandoori Avocado at TIYA in San Francisco.
At TIYA in San Francisco, this dish is half of an avocado that is marinated in tandoori spice and then cooked on top of a charcoal grill. It’s served with green chickpea hummus and a dosa crisp to dip.
Tuna, Smoked Salmon, Tomato & Avocado Wontons
Tuna, Smoked Salmon, Tomato & Avocado Wontons at New Jersey-based pastaRAMEN.
From New Jersey-based pastaRAMEN, tuna, smoked salmon, tomato and avocado wontons. “This dish is on our menu and it’s one of our top sellers. The avocado acts as the perfect amount of fat to complement the tuna, smoked salmon and crispy tomato wonton chips. Its texture adds another layer when eating it all together with the other ingredients (including herbs, limone and Calabrian crema). This dish would not be the same if it weren’t for the magic the avocado brings to it,” said pastaRAMEN Executive Chef Robbie Felice.
Avocado Cheesecake
Avocado Cheesecake at Six Senses Con Dao.
At Six Senses Con Dao, a luxury wellness resort in Vietnam’s archipelago islands, this dish is made with locally grown Vietnamese avocados, this light-tasting cheesecake is made with almond flour and a traditional cream cheese filling with an unexpected avocado twist. The dessert is topped with a mango puree.Pastry Chef, Poobalan Pathidevon says: “This unique twist on a popular dessert is a favorite amongst guests at Six Senses Con Dao. Our avocado cheesecake is decadent, yet light and refreshing, and makes for the perfect beachside indulgence
Avocado Pizza
Avocado Pizza at Malibu Farm Tiburon and Skal Pizza.
At Malibu Farm Tiburon (Tiburon, California) and Skal Pizza (Newport Beach, California), the avocado pizza is a refreshing dish, served cold. The base is jalapeño ricotta topped with sliced avocado, serrano chiles, cilantro, and lime. It’s finished with a drizzle of agave to balance the heat of the chilies and jalapeño ricotta.”The avocado pizza is one of our best-selling pizzas. Most people have never ordered a cold pizza, so they are skeptical at first, but once they try it, it becomes their go-to menu item,” said the founder of Malibu Farm and Skal Pizza Helene Henderson. “Between the freshness and creaminess of the avocado, the salty yet spicy jalapeño ricotta, and the touch of sweetness from the agave, this unique pizza makes for an unmatched flavor combination. It’s the perfect pizza for a warm summer day.”
Peekytoe Crab Crostini
Peekytoe Crab Crostini at L’Amico in New York City.
At L’Amico in New York City, smashed pea and avocado add depth to a peekytoe crab crostini. “This dish is a delightful fusion of land and sea utilizing sweet, fresh peekytoe crab which pairs nicely with creamy avocado and vibrant smashed peas resulting in a refreshing and indulgent appetizer for brunch, lunch or dinner at L’Amico this Summer,” said Chef Laurent Tourondel, Chef Proprietor of Laurent Tourondel Hospitality.
Asteroid Blue
Asteroid Blue at Alter Ego in San Jose, California.
At Alter Ego in San Jose, California, the Asteroid Blues pairs Siete Leguas Blanco with Giffard Litchi-Li Liqueur and avocado syrup. The combination of avocado and salt also creates a touch of savory element to the cocktail. “The inspiration behind the Asteroid Blue is that it is named after the first episode of Cowboy Bebop, an anime set partly in space. The first episode is also an homage to the Robert Rodriguez film, Desperado. Hence, the Mexico inspired flavors in the cocktail,” said Ryan Ota, Bar Manager.
Sesame Crusted Avocado Tacos
Sesame Crusted Avocado Tacos at Citrus + Salt in Boston.
At Citrus + Salt in Boston, a fun take on vegetarian tacos. “Our sesame crusted avocado tacos are a delicious vegetarian option on our menu at Citrus + Salt in Boston. Layered with shredded lettuce, string cheese and zesty pickled onions, drizzled with our special sauce. The fusion of flavors and textures is fresh and bright and reminds me of dishes and dining experiences I’ve enjoyed while visiting the Mexican coast,” said Chef/Owner Jason Santos.
Avocado Margarita
Avocado Margarita at Sweet Liberty Drinks & Company in Miami Beach.
At Sweet Liberty Drinks & Company in Miami Beach, this Avocado Margarita is made with tequila, mezcal, Cointreau, aloe liqueur, spicy chile liqueur, avocado puree, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. “It is a unique and savory margarita variation with a beautiful balance of sweet and sour. Our Avocado Margarita has a lot of depth and complexity with vegetal notes from the aloe liqueur, soft smoky notes from the mezcal, and richness from the avocado. The spice level is subtle; more of a background note that it gets from the Ancho Verde chile liqueur,” said Naren Young, Creative Beverage Director, Sweet Liberty Drinks & Company.
Eggs & Avocado on Toast
Eggs & Avocado on Toast at STK Steakhouse.
At STK Steakhouse, smashed avocado with fresh cilantro and spicy jalapeno on grilled sourdough, topped with poached eggs, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and toasted pumpkin seeds. “Over the last decade, Avocado Toast has quickly become a go to brunch staple for many – especially among trendy millennials and Gen Z. The Eggs & Avocado on Toast from STK injects the popular dish with the steakhouse’s signature “vibe,” incorporating fresh jalapeno for a spicy kick and toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture and bite of salt. We also grill the sourdough bread to give it a smokey char and added flavor, which helps to take the dish to the next level,” said Chef Robert Liberato, Corporate Chef for STK Steakhouse.
