Authentic Mexican is quite possibly the one cuisine that is difficult to find in Melbourne's hallowed restaurant scene. For those of us whose forays into Central American food are yet to extend past the odd Old El Paso meal kit or knocking back a few fishbowl cocktails at Taco Bell,
Los Amates restaurant is somewhat of a revelation. Situated in Johnston Street, Fitzroy's Hispanic district, Los Amates offers up authentic non-Americanised Mexican food just like they serve back in Mexico (not that I've actually been to Mexico but friends tell me that its pretty spot on).
As the
Los Amates website states, "
American influenced "Mexican" food has everyone believing that we just eat‚ "hard shell tortillas‚" with "chilli con carne‚" and heavily seasoned sauce with an all purpose seasoning or enchiladas with the one and only "use for everything‚" sauce. ...
We do have a very ancient culture and traditions that deserve a little bit more respect, that includes our food. Just about every region in Mexico has different food and ingredients and ways of making their own traditional dishes."
Nowhere is this diversity more evident than in Los Amates' extensive menu. Gone are the tired, cheese-drenched cliches, to be replaced by fresh, spicy and inventive meals. A great option is to encourage your friends/lover to do a little bit of sharing and order a range of tacos for the table. A world away from the somewhat impractical crunchy variety, these tacos come with soft tortillas and a creative and unusual mix of fillings.
Papa con chorizo is a mix of potatoes, chorizo and onions served with green salsa, while Al Pastor is made up of grilled pork marinated with achiote sauce, spices and orange juice and served with pineapple, coriander, onions and hot salsa. If tacos aren't to your liking there are numerous other dishes to choose from, as well as a range of vegetarian options including the adventurous Nopales con Mole y Queso Blanco (cactus with black beans). The food certainly isn't light, so be warned.
Naturally, there is also a lengthy drinks list of Hispanic classics such as tequila and margarita's as well as the infamous Mexican mezcales.
So, for great, authentic Mexican without the tacky trappings and greasy corn chips head to Los Amates.
