Tried Empanada’s Place by my house in Costa Mesa the other day, per a friend’s blog recommendation after the one in Culver City.
Empanadas are fixture in Filipino cuisine, so I’ve been munching on them for pretty much my whole life. They are basically small bundles of meat, vegetables, spices, and various other fix-ins, wrapped in dough and either baked or fried. The ones I’m used to are baked and tend to be sweeter, so the fried, Argentina-style empanadas at this new neighborhood restaurant were set to be a refreshing experience.
The menu covered about 20 different types of empanadas, with roughly half vegetarian-friendly. My buddy Lawrence and I split six of them, which included cheesy spicy chicken, cheesy spicy beef, Tucamana (chopped beef and eggs), potato and cheese, and spinach.
Each empanada was a decently sized treat, and three each was sufficient to provide two 20-year-old dudes with a satisfactory lunch. The dough was thick, not too fried and slightly buttery-flaky, while the various flavor offerings were all solid. I would emphasize the flavors that include cheese, and though none of the flavors were as spicy as some of the names would indicate, a quick Tapatio remedy can cure that. I can’t go into too much detail on each empanada since memory fades me, but rest assured that I dominated every morsel with a smile on my face. My inside, stomach-shaped face.
At $2.99 a pop, I agree with most others that the price is a little too high for comfort, but if you want a new ethnic flavor experience and you’re in the mood for it, the money shouldn’t be an issue. Also, the name is kind of interesting - this restaurant belongs to the empanada?
It wouldn’t be far off to say so, but don’t take my word for it. Go see for yourself!
3011 Harbor Blvd. (near Baker Street, adjacent to Rite Aid and across from Target Greatland)
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
