Hmm... Now I'm conflicted. For the last year, Wednesday's at the Heart of The City Farmers Market have usually meant one particular go-to lunch, the Pupusa. I should have tried All Star Tamales sooner, because I would have realized two things:
1. The long-@ss line moves a lot faster than it seems, and is actually a LOT quicker than waiting for pupusas.
2. These are some legit tamales.
There is a huge selection of different tameles - also Burritos and Enchiladas, as well. So far, I've enjoyed each one that I've had, and as I look over the menu (look below, I listed them all!) I'm pretty excited for Wednesday's to come. Everything has been good, but the winner was the Green Chile and Cheese tamale. That was the first tamale I've tried that does not have meat. The chile and cheese with the tamale is a great combo, and it's bursting with filling. I'd also have to give a BIG thumbs up to the side-sauces that come with your order. Good range of mild to caliente. Get two tamales for $6, and that is stout meal.
The one downside - it's sorta messy for street food. The tamales are pre-wrapped (why the line moves fast) tightly in plastic wrap, and they're a little greasy (in a good way) on the outside of the corn-husk. Make sure to grab lots of napkins when you visit - It gets a bit messy unwrapping the delicious tamales. Much easier if you can go find a table or bring these back to the office.
Are Pupusas a thing of the past for old Adam S.? Nah. But, this is a new regular in the rotation.
Here's the list 'o Tamales:
Red Pork: Shredded pork in a mild red sauce.
Green Pork: Shredded pork in a tomatillo sauce with bits of red potatoes, carrots, and pasilla chilies.
Pork Mole: Shredded pork in a Oaxacan style red mole and steamed in a banana leaf.
Red Chicken: Shredded chicken in a mild red sauce.
Green Chicken: Shredded chicken in a tomatillo sauce with bits of red potatoes, carrots, and pasilla chilies.
Chicken Mole: Shredded chicken in a Oaxacan style red mole and steamed in a banana leaf.
Beef: Shredded beef in a mild red sauce.
TexMex: Ground beef and black beans in a chipotle souce.
Picadillo: Ground beef, with bits of red potatoes, carrots, cooked in a green sauce.
Vegi-Vegan: Black beans, green beans, carrots, cauliflower,corn, roasted red peppers, and spinach.
Black Bean Cheese: Home style cooked, black beans, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Spinach and Cheese: Fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, and cotija cheese.
Green Pasilla: Pasilla chilies, cotija cheese, mozzarella cheese, steamed in a banana leaf.
Chile and Cheese: Anaheim chilies, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Vegan Mushroom: Portobello, shiitake, and brown mushrooms with red and green peppers and cabbage in a mild garlic sauce.
Sweet Corn: Fresh yellow sweet corn, butter, and a dash of sugar. read more