As of late, and after a very long, tedious, and expensive search for the very least decent tamales, we have been buying from Jovita Tamales, in Escondido? Vista?, right off the 76 going East. Most other places, including fancy, or should I say expensive places, they serve tamales that keep missing the mark of excellence on the making. They either drown them in a very unappetizing sauce, or the masa needs improvement, or simply put, don’t have what it takes. Jovita, mother and daughter team, does the job.
On that note, ever the searchers, and being in the Orange area, we zeroed in Tamaleria Rincón Sinaloense, which according to many reviews, knew how to prepare decent tamales. At $21+ the dozen, we purchased 2 dozen, 6 of each: Rajas or Spicy Cheese with Chili, Pork, Chicken and Beef.
Arrived early before appointment, around 10 AM (opens at 8?), and the place with only one couple eating, appeared dormant. Young, should I say pretty lady?, popped out from what I would assume was the kitchen area, where apparently is where the magic takes place, nice but business like took my order. We waited till we returned back to our casa to try them. Chicken, Pork, and Cheese, scored the highest marks. Beef, although saturated with shredded beef, the least enticing, first and last, not as good. The place is a storefront specializing in the production of their version of tamales. Yes, if in the area, and God willing, I wouldn’t hesitate to get 8 each of our favorites, since we are definitely not enthusiastic for the sweet variety in any way, shape, or form. Nice surprise, actually nice and tasty, well worth the visit. 4.5 Stars.
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