Joe’s (but think emphasis on shrimp rather than crab) meets bodega meets hole in the wall meets my new favorite takeout. That’s longhand for ‘My Ceviche,’ the new, 2 x nothing carryout joint that recently opened up next to a hostel on Washington Ave. I went to the little storefront to use my GiltCity deal ($10 for $20 worth of grub). Inside, I was greeted warmly by Roger, who was interested to know how I found out about his place, happy to plug my iphone into his charger as I complained that it was dying, and point out his favorites on the menu to me.

I was unable to try the tacos, burritos, or guacamole with chips, as I am keeping Passover (clearly, not keeping Kosher, however). After placing my order (large – and I mean LARGE – aji amarillo shrimp ceviche, side of bbq corn with cojita), Roger walked around front, clapping us warmly on the back, and we chatted, along with Sam Gorenstein, local palleta purveyor Paulina and her husband, as my dindin was being prepared. Paulina’s Pops are available for dessert at the shop – a nice Pesach appropriate alternative to Key Lime Pie (although crustless) or brownies, the other two dessert offerings. It was nice to see a local entreprenuer actually out eating at a shop that she provides the goods for.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched my ceviche being prepared. Cilantro being chopped. Avocado being diced. Squeeze bottles of citrus being, well, squeezed. The side of corn? Freshly cut off the cob, mixed with a paste that I can only refer to as magical BBQ potion, and made just fo me (and not slopped out of some pre-made vat of stuff).

I brought the ceviche home and oh, wait for it…it was good. Like, good good. There were so many shrimps in that large container, that I lost count after awhile. The ingredients were all extremely fresh tasting, the spiciness of the aji amarillo shinning through the bite of the lime, with cilantro to round it all out. I love the crisp little snap of the tomato to contrast the texture of the shrimp. The corn was extremely creamy, and as a huge fan of cojita cheese, I was happy that it was a healthy sprinkling of such on top – enough to be mixed into the corn and get a little bit in every bite.

This is an excellent addition to south beach. I am always craving ceviche — it’s healthy, it’s delicious…but it’s often hard to find at a reputable, non-nonsense, frill-less type place. My Ceviche is just that – finally, a place where I can leave my wedges, white jeans and whatever ridiculous shirt is in style, in my closet, throw on some shorts and flip flops and just enjoy. See ya soon, shrimpies. I’m comin’ back for ya.

-Stef