Who Makes the Best Tamales in Town?

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ

Slated Friday, Dec. 17 is the San Benito News Second Annual The Best Tamales in Town contest. Pictured is an SB Wings platter. (Staff photo by Michael Rodriguez)

Back by popular demand, the San Benito News is preparing to once again host its annual contest, The Best Tamales in Town.

The event celebrated its inaugural year in December 2009, when entries judged by five individuals from throughout the area, and who serve the community in various capacities, selected one winner, 62-year-old Irma Gonzalez of San Benito. As a result, she was the recipient of a $50 gift certificate to a sponsoring business as well as the focus of an article in the following edition of the News. Gonzalez said then that she received dozens of orders for tamales after she was featured in the newspaper.

Many self-proclaimed tamale authorities have since inquired about the contest and how to enter the 2010 competition, from second and third generation citizens who’ve added new twists to their grandparents’ and/or great grandparents’ recipes to local businesses seeking bragging rights.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of the Nov. 28 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.