It was back in September of 2014 when owners of La Gourmet Empanadas (LGE) first posted the larger than eye-catching signs on the West Ferry side of their building (see more). Since that time, they have been busy navigating the City’s regulations, which, per usual, sounds like a grueling process for such an endeavor.
Despite the setback in time delay, LGE is now open for business, and owners Hector Rodriguez and Jeffrey Harris are getting to work on whipping up a variety of homemade Latin American stuffed pastries in an area of the city that can truly appreciate such a culinary delight. Hector bounced from Brooklyn to Miami to Buffalo, following real estate opportunities. When he wound up in the West Ferry building, and met the people in the neighborhood, he realized that he could offer a certain type of cuisine that would appeal to the masses. “In certain ways, empanadas are like the pizzas that were brought to America by Italian immigrants 100 years ago,” Hector told me. “There’s a wonderful history of empanadas, similar to the pizza story. Both are simple concepts, with simple ingredients, and if you make them right, everyone loves them. Like the Italians and their pizza, Latin communities pride themselves on the empanada. Although the concept is simple, making the perfect empanada takes years to master… it’s our specialty. The empanadas are always fresh, because in this business, we would rather run out of food than ever have to reheat anything. The word “reheat” is actually grounds for divorce in a Latin family [laughing].”
When I first saw the enormous size of the corner building (Ferry and Herkimer) I wondered how the operators would pull off such a giant undertaking. It turns out that the main entrance is on the Herkimer side of the building, and there is a step-down to get to the take-out operation. There is intentionally no seating, but I am told that eventually they might add a patio. As for the rest of the building, it’s a banquet hall for the neighborhood. I was also told that although this is their first operation, they are already eyeing Riverside for their second spot.
At this point, LGE is starting off with seven different signature fillings – chicken, beef, seafood, pulled pork, salmon, black bean and vegetarian. There are also three dessert empanadas on the menu – banana, apple and mixed berry. Eventually they will be adding more variety and specials, but for now they are sticking with some of the more traditional offerings. Customers can also order burgers, salads, wraps, wings, fingers, ribs, fish fry, pizza, etc. I did notice one item of interest that I will have to try someday – the fried pickles served with Boom Boom sauce! And coming soon, the rotisserie will be put into action, cooking up Huli Huli pork and chicken.
La Gourmet Empanada has been created to give people in the neighborhood a place to grab a wide range of take-out options, with, of course, a heavy slant on the mighty empanada! Swing by when you get a chance, and try a cuisine that has made the rounds in Buffalo for years, but is now the star of the show.
La Gourmet Empanadas | 74 Herkimer St. @ W Ferry | Buffalo, NY 14213 | (716) 240-1349
Monday – Saturday
11am – 9pm
Sunday
12 noon – 6pm