Award Winning Guacamole and Other Incredible Dishes at La Hacienda

By Isabel Byfield

Chef Forest Hamrick from La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has been crowned the “Guac King” at the most recent “Rock The Guac”, one of the upcoming Arizona Taco Festival events. Chef Hamrick competed against some of the Valley’s most acclaimed chefs, including Mel Mecinas from Talavera, Anthony Serrano from El Palacio Cantina and Jennifer Russo from The Market by Jennifer – just to mention a few.

Born in Visalia, CA but raised in El Centro, Chef Hamrick grew up among the Latino community. Visiting the Mercados and learning about the culture and food was his favorite thing to do during his frequent travels to Mexico, where he also met his wife Marcela. His cuisine style is highly influenced by the flavors of New Mexico (where his mom is from) – like hatch chiles, a staple on his family’s table.

Chef Hamrick

But what makes Chef Hamricks’ guacamole so special? I’m an avid guacamole eater myself and I have to say that La Hacienda’s tableside guacamole never disappoints. It’s simple and has all the key ingredients needed to craft a traditional guacamole. Is there anything better that tableside guacamole? I don’t think so! I love to see the spotless avocados on the molcajete ready to be smashed and pureed to perfection; not too chunky not too creamy. Add some tomato, onion, cilantro and a dash of chile serrano just to give it a little kick – it’s perfection.

I order the traditional guacamole pretty much all the time, and I admire the consistency in flavor and texture. This isn’t a hit or miss kind of a thing – you can expect the same amazing guacamole every single time.

Chef Hamrick also likes to introduce seasonal items on the menu; and while you can always have your traditional guacamole, let yourself be a little adventurous and try the different creations that he crafts from time to time. The current menu includes a Chicharron Guacamole; a combination of pickled onions (truly amazing), salsa morita, cabagge and queso fresco. You can also try the Pomegranate Guacamole – tropical and fruity, it’s a mix of mango, apple, pomegranate, pistachios and balsamic.

We have to agree wholeheartedly that La Hacienda has a peerless tableside guacamole, but that is just the beginning of an unforgettable dining experience. Salsa and chips are addictive and the margaritas are irresistible, like this Prickly Pear Margarita we tried –  beautiful colors and a very balanced flavor, it’s a celebration of one of Arizona’s native ingredients.

The seafood enchiladas and the Tacos de Langosta (lobster tacos) were the most acclaimed dishes of the night at our table. The bite size lobster tacos are great are starter, they give you a little tease of what your taste buds are about to experience; fresh Maine Lobster, black bean and chile de arbol sauce are atop tiny tortilla, an appetizer for one I’d say because it will be hard to share this delicious bites.

Enchiladas are one of dishes that chef Hamrick takes most pride in and we couldn’t agree more. It’s a signature dish at La Hacienda, with scrumptious combinations of crab and shrimp and decadent poblano cream – these enchiladas are something you will crave for weeks.

If you haven’t tried La Hacienda yet, include them in your date night or celebration plans. And don’t forget to try their award winning guacamole and the chef’s favorite enchiladas – and, as always, save room for some tres leches cake or some fluffly churros with cajeta, natilla y chocolate. Absolutely divine!