34 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Phone 03 9417 0441
After reading a review in citysearch about an authentic Mexican restaurant serving traditional mole negro sauce, I just had to go and try it out. You may have read about my hankering for mole (pronounced mo-le) previously, and I’m happy to report that my craving has been satisfied.
Los Amates has only been open 18 months, and offers a wide variety of genuine Mexican food / drinks, which gladly steers clear of the stock standard tex-mex garbage we get at every other “Mexican” ((ahem…Taco Bills…cough)) restaurant.
The restaurant itself is delightfully decorated – brightly painted and adorned with such classics as ponchos, pinatas and iconic images of the Virgin Mary (a particularly glittery one adorns a cute handbag near the fireplace). Whilst the front section of the restaurant attracts the majority of punters, my friends and I decided to sit out back in full view of the kitchen. This is where you get to see Arturo Morales, chef/owner, at work.
We started off with a round of nachos (as you do). I was glad to see it was free of that horrible shredded orange cheesy crap. A small serve was definitely sufficient for three people.
Unfortunately I only had eyes for the mole on the menu – so I didn’t really delve too much into reading about what else was on offer, lest I be swayed.
The Pollo Con Mole (Chicken with Mole Sauce) was four generous portions of breast meat, smothered in said mole. The mole was flavoursome, rich in body with the faintest nibble of heat. Arturo later enquired as to whether I found the heat too much. Personally, I think he could have upped the Scoville a little. But it was just right for the uninitiated.
The pollo was served with a generous green salad, a little bowl of tasty frijoles (beans), and rice. My only criticism was the frozen vegetable medley in the rice. Urgh.
I will definitely be visiting Los Amates again, not only because it was a damn fine meal, but that I also suffered order envy a few times watching plates leave the pass. And I still haven’t satisfied my hankering for tamales 
have you tried Blue Corn, and how does it compare?
Sounds great & I’d love to try a ‘mole’ out too, will have to give it a try
That looks delicious. Thanks for reviewing it – I really want to try it now, I go past it practically every day! And I’d love to extend my knowledge of Mexican food beyond the holy trinity of nachos-tacos-margaritas!
xox Sarah