Avocados just might be nature’s most versatile bounty. From savory toasts and salads to spicy salsas and sweet smoothies, there’s no lack of ways for this trendy green fruit to improve a dish. With such a wide array of possibilities, it’s no wonder one thought to build a menu around them long ago.
But now, the wait is over. Three young innovators are blazing a trail with Brooklyn’s brand new Avocaderia, the world’s first avocado bar.
Francesco Brachetti, a native of Florence, Italy, had his first taste of the avocado’s potential while living in Mexico. Thrilled by the health benefits going hand-in-hand with such a delicious flavor, he enlisted his cousin, chef Alberto Gramini, and their friend, Alessandro Biggi, to join him in rewriting the rules of an avocado’s proper place in a meal. No longer needlessly relegated to a supporting role, the avocado is front and center in all of their dishes, finally given the spotlight it so richly deserves.
Don’t imagine that this limits the scope of the chefs’ designs; on the contrary, the unique niche Brachetti and his cohorts have delved into only serves to broaden horizons and inspire creativity.
Menu items include such delights as artisan guacamoles, avocado and egg breakfasts, tuna, and avocado ceviche, and all fresh, organic, and tasty as the dickens.
The team purchases all of their avocados from a co-op in the Mexican state of Michoacán. Avocaderia’s international inspiration doesn’t end there, with appearances in their platters and bowls made by Japanese shichimi, Mexican pico de gallo, Egyptian duqqa, and a host of other treats borrowed from around the world.
On top of the many health benefits of their avocado-based menu, Brachetti, Gramini, and Biggi pride themselves in working exclusively with suppliers who are respectful to the environment and the rights of employees, stating on their website that they “believe that social responsibility is tantamount to a healthy lifestyle.” Avocaderia bears witness to the spirit of this philosophy by ensuring that their wholesome menu consists of locally sourced and sustainable produce whenever possible.
Avocaderia’s menu even includes vegan-friendly and gluten-free options so anyone can enjoy their inventive delicacies without risk or guilt.
If Avocaderia’s incredible Instagram following wasn’t testament enough to their appeal, the booming business they carry out–from 9am to 4pm Monday-Friday and 11am to 5pm on weekends–is sure to silence any doubts of the success of the experiment.
You’ll find Avocaderia at Avocaderia, Industry City, 254 36th Street (Third Avenue), Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and you’ll be glad you did.You can also visit their site at avocaderia.com for further details and updates.
