Tamales y pollos asados

Curlygirl · 10-05-2003

I'm certain this belongs on "Changarros y Mas", but I cannot begin a new topic on that board.

I will return to Playa mid-Nov., and would love to find delicious tamales - soft, tender, and full of true maiz flavor. The fillings are almost superfluous to the outer vessel. Any stands or local places that harbor these goodies? Is this dish even authentic to the region?

Also, have any additions or closings occured with the pollo joints since last March? Who has the most toothsome bird? Most interesting sides? Share your secrets with me! Thanks.

**james** · 10-06-2003

actually, there have been some recent developments on the pollo asado front.

My local favorite on Constituyentes and 40th was closed last time I went by (last week) and I'm not sure if they were just remodeling or the bird's been plucked. Time will tell.

Asadero El Pollo (home of the guarantee: "Remember, if your chicken isn't hot and juicy, send it back!") which used to be on 15th Ave between 2nd and 4th is now on 20th and 2nd Street. I like this place. The birds definitely are among the tastiest and they are hot and juicy, for sure. Also, Pollo Caribe, the joint where Anna and I shared our first (group) dinner date together, is now a memory. A very fond memory for me.

For tamales, try YaxChe for lunch. There also may be some ladies selling them during the morning hours. Juarez between 15th and 35th is a great place to stroll in the mornings and sample antojitos. Also check out 4th Street around 20th Ave. There are always options around there for at least salbutes, panuchos or empanadas.

**Anna** · 10-06-2003

Doña Maria on Ave 30 and Calle 28 is famous for juicy tamales and great chicken soup.

Curlygirl · 10-07-2003

Thank you for both the updates and pointers. Thoughts of breakfasts at the bus station are a key prompter for this next visit - we fly for food!

I am always interested in sussing out native specialties. I have an excellent little pocket guide, MEXICO, THE HUNGRY TRAVELER, which describes a tamale specific to the Yucatan - Brazo de Reina(arm of the queen)."These large,long, filling tamales are made with chopped chaya leaf mixed in the dough, which is then filled with hard-boiled egg and roasted and ground melon seeds, and wrapped in a banana leaf to steam....the tamal is served sliced, showing off it's interior swirly designs....A special mild red sauce adds a twist of flavor...other Yucatecan tamales resemble the brazo de reina in in gredients but have different names."

Have you spotted this baby anywhere?

mindz · 10-09-2003

Antojitos Adrian, on the corner of calle 4 and av. 20, sells 3 kinds of tamales--brazo de reyna, colado (white, kind of a jelly-like texture), and torteados. All very, very delicious. Breakfast is the usual time for tamales, I believe.

Good thing you mentioned that Pollo Asadero had moved, James. I would have cried if I had gone to the usual building and found it was gone.

10-05-2003	#1 (permalink)
Curlygirl way into it Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cleveland Posts: 138	Tamales y pollos asados I'm certain this belongs on "Changarros y Mas", but I cannot begin a new topic on that board. I will return to Playa mid-Nov., and would love to find delicious tamales - soft, tender, and full of true maiz flavor. The fillings are almost superfluous to the outer vessel. Any stands or local places that harbor these goodies? Is this dish even authentic to the region? Also, have any additions or closings occured with the pollo joints since last March? Who has the most toothsome bird? Most interesting sides? Share your secrets with me! Thanks.

10-06-2003	#2 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Kullavik, Sweden Posts: 9,539	actually, there have been some recent developments on the pollo asado front. My local favorite on Constituyentes and 40th was closed last time I went by (last week) and I'm not sure if they were just remodeling or the bird's been plucked. Time will tell. Asadero El Pollo (home of the guarantee: "Remember, if your chicken isn't hot and juicy, send it back!") which used to be on 15th Ave between 2nd and 4th is now on 20th and 2nd Street. I like this place. The birds definitely are among the tastiest and they are hot and juicy, for sure. Also, Pollo Caribe, the joint where Anna and I shared our first (group) dinner date together, is now a memory. A very fond memory for me. For tamales, try YaxChe for lunch. There also may be some ladies selling them during the morning hours. Juarez between 15th and 35th is a great place to stroll in the mornings and sample antojitos. Also check out 4th Street around 20th Ave. There are always options around there for at least salbutes, panuchos or empanadas. __________________ My lovely house is for sale Get your own signature countdown image! Thanks for taking the time to read the announcement!

10-07-2003	#4 (permalink)
Curlygirl way into it Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cleveland Posts: 138	Tamales Thank you for both the updates and pointers. Thoughts of breakfasts at the bus station are a key prompter for this next visit - we fly for food! I am always interested in sussing out native specialties. I have an excellent little pocket guide, MEXICO, THE HUNGRY TRAVELER, which describes a tamale specific to the Yucatan - Brazo de Reina(arm of the queen)."These large,long, filling tamales are made with chopped chaya leaf mixed in the dough, which is then filled with hard-boiled egg and roasted and ground melon seeds, and wrapped in a banana leaf to steam....the tamal is served sliced, showing off it's interior swirly designs....A special mild red sauce adds a twist of flavor...other Yucatecan tamales resemble the brazo de reina in in gredients but have different names." Have you spotted this baby anywhere?

10-09-2003	#5 (permalink)
mindz way into it Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: wisconsin Posts: 249	Brazo de Reyna Antojitos Adrian, on the corner of calle 4 and av. 20, sells 3 kinds of tamales--brazo de reyna, colado (white, kind of a jelly-like texture), and torteados. All very, very delicious. Breakfast is the usual time for tamales, I believe. Good thing you mentioned that Pollo Asadero had moved, James. I would have cried if I had gone to the usual building and found it was gone.

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10-06-2003	#3 (permalink)
Anna top babe admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: after 10 wonderful years in Playa, now back in Sweden Posts: 2,951	Doña Maria on Ave 30 and Calle 28 is famous for juicy tamales and great chicken soup.

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