Frelard Tamales

Can a tamale tell a story? At Frelard Tamales, it can tell several. Frelard Tamales isn’t actually in Seattle’s Frelard neighborhood. It’s nestled in Green Lake. The name, however, reflects the owners’ roots. This is where they started their business in 2015, selling tamales at local farmers’ markets. Frelard Tamales opened its doors in Green Lake in 2018. Owners Osbaldo Hernandez and Dennis Ramey dreamed of a brick-and-mortar location. They realized that dream in June. That same month, they also celebrated another milestone: their wedding. Frelard Tamales offers five kinds of tamales. Two types of masa cater to different preferences: one with traditional pork fat, another without. The pork tamales, especially when paired with the fiery house-made red salsa, are delicious. The chicken tamales, simmered in a tangy tomatillo salsa, are a comforting delight. But don’t overlook the vegetarian and vegan options. The lard-free masa in these tamales has a unique sweetness. The bean-and-cheese version combines melted Monterey Jack with creamy pinto beans. The vegan fajita-veggie tamales burst with the flavors of caramelized onions and peppers. The recipes come from Hernandez’s mother, Evangelina Sahagun. She, along with Hernandez’s grandmother, Mamá Cuca, are often at the restaurant, lending their expertise. The tamales are a testament to family tradition. They’re also a symbol of Hernandez’s family’s journey to the United States. His father arrived in 1985 for farm work. The family faced numerous challenges, including border crossings and visa denials. Hernandez arrived in 2002, at age 12, without legal status. His father worked at Azteca in Bellevue. His mother sold tamales to neighbors. They saved enough to buy a condo. Hernandez excelled in school, despite initially knowing limited English. He credits his teachers in the Bellevue Public Schools for his success. He later became a high-school teacher in Texas, working with students facing poverty and immigration challenges. Hernandez’s experiences shape his perspective on immigration issues. Frelard Tamales represents not just delicious food but also the story of his family’s immigrant journey. Their future plans include expanding the Green Lake location into a sit-down restaurant, offering drinks and a broader menu. For now, Frelard Tamales continues to serve its delectable tamales. Each one carries a piece of family history, a taste of tradition, and a message of resilience.