Taqueria Milear owner Artemio Baltazar has launched a new tamale-focused concept, drawing on family recipes rooted in traditional Mexican cooking. The new grab-and-go concept, Tamalería La Madrina, brings long-held culinary traditions to life at the New Crown Heights spot.
Celebration of Family-Style Tamale Recipes
Tamalería La Madrina is named after Artemio’s wife and co-owner, Marisol Lopez. Her nickname, La Madrina, meaning “Godmother,” honors the family recipes passed down from her grandmother.
Tamalería La Madrina focuses its menu on traditional Mexican tamales and antojitos. They are prepared every day in limited quantities, bringing comforting Mexican dishes to customers who miss home.
From Mexico to NYC
Baltazar came to New York from Mexico in the 1990s in search of work. He began as a dishwasher and slowly worked his way up in restaurants. During a trip home, he met Lopez, who was running a quesadilla stand.
Their shared passion for cooking led them to the vision behind Tamalería La Madrina. The restaurant is a family-driven venture staffed by the couple’s daughters. It is guided by the motto, “intentionally simple and incredibly delicious.”
Mexican Bites Round Out the Menu
Tamales, made from corn masa and wrapped in fresh corn husks or banana leaves, are the heart of the menu. The dish’s fillings and sauces are prepared in the restaurant. From bold salsas and sauces to homemade tortilla chips, the eatery’s attention to detail goes beyond Tamales.
They also offer 25-ingredient mole simmered for 10 hours, smoky Morita chile sauces, and bright tomatillo sauce. Tamales are usually served separately, in half-dozen or full portions, offering varieties like Oaxaqueño. It is tender pork baby ribs that come with red sauce. Other dishes are Pollo Mole with a 25-ingredient mole, and Birria with slow-cooked beef.
The Jalapeño con Queso is made with queso fresco and fresh jalapeños. Tamal can also be turned into a Guajolota. It is a sandwich with Tamale filling served on a Mexican bolillo roll. Some other dishes include Antojitos, such as Perro Caliente, Doritos, and Street Corn.
The menu also includes Molletes, an open-face Mexican sandwich. The eatery also offers Mini Tacos on corn tortillas, Quesadillas with a 10-inch mixteca tortilla, and a variety of burgers, all served with house-made tortilla chips. The menu also includes the Breakfast burrito, which is a 12-inch flour tortilla with poblano peppers, refried pinto beans, sautéed potatoes, sour cream, and a choice of protein.
Traditional Beverages Complete the Experience
Tamalería La Madrina serves in-house drinks and Agua Frescas made with natural fruits, herbs, and spices. They are served as Horchata, made from blended rice, cinnamon, and vanilla, and Jamaica, prepared with red iced tea and dried hibiscus flowers.
Hot drinks include a traditional Mexican spiced coffee called Café de Olla, a strawberry pudding-like drink called Atole de Fresa, and a chocolate-based atole called Champurrado. The restaurant offers delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. It provides catering services for parties and events.
Tamalería La Madrina is blending generations of tradition with a simple approach to Mexican comfort food.
