For years, Bruno Ivan Coba and wife Rose came to Bradford West Gwillimbury to visit friends.
“We’ve been coming to Bradford for the last 20 years. We saw Bradford grow,” said Bruno. “We know it, we know the people that are living here, and we like it!”
So when a restaurant space at 22 Holland St. W. became available, he and his family jumped at the opportunity. The result: Guacamole Mexican Bistro.
It’s the second restaurant for Bruno, who has more than 25 years in the industry, mostly working at hotels in Mexico, and at restaurants in Vaughan. “This has been my life,” he said.
Last year, Bruno and Rose opened their first Guacamole Mexican Bistro in Newmarket, on Yonge Street just north of Mulock Drive. Their model – using fresh, local ingredients to make food that captures the traditional flavours of Mexico – was a success, which they hope will be repeated in Bradford.
Coba and his team – Rose, nephew and Chef Javier Guapo, and other family members – served up samples to the guests who packed the bistro on Thursday evening for a grand opening.
While a mariachi band played, they brought out lettuce-leaf bowls filled with fresh guacamole, made with avocado, pico de gallo and lime juice; crispy flautas de pollo; and mini empanadas, turnovers filled with a variety of ingredients.
The bistro features a red-and-green colour scheme – the colours of the Mexican flag – in the main dining room. There is an event room for private gatherings, and to the right of the main doors is an area that will be used for lunches and takeout.
In addition to sandwiches at lunch, Guacamole Mexican Bistro hopes to branch out to offer a Canadian-style breakfast to capture the morning crowd.
Bruno explained: “We have competition. We have two Mexican restaurants (in the area).” By introducing new menu options and items not available at the others, he hopes to attract diners throughout the week, not just "Friday and Saturday night."
His hope? “We want people to try it once,” Bruno said. “If they like it, they will come back. If they don’t, they will go somewhere else, but try it!”
The menu ranges from the familiar – tacos, burritos, nachos and enchiladas – to the adventurous, including mole poblano (a Puebla-style sauce with more than 20 ingredients, served with Mexican rice); tamales yucatecos (note: don’t eat the wrapping; it’s only for flavour while cooking); and cochinita pibill – pork marinated in annatto paste, sour orange and spices, served with marinated red onion.
And don’t skip dessert. The deep-fried ice cream is a must try.
The bistro is currently waiting for a liquor licence, but it can offer a full range of canned pop, Perrier, Jarritos Mexican soft drinks, even hibiscus iced tea.
