It’s raining empanadas, and Latino food. Orinoco on Bree.

Empanadas from Orinoco.

It’s raining Empanadas in Cape Town.

An empanada is a stuffed pastry which is baked or fried and is a popular street food in many South American countries. Empanada is made by folding pastry dough around stuffing, which usually consists of a variety of meat, cheeses,vegetables or fruits.

Only this week I came across a new company at the Good Food and Wine Show called Como, who make and deliver empanadas to your door. They arrive frozen, and are to be eaten in company, most probably with a drink.

“Empanadas are the new pizza”, their owners, SA, Irish, Argentinian couple Pierce and Val Synnot told me.

Keenwa Peruvian Restaurant, on Waterkant Street, whilst still wet behind the ears, are also in the empanadas business and theirs has a Peruvian twist, it being described as a “Peruvian mince pie….olives, raisins, and egg all mixed with mince. add a squeeze of lime juice”. Strangely enough, our old companeros, in El Burro don’t serve Empanadas, opting instead for Taquitos, a sort of fried taco roll, with many of the same ingredients and accompanying guacamole and dips.

The interior is airy and pleasant.

Newly opened Orinoco on Bree Street was conceived and developed by Venezuelan born Chef Migdalia Bellorin. Through her catering business “Constantia Cuisine” and her participation at markets such as the Stellenbosch Slow Food and Cape Town Earthfair, she identified a consumer enthusiasm and demand for her authentic Latino cuisine.

Combining fresh local and imported ingredients she has created a range of flavours that captures the essence of Latin America.

My lunch there this week revealed her food to be tasty, fresh and with an authentic ring about it. Migdalia is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, hands on and obviously knows her stuff.

Migdalia uses a range of authentic ingredients in her cooking, including this corn flour.

Her breakfast dishes include the classics such as Mexican huevos rancheros, empanadas and arepas (a hollowed out patty of bread, with various fillings).

For lunch there’s a salad bar with many fresh choices that change daily. The dishes include filled tortillas, a mixed grill, fish dishes, and for dessert you have to try the Venezuelan hot chocolate.

Opening hours are from 8 until 6 in the evening, and on Fridays Orinoco is open until 9pm, when you can try the sundowners with cocktails, sangria and tapas.

A take away and office delivery services is also available.

Orinoco.

17 Bree Street,

cnr. Prestwich.

021 418 4544

info@orinocoflavours.co.za

www.orinocoflavours.co.za

Como Empanadas,

021 797 5895

www.comofoods.co.za