R.I.P. Tamale Wizard

You'll remember back in April, I blogged about a new restaurant, Tamale Wizard. It had became our place to eat on Saturdays. The food was so good, the employees were great and it was close to home. It's taken me 5 days to get through the grief long enough to write this post. Tamale Wizard has closed as of 7/7/12.

I sat with owner, Bruce Swabb, this last Monday to talk about the closing of the restaurant. The passion for the food and the people could still be heard in his voice, as was the heavy heart of having to close the restaurant. This was the last thing Bruce wanted to do. He loved his employees and enjoyed making high quality food for his guests. As with many new businesses, it just didn't work out in the end.

Tamale Wizards Facebook post: "Dear Tamale Lovin Friends - It is real hard to post this, but we have closed up shop. We had a blast and worked out butts off, and meeting each of you was what made it worthwhile.  We will miss you!"  43 Facebook friends responded in kind telling him how much they loved eating there and how much the shop will be missed.  One FB friend responded "This is the saddest news I have heard in quite a while.  I'll miss your green chili tamales with a passion.  :("  AGREED!

I did manage to get a secret recipe from him for the Jalapeno Lime salsa. Sadly, once he told it to me, I realized it was the easiest one on the menu. I hold out hopes he makes an eCookbook. Then I can recreate the delightful recipes each Saturday.

I DEEPLY regret the Saturday we went to Mazatlan and not Tamale Wizard.

I don't know what Bruce intends to do in the future, but if there's food involved...I'm there. Thanks for all the wonderful Tamales, Tacos, Guac, Salsas, and company!