-“Steaming hot tamales! Here have a taste test; you will find that my tamales are like no other!” Rene’s baritone voice boomed without the aid of a microphone.
Cubing an aromatic tamal into little squares to disperse, Rene interred a toothpick into each square, with the care of a nurse injecting a syringe needle into a vein. The exhalation of the ambrosial essence of his tamal, was carried by the wind to entice each passerby.
Those who could not resist the lure purchased two, three, or four tamales to take home. The doughy masa had an orange-shiny hue, as it had been seeped with stock broth, which had been mixed previously with California red chili powder, yellow chilies, garlic, pepper, cumin, and salt.
The girth and width of Rene’s tamales were generous to a fault, which is why one is all it took, to satisfy a healthy appetite. When one unwrapped the multiple layers of plantain leaves - as if one were opening a Christmas gift - the efflux of the delectable aroma, made the saliva activate in the mouth, and the pupils dilate with the desire to devour.
Protruding from the luscious and shiny surface of the tamal, one could scout on the shiny horizon, the appearance of cubicles of potatoes, strands of green chili pepper, or the occasional bulbous apparition of a black olive.
Marring with a fork the serene, and perfectly formed surface of the tamale, one discovered the true essence of this delight. The meat filling was simply exquisite, as it was an alchemy of spices, choice meats, tomato sauce, onions, and garlic which when simmered in low heat for hours, gave it its distinct gusto.
Pedro had been on the beat for hours. One of those luscious tamales accompanied with a hot cup of coffee, would surely hit the spot. Besides, he was intrigued by this ambulant vendor whose clandestine business thrived. Surely he did not pay any taxes, and by the look of his old sports utility vehicle, he was not doing too badly.
Pedro decided to try a tamale, and to find the way to extort money from this popular Tamalero.
Pedro devoured the mouthwatering tamale in large chunks. The savor was unique and it had a peculiar piquancy which elevated this to gourmet fare. This a surprisingly cheap deal, for such an exquisite meal.
-"Tell me my friend, do you have experience as a professional chef? This is simply delicious." Pedro said with mouth full, as he bathed the tamal with more fresh salsa on top.
To be continued…
