The owners of Alamo Tamales To Go, Estevan and Nancy Salinas, said tamale season is the busiest time of the year.
“It’s insane,” Nancy said. “As soon as we open the door in December, it’s a line outside the door, and it’s like that for hours into the afternoon.”
Tamales, which are a traditional Mexican food, are made from masa, which is corn flour, and seasoned meat wrapped and steamed in a corn husk. At Alamo Tamales To Go, tamales are getting prepped year round for Christmas, starting in June, Estevan said.
The restaurant offers a variety of tamales, including chicken, jalapeno and cheese, bean, beef, spinach and cheese as well as various specialty flavors, such as turkey, in November. The large handmade pork and brisket tamales are the best sellers, the Salinases said.
The wait for tamales on a chilly December day can be anywhere from one to two hours, so the Salinases make sure their customers are comfortable when they wait.
“We try to pass out hot chocolate, churros and snacks if people are waiting, and we’re always playing a movie and just talking,” Nancy said.
Putting a smile on the customers’ faces and serving the local community throughout the year makes all the work worthwhile, the Salinases said.
“We get a lot of regulars,” Estevan said. “I like it when they come in and they’re having a bad day and I can help turn it around a little bit, not just with the food but also just talk to them.”
Before the Salinases bought the restaurant in 2012, they were regulars. Nancy made desserts for the restaurant, including empanadas, dulce de leche candies and pecan pies, and it was always her dream to own a store.
Eventually, the original owner decided to sell, and the Salinases seized the opportunity.
“At first it was challenging, but it’s been really good lately,” Estevan said.
When the Salinases took over, they added the breakfast menu and various items, including tacos, nachos and Frito pie, using old family recipes from Nancy’s family, they said. Their No. 1 seller, however, continues to be the tamales.
The demand for tamales can get pretty overwhelming, but it is worth the wait, Nancy said. Alamo Tamales To Go will be open all winter, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving fresh, hot tamales as well as the rest of the menu.
“We encourage locals to give us a shout,” Nancy said. “We’re here, and we’d like to see you.”
Alamo Tamales To Go
13914 Hwy. 3, Webster
281-990-7800
www.alamotamale.net
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
