Some believe a Mexican joint can be judged by its chips, salsa and guacamole just as an Italian cafe can be judged by its bread and olive oil. It's a bold philosophy but there is merit behind it, since the basics are the foundation for everything else. Well, the salsa and guacamole at Hot Tamales in Highland Park are perfection: chunky and fresh, with a little zing of onion, cilantro, and peppers. The chips are expertly crisped and salted. The guacamole even sports some flair, as it is encased in a crispy, fried blossom instead of a plain ole dish. These details provide good clues as to what the rest of the meal has in store.
Hot Tamales offers a flavorful menu of Mexican and Tex Mex food. Meals start out with aforementioned chips and salsa and platos pequenos (small dishes), ranging from $2 for a cup of tortilla soup to $10.50 for a chicken chimichangas. Salads offer exciting choices like the blackened scallops salad with tomato, avocado, cucumber and blue cheese. Platos grandes include chiles rellenos, enchiladas and several burrito choices such as the classic steak, chicken, vegetable and even a salmon burrito with goat cheese, black beans, thyme and basil. Even the basics include adventurous options; take the namesake tamales for example, with choices like shrimp, mushroom, chicken and even pumpkin, prepared with roasted tomatilla and guajillo chile sauce. Tacos mimic the adventurous twist with duck or grilled tilapia tacos, which is served with a full platter of toppings including guacamole, grilled poblano chiles and mango salsa.
Even the fiesta-friendly environment won't disappoint in this hot spot. The North Shore crowd constantly fills the restaurant and the outdoor patio seating during lunch and dinner hours. Hot Tamales got the recipe right from the guac up.
Centerstage Reviewer: Katie Chelminski
