Tableside Guacamole Training Tips

Fresh guacamole, prepared to order at the table, adds a touch of showmanship.
 
Bring a special serving cart or bus tray to the table, then split, seed, scoop and mash avocados and blend with other ingredients.
 
Tableside Tools and Set-up:

• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon for scooping
• Fork or other implement for mashing fresh avocados
• Lemon or lime
• Chopped onion
• Cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Salt
• Garlic (fresh, minced, powder or salt)
• Tortilla chips

Three Steps to a Perfect Guacamole Presentation

Step One: Behind-The-Scenes Preparation

• Check fresh California avocados for ripeness.
  
• Dice tomatoes, onions, fresh chilies.
  
• Halve, seed and score avocados just before presentation.
  
• Prepare a colorful tray or cart, stocked with the essential tools: knife and cutting board, soup spoon, guacamole serving bowl, fork, bowls or napkins with prepared diced tomatoes, onions, chopped fresh chilies and seasoning.

Step Two: Preparing the Guacamole

• Scoop fruit from three avocado halves which have been scored.
  
• Add other ingredients (tomatoes, onions, Serrano peppers).
  
• Add pre-measured ingredients.
  
• With fork, mash/mix ingredients.
  
• Squeeze half of a lime over guacamole and mix once more.
  
• Use lime to clean bowl edge before presenting on table.

Step Three: Presentation Tips

• Throughout the presentation, describe each step and ingredient to your patrons.
  
• Throw in facts and trivia to keep patrons' interest.
  
• Get patrons involved with the presentation; let them decide on how chunky the avocados should be. Ask if they prefer mild, medium or hot spiciness to determine the amount of fresh chilies to add.
  
• Develop a routine you feel comfortable with. Have fun, relax and enjoy.

Peeling Tips

Peeling a California avocado doesn't have to be the pits. In fact, this flavorful, nutrient-dense fruit is as easy to prepare as other produce. While there are a number of different peeling techniques, the California Avocado Commission recommends the following four-step process.