I have a love for empanadas. The first time I had one was in Miami. My friend and I got a couple each, and I got hooked. It has come to the point where I like picking up a pack of beef or chicken empanadas from Longo's because I love them so much.
I got a few Groupons for The Empanada Company. I have used half of them recently. I am thankful for hearing about this eatery. Otherwise, I would be deprived of this fabulous place.
The Empanada Company is a convenient drive down highway 427 from my workplace to Lake Shore Blvd West. I can get my fix after work. Yay! You either park on a residential side street or along Lake Shore Blvd West if you can snatch a spot. I parked on Branch Avenue the first time, just off Fortieth Street, which is where this eatery is. Yesterday, I parked on Lake Shore Blvd West, steps away from Fair Grounds Cafe.
The place is a small converted house. There is an equally small patio area. Inside, there is a long table with four stools. Yes, it's tiny, too. I fit in just fine, thankfully!
There are TVs where I would think that the menus are supposed to be displayed. However, they were all off. I rang the bell on the table and a man instantly came over. Ah, if that were true and so simple to get a man to appear that fast in real life!
Anyway, I grabbed a paper menu and looked at all the empanada varieties. I used my first Groupon towards four empanadas and got the following:
- Braised beef short rib
- Lobster
- Smoked chorizo sausage
- Curry coconut chicken
I returned yesterday and got two:
- Chilean beef
- Braised beef short rib
I got two different guys behind the counter who helped me out during both my visits. They were helpful, friendly, and personable. Some empanadas come fried only, such as the lobster and braised beef short rib. You can also get some varieties baked, which I did with the smoked chorizo sausage and curry coconut chicken. If you have the option for either baked or fried, and don't know which to get, you can simply let the staff decide for you.
These empanadas are large and generously stuffed with filling. The only one that I didn't love as much was the smoked chorizo sausage, simply because it had mushy chunks of potato that I didn't want and the chorizo wasn't yummy to me. However, the other flavours were outstanding!
The lobster is like a creamy pot pie in a compact form. The curry coconut chicken is to-die-for delicious! I have been in love with the braised beef short rib from the start that I ordered it again. I typically eat more chicken than beef. However, I tried the Chilean beef and it is so good that now I am conflicted. I love it just as much as the braised beef short rib.
The empanadas are incredible. This tiny gem of a place also serves beer, such as Corona.
It does take some time to make the empanadas. I was fine waiting there. It took between 8 to 15 minutes for me. Otherwise, you can call in your order and pick it up later.
When I ordered four empanadas, they came in a box that couldn't be closed. They were securely taped. It didn't matter. I tore into one as I drove home. Yesterday, I got two, which came in a paper bag.
One word: yum! I am sold. I don't need to go back to Miami for my empanada fix. The Empanada Company will feed my ongoing empanada addiction.
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