Guacamole: Truly food of the gods. But what happens when the hankering calls...it's a hot day, beer is in hand, bag of tortilla chips is at the ready...but, alas, there's no green, garlicky goodness to dip into? It's been known to happen, since even with all the city's veggie markets at hand, finding a perfectly ripe avocado (not too firm, not too mushy) can be tricky.

The solution? Ahh, of course: our dear, old friend Sneaky Dee's saves the day once more! If you haven't gotten over the fact that this place (a Toronto veteran at Bathurst & College) is a dive, you're missing out on some great cheap eats - including one of the master appetizers of all time: guac and chips.

Their guacamole is freshly prepared (or at least, it tastes that way). It's chunky yet creamy, and comes in a nice, deep pot so there's plenty to be shared amongst friends. It's perhaps slightly on the moist side, even a little oily, but it's nonetheless a classic recipe, with the fruit standing alone as sole highlight.

Alternatively, guacamole lovers should also check out Max's Market on Bloor West. Their version is chunkier, lighter, and dressed up with chopped red onion, tomato and cilantro. It's packed with fresh flavour but you'd better eat it fast: it'll turn into brown mush pretty quick and it costs too much to waste a drop. That shouldn't be a problem, though: it's got to be one of the best I've tasted.

Should you wish to actually get in the kitchen and make your own, here's an easy recipe: Throw your peeled avocado (the St. Lawrence Market is a good bet for finding a rip one) into a bowl with a finely chopped clove of garlic, good squeeze of fresh lemon, and dash of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Mash everything together with a fork. Now try not to eat it all while standing at the counter.

Sneaky Dee's, 431 College Street, 416 603 3090
Max's Market, 2299 Bloor Street West, 416 766 6362