The real hot pocket at Empanada Man in Lake Forest

December 15th, 2008, 8:36 am · 6 Comments · posted by Niyaz "I've Just Got Big Bones" Pirani

Could there be a more perfect food than the empanada? And really, if you look at it, different places around the world have their own version - in New Zealand there’s the meat pie, in India there’s the samosa and in America there’s the … umm … Hot Pocket. Well, you can’t always win.

But the version I found at Empanada Man in Lake Forest, crafted by Argentines Omar and Roxanna Bizaro, is thoroughly satisfying and oh-so flavorful that I’m already thinking about a return visit to get a sampling of the stuff I didn’t order. And hey, they’ve got more than empanadas if you aren’t in the mood.

But really, why wouldn’t you be?

I mean look at those things. They’re beautiful.

On a recent visit, Fiancé Nadia and I ordered eight, two of each, to bring home to Homeboy Erik who was hanging out at his place down the street.

You can order just one pastry for $1.89, but why get just one? There’s also a half-dozen, with up to three flavors, for $10.79, or a dozen, with up to four flavors, for $17.99. If you’re really hungry, there’s a party special of 60 empanadas, with up to five flavors, for about $80.

Pastries come filled with meats and veggies, or just veggies if that’s what you like, and we tried four that Roxanna recommend it.

The Beef (top left) is the original and is stuffed with ground beef, onions, hard-boiled eggs and spices. It was slightly salty with a nice, beefy flavor and a smooth texture. The hint of egg white on the back of each bite went great with the meat. Our other beef empanada was the Saltenas (top right), kind of a Latin pot pie, full of beef, chicken, peas, potatoes, carrots, raisins, celery, eggs, olives and spices.

It was my favorite of the bunch and the raisins added a hint of sweetness that balanced out the saltiness of all the other ingredients.

The Chili Verde Pork (bottom right), with pork, onion, corn, chili verde sauce and spices, was flavorful without being spicy. The empanada had the satisfying sweetness of green chili and corn, which was a nice contrast to the finely shredded meat.

Our last empanada was the Spinach and Cheese (bottom left). This one, with spinach, white sauce, onions, red peppers, sliced eggs and spices. Of all of our choices, this was my least favorite because of it’s super strong spinach taste, but Nadia and Erik both liked it as well.

The menu also includes a great other fare, mainly Italian, ranging from pastas and pizza to sandwiches and appetizers.

On our visit, we also tried one of the pizzas, in this case the Seven Heaven, which ranges in price from $8.99 for a small to $36.99 for a party size. The pizza comes with pepperoni, sausage, black olives, red onions, green peppers, fresh tomatoes, a boat load of fresh garlic and a dusting of oregano.

What I liked most about the pie was the strong garlic flavor and hints of oregano. Both are flavors that most places don’t usually get crazy with, but it’s all good at this place. The toppings were fresh and the crust was really chewy and didn’t get in the way of the mess piled on top.

Sometime soon, I’ll have to at least grab some more of those empanadas, and probably another pizza too.

Empanada Man

20761 Lake Forest Dr.

Lake Forest

949-855-9257

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Posted in: Off the eatin' path: Local hidden gems • Restaurants by price: $0-$14 • Latin-American |

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6 Responses to “The real hot pocket at Empanada Man in Lake Forest”

FoodieInDisguise Says:
December 15th, 2008 at 11:06 am
This place is great! I have been there several times and haven’t been disappointed. My favorites include the spinach and the ricotta cheese with mushrooms!
Niyaz "I've Just Got Big Bones" Pirani Says:
December 15th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
FoodieInDisguise: Yeah, they also have a milanesa sandwich (pounded, breaded meat) that looked really good too.
Val Says:
December 16th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Oh my. The spinach, ricotta, mushroom one sounds amazing.
candice Says:
December 16th, 2008 at 10:13 am
oh, no — my favorite place in lake forest has been released to the public!
yes, the saltenas are divine — just like everything else on the menu. we’ve ordered from them at least a dozen times, and have never been disappointed. very consistent quality.
Jane Says:
December 22nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
We just tried these empanadas tonight, as a result of this article. THANK YOU! They are delicious and we are already planning a catering order for a January party!
Niyaz "I've Just Got Big Bones" Pirani Says:
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:24 am
Jane: So glad you enjoyed the empanadas!