'Masa' Of His Own Domain: Hot Tamales Will Satisfy

About a year and a half ago, Ruben González was faced with a choice. After having just been laid off from from a large software company, where he was a regional sales manager, he decided to get back to what he loves: authentic Mexican food.

He started Tamales Don Pepes, and the results have been positive.

González knows a thing or two about the food service industry, as his family has been in it for nearly 37 years as owners of the La Dona New Mexico Cafe in Barrio Logan.

González has taken what he's learned from his mother and grandmother, including delicious sauce recipes, adapted it to his own style and creativity, and now boasts tamales that can rival any in San Diego County.

Tamales Don Pepes offers both traditional and non-traditional tamales, the most popular being chicken with green or red sauce, pork, shredded beef, and poblano chile & cheese (which I've tried and is stellar).

He can also customize tamales with nearly any ingredient you desire, including raisins, pineapple, mole sauce, and vegan or vegetarian offerings.

"I think one of the keys that set us apart is that I don't use pork lard, I use vegetable lard," González said. "I also like to buy local vegetables from farmers markets. They are a little more expensive, but I want to introduce high quality ingredients."

Tamales Don Pepes is available for parties or special events, and can regularly be seen at the Spring Valley Farmers Market, as well as markets in Bonita and the Gaslamp. He also sells his tamales Henry's marketplaces in the South Bay, and Windmill Farms in Del Cerro. He hopes that he can find a distributor to take his tamales nationwide.

For more information about Tamales Don Pepes, call (619) 638-9436, or visit the Tamales Don Pepes Facebook page.