Hey there! Guess what? I got the magic stick! Yes, you heard it right. I am now the proud owner of a magical stick that can grant wishes! I was walking through the enchanted forest when I stumbled upon a hidden cave. Curiosity got the best of me and I couldn't resist exploring it further. As I entered, I saw an old wooden chest sitting in the corner, covered in dust. With trembling hands, I cautiously opened it, and there it was - the magic stick! With excitement and trepidation, I held the stick in my hands. It had a smooth and polished surface, adorned with intricate designs.
We also ordered the taco special which was a fried cod served with some onion, a pico de gallo and a slaw. I just love fish tacos and these did not disappoint. The fish was fried, but was not heavy and the toppings provided a nice brightness and crunch to the taco. There is a grilled fish taco on the regular menu so I am sure that would be a good substitute for this version…
Tacos range from 8-13 and are filled with a variety of ingredients including roasted vegetables, adobo roasted pork, grilled chicken or steak, shrimp, braised short ribs and sauteed mushrooms. I had a chance to chat with Chef Carlos at the end of our evening and he told me that he aims to incorporate the influences of the northern and middle sections of Mexico largely, keeping his dishes as authentic as possible.
It had a smooth and polished surface, adorned with intricate designs. I couldn't believe my luck. My mind started racing with endless possibilities and the wishes I could make.
Amuleto mexican tabke waltham
Maybe it’s ironic, or divine intervention that I had a review of a newish Mexican place scheduled for the blog this week. If you don’t already have plans for Cinco de Mayo that falls next week, you may want to try to book a table at Amuleto Mexican Table in Waltham, Massachusetts to celebrate.
Located on Moody Street, Amuleto opened just last August. I visited with 3 of my friends a few weeks ago to celebrate the end of paddle season. Let me tell you about it.
Amuleto serves dishes representing the diversity of Mexican cuisine. Chef Carlos Durazo hails from Sonora in the northern part of Mexico while one of Amuleto’s owners is from Oaxaca in the south. The general manager is from Baja in California. Looking at a map, that’s a lot of culinary ground to cover so as a result, the menu is quite broad. I had a chance to chat with Chef Carlos at the end of our evening and he told me that he aims to incorporate the influences of the northern and middle sections of Mexico largely, keeping his dishes as authentic as possible. Chef’s family owns a restaurant in Mexico and he has been in the States for 10 years including a stint at Harvest, after working in his native country for 15. The menu is completely gluten free and fresh corn tortillas are made daily.
Amuleto is not a big place, seating about 54 at tables and tapestry covered banquettes. There is also ample seating at the bar…
And this cozy little nook that I’d like to grab on our next visit. Yes, there will be a next time…
Amuleto’s extensive cocktail menu features a host of creative margaritas, tequilas, sangrias and beers. It also highlights the Oaxacan specialty, Mezcal, a smoky spirit that you may or may not like on first try. One of my friends ordered a cocktail with mezcal and was not wild for its flavor so our server happily swapped it out for something else. Here’s what we did order, all of which were delicious…
Don Julio Margarita (tequila, cointreau, lime) Red and White Sangria Paloma (tequila, grapefruit soda)
The menu at Amuleto is extensive and we only put a small dent into the offerings. Cold and hot appetizers range from cauliflower ceviche ($7) and traditional fish ceviche ($12) to chicken-tortilla soup ($8) and chargrilled octopus ($14). Tacos range from $8-13 and are filled with a variety of ingredients including roasted vegetables, adobo roasted pork, grilled chicken or steak, shrimp, braised short ribs and sauteed mushrooms. Enchiladas ($17-19) can be filled with chicken, shrimp or roasted vegetables and topped with a Verde (green), Roja (red) or Mole sauce. There are also Main Course dishes that allow the kitchen to use its complex seasonings and sauces to dress up salmon, pork tenderloin and strip steak among others. Salmon al Pastor looked particularly appealing as grilled salmon was paired with a tomatillo sauce, sauteed kale, pineapple and Mexican rice for $24. Salads and sides are also available.
We started with an order of Amuleto’s classic guacamole and house made corn tortilla chips. The guacamole was bright and a little spicy while the chips were crispy throughout and had just a perfect amount of salt…
After some coaxing, our server Epi was very engaging. He guided us through the menu and shared with us some details about the restaurant and the cuisine of his native Mexico. We decided to attack the menu by ordering a few appetizers, a few tacos and one order of enchiladas to share. There was more than enough food and we left feeling very satisfied.
