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I disliked guacamole growing up. I was only exposed to the supermarket and cheap restaurant versions though. Then one night my wife and I went to dinner with some friends, all of whom were either cooks, bakers or restaurant managers. They raved about the guacamole at that restaurant, but I was still hesitant. That is until our waiter came back and prepared the guacamole at our table. He cut the avacadoes, tomatoes, onions cilantro, garlic, and squeezed the lime right there. It looked fresh. good and inviting, and my reservations about prepackaged and mass produced guacamole didn't apply, so I tried a little. I ordered another serving for the table because my wife and I were eating so much of it. We are now guacamole experts.

When we have friends over for dinner that haven't had our guacamole, we like to use the same approach. We will wait until most everyone is there and then make the guacamole right in front of them. We have converted a few non-guacamole friends to the green side. We live in GA so we like to use Vidalia onions.

We like to eat it with steak. For some reason it is a perfect pairing.

3 Has avocados, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
½ onion, diced (sweet, Vidalia, or red)
½ lime or 3 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbs cilantro, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours for flavors to combine.

I was shocked to read the list of ingredients. I always add dry refrigerated chicken soup base prior to salting. These flavors compliment each other, try it!

I like to keep it simple, just avocados, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper and a little cayenne to add some heat.

If the picture represents the avocados you use, I'd suggest buying better avocados.

I adore Rick Bayless' Toasted pumpkin seed guacamole

3 large ripe avocados, diced
½ small red onion, diced
½ to 1 fresh serrano chile, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus a few leaves for garnish
About 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
¾ cup hulled, toasted, salted pumpkinseeds - pulverized into a paste in a food processor, plus a few extra seeds for garnish
Salt to taste

I definitely second the shallot idea. It's like a little onion and a little garlic at the same time. Also, a generous dash of cayenne will give it a little kick.

lime instead of lemon and minced jalepenos instead of tabasco.

i'll have to try that tequila tip..i hadn't heard that one before.

i confess i was disillusioned about the artichoke soup at duarte's when i saw gigantic cans of campbell's cream of mushroom in the kitchen and realized what they use as a base.

Heading south...

In Moss Beach, at California Street, El Gran Amigo Taqueria. Doesn't look like much, but it's been there over 10 years and the food is excellent.

About 1 mile south of Moss Beach is the 3-O Cafe at the HMB airport. Great breakfasts and lunches. Neil Young's been spotted there several times.

On Capistrano Road, right off of the highway, before the harbor light, is Capistrano Cafe. Food from the Yucatan, very reasonable. Dungeness crab melt sandwiches in season are phenomenal. As are the fish tacos. My kids consider it the location for the best hamburger anywhere, as well. The ribeye steak sandwich is great!

In HMB, the San Benito House deli on Main Street, just south of 92, does homemade bread sandwiches and soups. Always great food.

Also, Raman's coffee and chai for the best chai anywhere. Get it the way Raman makes it. No lo-fat, no soy, and plenty of sugar and spices. Head east on Main Street, away from the MacDonalds.

Tres Amigos taqueria on 1 is a great family favorite. Just south of 92.

Just south of Ano Nuevo is Swanton Berry Farms. Longtime organic farmer and a honor system fruit stand. Fantastic strawberries and strawberry pies.

In Santa Cruz, on 1 (Mission Street in SC), at the U-Save Liquor at Almar, is a great hot dog stand -- Snappy Dogs. Great ballpark-style hotdogs and cheap.

Farther south near Bay Street is Falafel of Santa Cruz, on the west side, next to MacDonalds. My kids love the falafel here.

Thanks for the ideas...

cybercita beat me to it -- Duarte's is great little greasy spoon type place!