By Linda Lowry
The holiday season is not just a time for gatherings; it’s a vibrant celebration brimming with joy, love, and cherished traditions. Among these treasured customs, the Mexican art of tamale-making shines brightly, igniting the festive spirit and bringing families together like never before. Picture a warm evening filled with laughter and engaging stories as your loved ones gather in the kitchen, each contributing to the creation of these delightful culinary treasures. The inviting aroma of masa wafting through the air, underlined by the
clinking of glasses filled with refreshing margaritas or zesty tequila, creates an atmosphere that’s simply irresistible!
Are you feeling like a novice in the world of tamales? Or is your holiday calendar overflowing with events? Don’t fret! You don’t need to struggle with the masa to indulge in these mouthwatering delights. You can conveniently order authentic tamales online or, even better, make your way to Frelard Tamales. This charming eatery is nestled at the lively intersection of Fremont and Ballard in Seattle—hence the clever name “Frelard.”
It has become a beloved local spot, attracting a dedicated following of tamale enthusiasts, with a second location in Bellingham, WA.
At Frelard Tamales, the tamale offerings are nothing short of a celebration of flavors. You’ll find a delightful range that caters to all preferences—whether you savor the rich flavor of meat, embrace the vibrant world of vegan cuisine, or seek gluten-free options that don’t compromise on flavor. The team at Frelard Tamales is committed to catering to your dietary needs! Their tamales are crafted with 100% gluten-free ingredients and traditional pork lard, which infuses each bite with a rich, savory depth. Their chorizo and cheese tamales are
delicious—definitely worth mentioning! For those leaning towards vegetarian or vegan bites, high-quality vegetable oil is used to ensure each tamale boasts delicious flavor and satisfaction. If you haven't tried vegan cuisine yet, I highly encourage you to indulge in their vegan tacos. They are incredibly flavorful and satisfying, and you won’t believe they’re plant-based! The ingredients blend perfectly, creating a delicious experience
that rivals any traditional taco. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how good they are! It’s important to note that some of their exquisite mole tamales might contain walnuts, almonds, or peanuts, so if allergies are a concern, be sure to inquire. You’ll be delighted to discover that none of their tantalizing tamales or bold, zesty salsas contain cilantro. Instead, the kitchen enhances the depth of flavor with aromatic garlic and sweet onion, elevating the taste experience to new heights!
Chef Rudy Riveron is the new head chef at the Seattle location. With an impressive twenty-five years of experience in the culinary industry, Rudy's journey began humbly as a dishwasher in a local eatery. Chef Riveron’s passion and dedication to cooking have driven him to seek out various opportunities throughout his career. He has refined his skills at several beloved local establishments, making significant contributions to restaurants like The Saint, known for its Tequila Salvation, Linda’s Tavern, and Rose Temple, where he
developed his craft and built a loyal following. Most recently, he showcased his culinary talents at Mercado Luna before taking on a new role at Frelard Tamales. With a wealth of experience and a creative approach to cooking, Chef Riveron is excited to introduce fresh flavors and innovative ideas to the Frelard Tamales menu.
Frelard Tamales is not just any eatery; it’s a fabulous family- and queer-owned gem that breathes new life into traditional recipes, ensuring that each handmade tamale is a culinary masterpiece bursting with vibrant flavors. Here’s an extra treat: Frelard Tamales also offers the convenience of frozen tamales! Imagine having these delectable treats stocked in your freezer, ready to deliver an instant feast at a moment’s notice. Each frozen tamale comes with easy cooking instructions, ensuring that you can recreate a perfect culinary experience right in your own home.
If you're planning to pick up fewer than a dozen tamales, you're in for a treat! Both the Seattle and Bellingham locations offer a welcoming atmosphere where you can walk in and immerse yourself in the experience. Each location features its own brewery, El Suenito, which adds a unique twist to your visit. These establishments are family-friendly, ensuring that guests of all ages can enjoy the delicious food, while also providing a designated bar area specifically for patrons aged 21 and over. At the Seattle location, the brewery is managed by Tasha Schermer, who is dedicated to crafting a variety of unique and flavorful brews that pair perfectly with their mouthwatering tamales. One of the great advantages of El Suenito is its self-distribution model, which means you're welcome to enjoy a flight tasting of different beers alongside your meal. Alternatively, if you prefer to savor your drinks later, you can easily purchase a six-pack to take home and enjoy with your tamales.
Additionally, if you're searching for a vibrant happy hour spot to catch up with colleagues or friends, Frelard offers exciting experiences beyond just food and drinks. The venue hosts monthly drag brunches that provide fabulous entertainment, as well as trivia nights that are perfect for friendly competition. To stay updated on all their events, be sure to check out their Instagram page @frelardtamales, where you can find detailed information about upcoming activities and specials that will enhance your visit.
To truly elevate your tamale experience, consider indulging in a remarkable mezcal from Mocel Mezcal, a brand renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Founded by the talented sister duo Rosalinda and Elizabeth, Mocel Mezcal encapsulates the heart and soul of traditional mezcal production, reflecting their deep passion for honoring age-old techniques and cultural heritage. Crafted from 100% agave and pure spring water, Mocel Mezcal is free of any additives, ensuring that each sip delivers an authentic taste of Michoacán’s rich mezcal-making traditions. This region is celebrated for its artisanal distillation processes that enhance the natural characteristics of the agave plants.
Mocel offers a diverse selection of Mezcal, each radiating distinct and complex flavor profiles designed to elevate your dining experience. For example, the Cupreata 2022 Expression is particularly noteworthy. It captivates the palate with its delicate herbaceous notes, which seamlessly harmonize with the savory richness of tamales, making it an ideal companion for a wide variety of fillings and salsas. On the other hand, the
Ensamble 2021 Expression enchants the senses with its vibrant floral and vegetal tones, achieving a beautifully balanced pairing that complements both spicy and mild tamale options. Its complex interplay of flavors can elevate even the simplest meal into a memorable occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet meal, choosing any of Mocel Mezcal's Expressions guarantees a delightful experience that aligns perfectly with the lively spirit of your holiday feast. Each pour not only complements your tamales but also adds a touch of luxury to your celebration, inviting you to savor every moment. Feliz Navidad!
Photos & Videos by: Linda Lowry
