June Means Only One Thing: California Avocado Month Is Here!

June has arrived and it’s time to celebrate as California Avocado Month finally unfolds! The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has partnered with all of the unique restaurants found at the newly unveiled Little Italy Food Hall. California Avocado and Crab Flatbread with Garlic Aioli (Photo: Business Wire)

The San Diego eatery opened in 2018 in the bustling neighborhood it was proudly named after. Currently with six restaurants and full bar, the Little Italy Food Hall is steadily becoming a community cornerstone located at the famous Piazza della Famiglia. While the full roster of Little Italy Food Hall restaurants will participate in the celebration, CAC enlisted the well-known culinary talents of Sam Zien, of Not Not Tacos, to develop two recipes that authentically capture southern California cuisine for his restaurant Not Not Tacos.

Zien’s creations respectfully bend the idea of what people have come to understand tacos to be. Zien prides himself on creating innovative and often unexpected dishes that honor the Golden State’s flavors and distinct personality. Thanks to his commitment to fresh, California ingredients, newcomers and regulars won’t be surprised to see California avocados embraced on Zien’s June menu.

“What I really love about California avocados is the delicious versatility. Whether I’m enjoying a simple halved avocado with nothing but salt and pepper or preparing a sophisticated dish, they allow so much possibility thanks to their creamy texture and unmistakable flavor,” said Zien.

Inspired by heart-healthy California-grown avocados, Zien developed two new recipes that complement his current creative menu offerings.

Photo: AP

First, Zien’s Pearl Couscous with California Avocado and Crispy Tofu offers as many flavors as it does textures. For example, the combination of the recipe’s spicy chili coincides with the avocado’s creamy quality to provide a layered complexity. “This dish is a great example of how something as subtle as the California avocado can really impact a single bite,” said Zien.

For a new twist on an old classic, Zien specially prepared a California Avocado and Crab Flatbread with Garlic Aioli. Zien shared, “Some chefs don’t like to experiment with tradition but for this flatbread concept, I found that California avocados pair perfectly with the garlic aioli thanks to their similar nutty undertones. Not to mention this recipe is great to share around the table!”

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In honor of California Avocado Month, Zien’s Not Not Tacos looks forward to offering his Pearl Couscous with California Avocado and Crispy Tofu and California Avocado and Crab Flatbread with Garlic Aioli on his menu for the month of June. Joining him at the Little Italy Food Hall are Ambrogio15, Bobboi Natural Gelato, Mein St. Asian Kitchen, Roast Meat & Sandwich Shop Wicked Maine Lobster and the Little Italy Food Hall Bar, who all look forward to offering their own limited time California avocado fare.

Going beyond the delicious celebration, California avocados are a heart-healthy superfood that provide “good” fats to one’s diet. Furthermore, one-third of a medium avocado (50 g) has 80 calories and contributes nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making it a nutrient-dense choice.