Family Traditions for The Holidays
Happy holidays to you all! I hope this season brings hope and joy to you and your family. There are many traditions here in San Antonio, from the tree lighting ceremony the day after Thanks Giving to jumping in to the car and driving through Windcrest and Incarnate Word. But nothing says togetherness like a group of people gathered around for traditional food. This month I’ll share a few that are part of me. In my family, it was tamales that brought us together. My grandmother on my mother’s side was the tamalera that taught us all. My father even published a book about it. (Copies still available for sale, please contact me!) We would all gather around the kitchen table and make dozens upon dozens of the delectable treats. If you are not one of the lucky few to have a tamalera in your midst, then you have to go out and buy your tamales. That’s where I come in! I’m here to guide you to the best in the city. Now with that being said, I know there will be controversy and dispute over who makes the best. This is just one mans opinion. So here it goes.
I’ll give you my top three: 1) Tide for the first spot are Ruben’s and Jimenez on the East and South East side of town. Ruben’s is a small convenience store on the corner of Rigsby and Roland that sells tamales all year long. However, during the Christmas season, expect a line…a long line. Jimenez on Goliad Rd. near S.E. Military drive is a molino that sells everything from barbacoa to the masa to make the tamales. 2) Delicious Tamales has various locations through out the city. 3) Tellez on general McMullen just south of highway 90. Here’s the deal. All four places will sell a verity of tamales from pork to chicken and beans to beef. There will be something for everyone. You can not go wrong with any of these. But if you want to send me a message about your favorite place, please e-mail me at crisreviews@gmail.com. Another tradition in the Garza household are bunuelos. For those of you that do not know what a bunuelo is please allow me to explain. A bunuelo is a light and crispy flour concoction amply dusted with cinnamon and sugar. There is really no other place to get them except for Bunuelos the Original on 108 Auditorium Circle. When I lived downtown, my apartment was next door to this place. WOW! What a smell everyday. You can find them at Central Market and select HEB’s.
My favorite tradition was volunteering. My Dad was one of Elf Louise’s first Santas. He did it for over 25 years. My mother and I would help serve food at a church or soup kitchen. After I came out to her, she and I would go to MCC and serve for Thanks Giving and Christmas. Here’s what I ask of you this season. Look in our community directory. Pick out an organization or church, and give back. Sometimes we are the only family that we have.
So to not leave anyone out, Merry Chrismahaunakwanzaka! Happy holidays to you all. Eat well, be well!
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