Mercadito Grove: Tasty plates to share

So, after having munched on the mashed potatoes and whatnot in the afternoon, I still had a late dinner to go to last night with my friend Carolyne. Shout out, girl, it was good to see you!!

We headed at a friend's recommendation (thanks Jamie!) to Mercadito Grove, a cevicheria on 7th Ave at Grove St. in the West Village. We didn't call ahead, figuring that at 9:15 on a Friday we wouldn't need to, and were seated at an outdoor table in just a few quick minutes. Aside from the ridiculously loud talker sitting next to Carolyne at the next table - and hollering into his cell much to the chagrin of his companion - and the busboy trying to take the guacamole before we were done, it was a pretty decent dining experience.

We each had mango mojitos, which were somewhat underwhelming. The mint was almost too mashed, and kept ending up in my mouth when I was trying to sip. Chunk of mango were great, but more nectar and less fruit would have improved it.

Sidebar: How stupid is the idea of having the car insurance Cavemen on TV? Ugh. (Sorry, commercial caught my attention)

We ordered three of the orders that are designed for sharing. First was the mango guacamole with chips that were a little greasier than I would have liked. The guac was super flavorful - bites of mango and lots of spice. Not sure if it was cumin or something else, but it was good. Second, we had the scallop ceviche. Excellent. I could eat a vat of it...and it's not bad for you!! With tomatoes, red onion, avocado and ample citrus, the ceviche was fresh and delicious. Served with more of the chips. Finally was the ancho chili rubbed pork mini-tacos. Four to a plate and SO good. They were smoky and spicy and tangy all at once. Chunks of pepper and pork in these delicate little 2" diameter corn tortillas. Excellent.

This is one of those places that I'd like to go back and try all the ceviches. The table next to us had a sampler, and I nearly reached over and took some. All in all, a nice dinner with fresh, tasty food.