Judges of the San Benito News Fourth Annual “Best Tamales in Town” Contest are seen Friday with Juan Uribe, representing Adolfo Toriz of SB Wings, the winner of this year’s contest. (Staff photo by Michael Rodriguez)
By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
Judges Rey Avila, president of the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum and 2012 San Benito News Citizen of the Year, Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. San Benito Fire Department Operations Chief Raul Zuniga, San Benito CISD Board of Trustees Vice President Anna Cruz, and MJ Screen Printing Owner Mario Maya are seen discussing the entries of the San Benito News Fourth Annual “Best Tamales in Town” Contest on Friday. (Photo by T.J. Tijerina)
Well, the results are in, and the winner of the Fourth Annual San Benito News “Best Tamales in Town” Contest for the second consecutive year is SB Wings, with long-time contest rival Irma Gonzalez finishing at a close second.
For the competition’s first two years, it was Gonzalez who claimed the first place prize, with Adolfo Toriz of SB Wings coming in second place. This and last year, however, Toriz has brought home the win with Gonzalez coming in right behind him.
These two aren’t the only ones serious about their tamales in San Benito. There ain’t any messing around when it comes to the preparations, recipes and special sauces entrants include in each packet of tamale goodness. The five judges are hand-selected by the San Benito News, and boy did they have their work cut out for them. With each entry, as they score the tamales on four levels of excellence, they are looking for the best-of-the-best in taste, texture, originality and presentation.
This year’s judges included a panel of Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., San Benito Fire Department Operations Chief Raul Zuniga, president of the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum and San Benito News Citizen of the Year, Rey Avila, San Benito CISD School Board Vice President Anna Cruz, owner of MJ Screen Printing Mario Maya and special guest Bianca Valdez, the reigning Miss Rio Grande Valley America.
Once the judges finished sampling each tamale and after they finalized their score cards, they saved room to eat (not just sample…there’s a difference) a few more tamales. They thoroughly enjoyed the process, as none of them had never before judged a tamale contest.
Senator Lucio went so far as to say, “Judging this competition was the highlight of my year.”
Toriz accredits his mother with creating the winning tamale recipe, but it’s in the SB Wings kitchen where the winning tamales are hand-crafted, especially for this contest, where the judges definitely know a thing or two about tamales.
Senator Lucio said this of his colleagues: “I consider these judges experts in the field (of tamale knowledge).” Many judges have long-time family traditions and recollected making and enjoying tamales throughout the holidays and beyond. Avila said, “When it comes to tamales, I’ve been eating them over 60 years.” He shared that he eats tamales for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time of year – not just specifically at Christmas. With a wide variety of tamales from which to choose, judges sampled flavors from pork to bean, chicken and even dessert tamales containing raisins and sweet fillings.
Toriz, who was out of town during the competition, called to find out the outcome of the contest, and he sounded like a smile broke across his face once he heard the news. Toriz said, “I am honored to be lucky enough to win today.” To that, he was acknowledging the fact that his competition consists of individuals who are also very skilled at their craft.
Senator Lucio explained, “Culturally, we grew up eating tamales mostly around Christmastime, eating decenas. So this brings back memories for me.” With a laugh, the senator noted that he had been watching his diet before the contest, so “eating these tamales has not damaged” his diet.
With full tummies, it was a wonder to bystanders whether or not the judges would want to eat tamales again anytime soon. Lucio stated, “I’m actually having some for dinner. I’m picking up another dozen today.” Senator Lucio explained that he will be preparing his own tamales this year, from scratch. He said, “I’ll be cooking tamales myself, on Christmas Day.” Lucio said he might even enter next year’s tamale contest. Zuniga said of the overall experience, “The food was good, and the amount of tamales was just right.” The chief said, “The food was really good, and there was a good turnout.” He made mention of all the San Benito citizens who came to show their support for this community event. Either that, or perhaps San Benitians came out for the free tamales…but who’s counting?
Zuniga, like the senator, said he’d definitely be eating more tamales over the holiday. In fact, all of the judges noted experiences cooking and/or eating tamales within their families over the holiday season.
This year’s winners will be receiving a $100 gift certificate for first place, SB wings; $50 for second place, Gonzalez; and $25 for first place, Francisca Martinez.
With the stiff rivalry brewing between Toriz and Gonzalez and the potential for Senator Lucio to enter his own batch of tamales, who knows what is in store for next year’s contest. One thing is for certain – you won’t want to miss it.
This story will also be published in the Dec. 26 edition of the San Benito News, which will be on the racks by Christmas Eve, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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