The Tamale Lady

Yesterday was my first day back at work after a long weekend in the Puget Sound, and I really needed a pick-me-up, so I was particularly looking forward to catching up with an old friend over drinks at the Homestead.

For those who haven't been, the Homestead is a mellow saloon style bar on 19th and Folsom that caters to a pretty wide clientele. I cozied up next to the piano with a Guinness but could just have easily been drinking a Manhattan (and might have been, were it not a Tuesday night) ... I hear they make a mean one.

Anyways, the conversation, the ambience, and the company were all just right. But the night got even better when the Tamale Lady wheeled in her goods! I was hungry, had not eaten dinner, and was planning for the Guinness to be the meal it is chalked up to be. Instead I ordered a $4 bundle of porky delight.

She served me a chubby tamale in the equivalent of a corn husk bowl ... with a fork I scooped out fluffy masa, a savory pork filling, and the tangy salsa she had added before serving. I think I finished the whole thing before my friend even finished his sentence.

Can someone get me a bumper sticker? I am a FAN.