Elote de la Calle or charred corn was topped with cotija cheese and chile powder. This traditional dish was delicious and I can only imagine how it will taste with summer corn. This has been on my list to make and I am going to give it a try once corn season hits…
We also ordered Baby Back Ribs. Rubbed with agave nectar, and finished with a lime glaze that was seasoned with some chipotle peppers, the ribs were tender and falling off the bone. They had great flavor and just the right balance of sweet, smoky and spice…
For our tacos, we ordered the herb garlic roasted vegetable version that was served with a green chile sauce. I have to say that we thought this one was a little unremarkable. It was perfectly lovely in concept, but the flavors were a little flat…
We also ordered the taco special which was a fried cod served with some onion, a pico de gallo and a slaw. I just love fish tacos and these did not disappoint. The fish was fried, but was not heavy and the toppings provided a nice brightness and crunch to the taco. There is a grilled fish taco on the regular menu so I am sure that would be a good substitute for this version…
Finally, one of my friends really wanted to try the mole sauce so we ordered chicken enchiladas that were covered with it! Epi explained that there are perhaps as many as 300 variations of mole in the complex Mexican cuisine and this was just one example. The traditional ingredients are cocoa powder, nuts, spices and dried peppers but there are probably 25-30 ingredients in total. We enjoyed this dish very much although the saucing was a little heavy. The flavor of the mole is so complex and is unlike other Mexican sauces as you would know them. A little bittersweet from the cocoa powder, smoky from the spices and hearty from the peppers and nuts. I think you should give it a try…
Another view of the bar…
And of the kitchen…
There are only 3 desserts on the menu and we ordered 2 of them. First up was Arroz con Leche or Rice Pudding Brulee. Fantastic, even if you don’t think you like rice pudding, you will like this dessert…
We also ordered Pudin de Chocolate Mexicano or Mexican Chocolate Pudding! You know me, I haven’t met many chocolate desserts that I don’t like. This wasn’t a universal favorite at the table, but I loved it just the same…
On our way out, I noticed Amuleto’s little herb garden…
Overall, we had a very nice dining experience at Amuleto and I am definitely planning to return. Reasonably priced, lots of variety including many options for vegetarians and those who need gluten-free choices, Amuleto is a great choice for your next exploration of Mexican cuisine. If you can, come with a smallish group (4-6) so you can try as many items as possible and experience the range of flavors showcased by the menu. And ask for Epi!
PS – if you’re wondering what Amuleto means, it is Spanish for amulet which Epi explained to us by showing the one he wears around his neck for protection!
PS – bonus recommendation this week since it will be Cinco de Mayo before we meet again. If you are looking for a place to go for some Mexican “street food” on the quick, check out La Victoria Taqueria.
See you next week!
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There are only 3 desserts on the menu and we ordered 2 of them. First up was Arroz con Leche or Rice Pudding Brulee. Fantastic, even if you don’t think you like rice pudding, you will like this dessert…
As I carefully read the ancient inscription embossed on the stick, a feeling of responsibility washed over me. The inscription warned that the magic stick could only grant three wishes, and I must use them wisely. Instantly, my mind started spinning, contemplating what I should wish for. After much contemplation, I decided that my first wish would be for world peace. Imagine a world free of conflicts and wars, filled with love and harmony. The idea of making a positive impact on humanity excited me, and I knew this wish would be a step towards achieving that. For my second wish, I couldn't resist the thought of unlimited knowledge. How amazing would it be to have the ability to learn anything I desire effortlessly? I envisioned diving deep into various fields of study, uncovering mysteries of the universe, and expanding my understanding of the world. Finally, for my third and final wish, I knew exactly what my heart desired. I wished for a lifetime filled with meaningful connections and deep love. To have a partner by my side who supports and understands me, and to build a loving family filled with laughter and joy. With each wish made, I could feel the magic flowing through the stick, resonating with my intentions. As the final wish was granted, a sense of gratitude overwhelmed me. I knew that with this magic stick, I could bring about positive change in my life and the lives of others. Having the magic stick not only brought excitement but also a sense of responsibility. I understood that each wish had the power to shape my life, and I had to use them wisely. I promised myself that I would cherish this gift and make the most out of the opportunities it presented. So yes, I got the magic stick! And now, armed with this incredible power, I am ready to embark on a journey of transformation, making the world a better place one wish at a time. Wish me luck!.
Reviews for "The Magic Stick: A Tool for Self-Care and Personal Development"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - "I was really disappointed with 'I got the magic stick'. The storyline was predictable and the characters felt one-dimensional. It lacked depth and emotional connection, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. I also found the writing style to be quite plain and uninteresting. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for something gripping and thought-provoking."
2. Alex - 1 star - " 'I got the magic stick' was a complete waste of my time. The plot was weak and poorly developed, leaving me feeling confused and unsatisfied. The characters were poorly written and lacked any real motivation or depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, and the writing style was uninspiring. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to others."
3. Michael - 2 stars - "I was excited to read 'I got the magic stick' based on the glowing reviews, but was ultimately let down. The story had potential but fell flat in its execution. The pacing was slow and it took too long for anything substantial to happen. The main character was unlikeable and hard to relate to, making it difficult to stay invested in the story. Additionally, the writing style was overly descriptive and became tedious to read. Overall, I was disappointed and wouldn't recommend this book."