Hot Tamales, Baby!
Our favorite holiday wrappings
By Virginia B. Wood, 2:30PM, Fri. Dec. 5, 2014
Hungry for tamales but you've got no time, no recipe, and no assembly team? No problem. Whether you're looking for traditional fare, specialty tamales, vegan tamales, or the newest Central Texas culinary culture clash mash-up – brisket tamales – one of these professionals can fulfill your needs.
• Chu-Mikals (3223 E. Seventh, 512/386-8840) The traditional pork and spicy pork tamales here are $10 per dozen with 24 hours notice. www.chu-mikals.com
• Curra's Grill (614 E. Oltorf, 512/444-0012) There's plenty of variety here: pork, chicken tomatillo, veggies with panela cheese, sweet tamales, even some with either salmon or brisket. Prices by the dozen vary according to filling; to order, call or email jorge@currasgrill.com.
• Fresa's Chicken al Carbon (915 N. Lamar, 512/428-5077) Chef Rene Ortiz's tamales are filled with chicken adobado, queso Oaxaca, and salsa chile Morenita in packages of 3 for $7, 6 for $13, and 12 for $24. www.fresaschicken.com.
• Gardener's Feast (114 Parsons St. in Manor, 512/275-1775) Look for their popular tamales at the Downtown, Sunset Valley, Triangle, Barton Creek, Cedar Park, Mueller, and HOPE farmers' markets. Call or fill out online order form to pick up at the market of your choice. www.thegardenersfeast.com.
• Mi Madre's (2201 Manor Rd., 512/322-9721) Though the tamale-making class at the next door School House Pub filled quickly, it's still possible to order tamales by the dozen here with 24 hours notice for pick-up at the cafe. www.mimadresrestaurant.com.
• Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew (6620 N. Lamar, 512/380-9199) The new local brisket tamale trend may have originated here. Order brisket tamales by the dozen between now and Dec. 16 for pick-up at the restaurant during business hours Dec. 21-22. www.stilesswitchbbq.com.
• Tamale House East (1707 E. Sixth, 512/495-9504) The third generation of the Vasquez family is back in the tamale business. Their large tamales are $2.50 each and come with pork, shredded chicken tomatillo, bean and cheese, or vegan (vegetarian and vegan make with olive oil). Order by phone with 48 hours notice for pickup in the restaurant.
• Tamale Place (2403 Hwy 183 S in Leander) Order tamales online by Dec. 7 for pick-up at their farmers' market booth in the market nearest you. www.tamaleplace.com.
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