New tamales restaurant opening in Des Moines

Hot Tamale Catering is opening a storefront in Des Moines' southside Friday — upgrading from a food trailer in a driveway to a dine-in spot.

What to expect: Hot and fresh Mexican favorites that focus on natural ingredients, according to owner Angie Davila.

• Some menu items: Red and green varieties of tamales & enchiladas, potato flautas, apple chimichangas and brisket tacos.

State of play: When Davila found herself unemployed from her medical underwriting job more than a year ago, she started brainstorming how to provide for her three young kids.

• Her solution: Create a recipe and sell the tamales she's always craved, but couldn't find in Des Moines.
• Thus, Hot Tamale Company was born from her home.

The secret to Davila's mouth-watering tamales is the masa — the fresh corn dough used to bind everything together.

• "We seem to hit people’s taste buds the right way," Davila said.

Open: Tues-Fri 10am to 10pm; Sat 9am to 10pm; Sun 9am to 3pm

• Customers can order at the restaurant (2811 SE 14th Street, Des Moines) or call ahead for catering.