Have you guys ever tried empanadas? Empanadas are stuffed bread pastries that are baked or fried and come from Latin America, Europe, and some parts of southern U.S. and Asia. At Johnny Pacific, Winnetka, CA, these empanadas are from Latin America, and oh boy, this little place is a hidden gem!! Mostly locals know of this place. My first time eating here, I witnessed so many locals going in and out, picking up large amounts of phone orders for their home parties! These yummy little pastries are stuffed with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and even fruits! Yes! These empanadas can be made into savory, mouth-filling treats or sweet little treats.

lunch combo – come for their lunch combos if you can! You can choose 2 empanadas, a choice of a side salad or fries, and a canned drink!

khalua pig pork – the texture of khalua pig pork was like very stringy meat! It was full of flavors that were mouth-watering, but at the same time not overwhelmingly wet and juicy! I like stringy meat 🙂

BBQ pulled pork – The shredded texture of the pulled pork is very similar to the khalua pig! Even more stringy and thin too! The pulled pork itself already has a strong sweet BBQ taste but that didn’t stop me! I dipped this empanada into BBQ sauce to give that extra sweet, tangy flavor 🙂

beef tinga – This empanada was very juicy and savory! When I bit into it, some of the juices flow out into the corners of my mouth! What a hot and burning surprise! But well worth it! I love how it’s not too messy! Anyone can always appreciate flavorful juices flowing out right? Brings the deliciousness out even more!

cajun sausage – This one was my favorite empanada!! It is the only empanada I’ve tried where I felt like I didn’t need additional sauces or condiments. There’s just so much flavors in it already! Plus, there is some creamy white sauce in it which I am biased towards all food. It kinda reminds me of a pizza hot pocket or pasta carbonara ish. There’s a sweet mixture of minced sausage, bacon, rice and cheese inside. You guys must try it 🙂

If you guys have never tried Latin food before then I suggest making this place your very first stop to exposing yourself to Latin food! I promise you won’t regret!! 🙂