Zona's Tamales closes a couple of days early

Two weeks ago, we reported that Zona's Tamales, the blue and orange mainstay at 713 East 26th Avenue that's inhabited a Five Points corner for forty years, would close on October 15, sending 85-year-old Zona Moore into retirement after she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of theft by receiving...

By Laura Shunk

October 12, 2010

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Two weeks ago, we reported that Zona's Tamales, the blue and orange mainstay at 713 East 26th Avenue that's inhabited a Five Points corner for forty years, would close on October 15, sending 85-year-old Zona Moore into retirement after she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of theft by receiving for buying and selling stolen cigarettes.

On Sunday, Moore's family and friends threw her a birthday and retirement party at Cervantes', 2637 Welton Street. And today or tomorrow, she'll shut her doors for good, a couple of days earlier than anticipated.

"Today's supposed to be the last day," her grandson says, "but we'll probably be open tomorrow, until the food runs out."

So if you're craving a pig's ear sandwich or soul food done the Zona's Tamales way, this really is your last chance.

Laura Shunk was Westword's restaurant critic from 2010 to 2012; she's also been food editor at the Village Voice and a dining columnist in Beijing. Her toughest assignment had her drinking ten martinis and eating ten Caesar salads over the course of 48 hours. She still drinks martinis, but remains lukewarm on Caesar salads.

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