When Barry and Karen Rosenthal visited Tamales … A Mexican Joint on a recent rainy Monday night, owner Jeff Gorbena was ready.
On the Rosenthals’ previous visit — they dine there about once a week, they say — Barry’s order was served wrong. Gorbena disappeared into the back and emerged with a gift; a jar of pickled carrots, a favorite of Barry’s.
This personalized customer attention is the not-so-secret ingredient in Gorbena’s decadelong recipe for success, which includes, he states, “quality service and a quality product in a decent environment for a decent price.”
Tamales serves dishes with “authentic ingredients presented in unique ways or unique ingredients presented in traditional ways,” Gorbena says. “Burritos are fairly commonplace, but salmon and goat cheese burritos not so much; the same with our filet mignon, which is served with a mushroom tequila sauce along with jalepeno mashed potatoes.”
Jan. 31 marks the beginning of Gorbena’s 10th year as owner. Born behind a deli counter, he jokes (his father owned the former Brooklyn Bagel Boys), Gorbena, who is half Askenazi Jew and half Mexican, has worked in consort with Juan Herrera, the chef of 15 years, to put his personal stamp on the restaurant.
Framed artwork by Nicolas de Jesus are hung on the vividly colored walls. Wood-cut burros parade on shelves that line the circumference of the 17-table dining room.
“We’re pretty fortunate,” Gorbena said. “We get to see people when they want to be happy and eat and drink with their friends and family. That’s a pretty easy gig.”
Dinner Pricing: Platos Pequenos include Mexican Pizza ($8.50), Chicken Flautas ($9.95) and Grilled Shrimp ($11.95). Platos Grandes include Salmon Burrito ($21.95), Paelia ($21.95) and Grilled Tilapia ($20.95). Tacos range from $14.95 (Ground Beef) to Shrimp ($17.50). Quesadillas range from Cheese ($9.95) to Grilled Shrimp ($14.95). Fajitas range from Vegetable ($14.95) to Filet Mignon ($21). There is also a kid’s menu. Desserts include the signature Key Lime Pie, Bread Pudding, and Mexican Chocolate Sundae ($5.95 each)
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Address: 493 Central Ave., Highland Park. Call 847-433-4070; www.tamalesmexicanrestaurant.com.
More Top Picks Recliner
Donald Liebenson is a freelance writer.