I loved this place from the minute I saw it passing by on the way to Ortega Highway as I was cutting through the mountains between Temecula and Orange county. The place was jumping off the street at me, and I've been wanting to stop there for months. Today was the day.
Molcajetes is independent, not even a web site or email, but that's fine with me. They have a full menu, not just tamales, but when it says "tamales" on the side of the building, you can bet that's what they're known for!
There is a small seating àrea inside, but I was in a hurry and had to take my tamales to go. I tried three kinds.
The pork and chicken tamales were generous of size and perfectly-made, a wonderful treat and I would recommend Molcajetes for that alone.
That said, OMG THE PINAPPLE-COCONUT TAMALES ARE AMAZING!!!
I have never had anything like this dessert tamale, and it is spectacularly wonderful! A little larger than the generous dinner tamales, they are ample. The texture is different, a little more like cornbread cake than the teaditional "fried polenta" texture of dinner tomales. I suspect that has to do with the coconut in them. The coconut must be ground, not shredded. It doesn't get between your teeth, which I hate. The flavor was a subtly-sweet and gentle blend of corn, coconut, and pineapple that is warm and wonderful and melts in your mouth. You have to taste it to believe it!!
The restaurant was staffed by a pleasant 30-something couple that I think are the owners. I will definitely be back to find out!
Go, and pray that they always have these wonders of the pineapple dish kingdom!
I am in love.
Dan
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