Hoping to get into Moody’s Backroom but unsuccessful this Saturday evening, a DC suggested Amuleto, a new Mexican place a few doors down from Moody’s on Moody Street. We couldn’t have been more delighted and surprised. We started with the guac (classico), ceviche del dio (cod), and the grilled octopus. The hands-down winner was the octopus. Chewy (“al dente”) without being rubbery, it had a lovely char from the grill (clearly it had been par-boiled before being grilled). The ceviche was fresh, and refreshing, and a generous portion. The guac was similarly fresh, and although it was pleasant I remain partial to the guac at Besito (somehow the absence of citrus in the guac at Besito allows the creaminess of the avacado to shine through). We sampled widely off the menu, including a mole poblano off the specials for the evening, served with a tangy rojo mole. The mole accompanying the chicken enchilada was dark and rich. Fish tacos (grilled, regular menu; and Baja- fried - off the nigthly specials) were both generously loaded with fish, and delightfully picante. Carne asada was perfectly cooked to medium-rare. A range of Margaritas are expertly rendered from fresh ingredients. My SO greatly enjoyed an unusual tamarind-chile frozen Margarita. We sampled all three deserts - a servicable flan, an excellent Mexican chocolate mousse, and the winner: a bruleed rice pudding.
The room is delightful; we sat at a comfortable booth for 6. The bar scene is lively, but the noise level accomdated conversation. Apparently only open since August, Amuleto is going to be discovered - get there while you can.
