Foodie Friday–Empanadas & Friends.
Empanada is a kind of pastry, which is baked or fried and stuffed with pretty much anything–cheese, veggies, fruit, meat or seafood. Although popular in Latin America, this versatile snack can also be found in Europe and Southeast Asia, albeit under different names.
The name comes from the Spanish verb empanar, to wrap or coat in bread. South of the U.S., these dough delights are also known as panas. A Latin fusion by the same name, Panas, serves delicious gourmet empanadas with spicy sauces and irresistible plantain chips.
Empanadas and Sauces @ Panas
On a recent visit, I have learned that in some countries (such as Venezuela, Panama, Dominican Republic) the word panas also means friends. This is an inexpensive, fast and conveniently located diner alternative. Unfortunately, Panas closes at 11 PM so you will have to go with the Jumbo Slice if you are out late with friends this weekend. Bon appétit!
(Have a recipe you’d like to share? Tell us about it and we’ll feature it on a Foodie Friday!)
Dukey T. I’m still trying to firgue things out in my German class I’ve only had 3 classes so far. Right now it seems formality is controlled by the cases. But I can say in Spanish that a funny word (very basic) is Sef1orita. I have a friend who is dang near 55-60-years-old and she refuses to be called Sef1ora; indeed she has more energy than I do (que triste). But definitely you would not call a woman at that age Sef1orita . unless you know her well (in context, I know her well). Sometimes, to get around it, we call her Dona (First Name). Donna Angy, which is actually Italian because Donna means (mujer) woman, but is considered a polite way to recognize that’s she’s older than (me/us) but still has a colloquial ring of informality .. anyway, this is in the Yucatan of Me9xico where I often visit or stay for weeks at a time, so it’s definitely not the rule. Interesting, eh? March 5, 2013