Now Open: With Holy Guacamole and El Mercadito, Collingwood Just Scored a Latin American Cantina with Hard-to-Find Groceries
Whether you're dining in or seeking sought-after ingredients, this Latin American arrival has you covered.
Not only is finding top-quality Latin American cuisine a challenge in Melbourne, but getting your hands on the ingredients to whip up an authentic dish at home is no easy feat either. Cousins Laurent Linares and Leidy Avila are looking to change that, combining a new cantina, Holy Guacamole, with a specialty Latin American grocer, El Mercadito, in one convenient Collingwood location.
Starting with the cantina, every dish on the menu is made fresh in-house using ingredients Linares personally sources from the Footscray Market. Think handcrafted Mexican street tacos, unique Colombian arepa nachos and house-made salsas that bring a genuine taste of Latin America to the inner north. Meanwhile, the drinks list flows with thoughtfully selected mezcal- and tequila-based cocktails, including a signature michelada.
"We've poured our hearts into creating a space that truly reflects the flavors and traditions we grew up with. From the way we prepare each dish to the warm, lively atmosphere, Holy Guacamole is all about sharing the best of Latin America with Melbourne," says Linares.
As for El Mercadito, the in-house grocer will assuredly become a go-to spot for locals looking to replicate the flavours of Latin America in their own kitchens. Stocked with imported goods, from snacks, spices and sauces to premium tequila and Colombian coffee, El Mercadito will also feature a dedicated açai bar perfect for a quick organic feed. Serving as a nod to the Amazon, the Tropical Bowl features kiwi, mango and chia seeds, while the Honey Bowl brims with peanut butter and toasted muesli.
"We wanted to make it easier for people to cook authentic Latin dishes at home with the same ingredients we use in our kitchen. El Mercadito is about sharing our culture beyond the plate, it's a little piece of Latin America right here in Collingwood," adds Avila.
This passion is reflected in the venue's impressive design, with a dilapidated garage transformed into a warm and welcoming space over the past 18 months. With the help of Mexican designer Jimena Morales, the cantina fuses traditional Latin charm with an upbeat modern aesthetic, including neon signage and Day of the Dead-inspired iconography. "Holy Guacamole and El Mercadito are not just about great food; they're about culture, tradition, and bringing people together, and we can't wait to welcome everyone into our new Latin-inspired food hub," says Avila.
Holy Guacamole and El Mercadito are open Tuesday–Sunday from 12pm. Head to the website for more information.
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