WELCOME TO TAMALES+

Really good tamales + more

HI! Thank you for visiting!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Kathy Contreras. I am the owner, chief tamale wrapper (La TamalGuera)  and dishwasher of Tamales+.   

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First, a little background. I've been in the restaurant/food industry since I was 16. Without revealing my age, let's just say I have a few turns of the earth under my belt.   In 2019, I taught myself to make tamales. It took a few tries, I didn't have an abuela to teach me her tricks. But I figured it out and when I did - mmmmmm mmmmmm mmmmmm. An obsession was born. I mean the possibilities are endless! The Italian Beef Tamal to date is still my favorite. My tongue in cheek tagline is "pretty darn good tamales for a white chick!"  (Thank you to my good friend for making my t-shirts...you know who you are!)

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My husband, Antonio and daughter, Sophia are my biggest fans. Sophia tells everyone she knows about Tamales+ finally had to give her some business cards. Marketing Manager! 

In the summer of the much maligned year of 2020 - I wanted to buy a new bike. (Because COVID you know) I decided to sell pickled jalapeños, I had discovered a great recipe from Zarela Martinez. (Seriously, the best pickled jalapeños - as my neighbor described them once "They BURN SO GOOD!". Hot - yes AND packed with flavor) But I digress - so the bike. I was selling salsas and practicing with tamales - I never knew there was an underground universal love of tamales. But every time I mention making tamales, people's eyes LIGHT UP and " I LOVE TAMALES' is the next thing out of their lips.  

One thing led to another, one friend/client to another - Tamales+ was born. My neighbors and family have been incredible in their support of Tamales+.  

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Recently, Manny Lopez of Manny's Food Adventures gave Tamales+ a great rating. (We tried not to bribe him too much) Check out his review on our Facebook page

 https://www.facebook.com/tamalesplus.aurora 

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October 2022 - The Tamale Trolley became a part of the family. facebook@tamalesplus.aurora for upcoming events!

We are currently at a regular spot on Hwy 34/71 intersection in Oswego - Wednesdays only!  11am-sold out

(right next to O'Reilly Auto Parts )

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Questions you may have:

Why do I have to pre-order so far in advance:

• We are working hard to ensure a great product that you can TELL was made from scratch, with love.

• Storage is limited.  We only prep what we have room to properly store.

• We are a new, small business trying to manage its cash flow effectively.

• We can arrange pickup at any of our pop ups.

How do I order?

• PM directly through the Facebook page, email us at tamalesplus@tamalesplus.net, or call 630-465-3579 between 9am and 8pm.

• Online ordering is not available at this time.

• Preferred payment types: Zelle, Paypal or Venmo

• All major cc accepted, in person

• Pick up time & location address will be sent in the confirmation

• Shipping is not available

What's with the +?

I definitely love tamales, who doesn't? But I also love making bread, smoking brisket, making soups and crisp salads - I just really love food. I see recipes and start thinking of the possibilities with it. So the PLUS+ there is frequently something new, or different. Something unexpected. Tamales themselves offer a lot of room for creativity and fun.   

It means if you'd like to talk to us about catering - please do! We will work together to create  a menu you will be excited about! Office lunch, family get together, or backyard fun!

And if we can't do it for whatever the reason - we know people.... 

I hope this helps you get to know Tamales+ a little bit, who we are and what/why we do what we do.  

UPDATE: I did finally get the bike! Now if I just had the time to ride it!

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