It may have been open less than four months, but Latin American Empanadas is already a Strathmore favourite.
Owned and operated by the Giacalone family since 1992, the bakery first set up shop in Calgary before making the move to Strathmore in April. Its menu items are Chilean-inspired but broadly representative of South America, and its recipes are still the same ones from more than 30 years ago.
Little wonder that Strathmore and area customers have taken to it so eagerly.
“We’ve been crazy busy. Everybody wants something new,” says Vanessa Giacalone, the bakery’s current owner. “I find that people here want to support the smaller businesses. They’ve been very welcoming.”
Judging by the many and overwhelmingly positive online reviews, the welcome has been as deserved as it’s been hearty.
“We have a nice, homey atmosphere,” Giacolone says. “Our food is made fresh, with no preservatives. You’re basically eating what we would make at home.”
As the name suggests, Latin American Empanadas’ specialty is empanadas, which are individually hand-made meat pies. Customers can choose from ingredients and flavours ranging from spicy beef to ham and cheese; chorizo to chicken, potato and vegetable; and vegetable to beef and raisin.
Numerous other South American specialties are also available, including hallula bread and delectable desserts such as the dulce dream cookie, chocolate butter cream cupcake, and tres leches cake.
“My favourite is the alfajore,” says Giacalone. “It’s a shortbread cookie sandwich with dulce de leche, so caramel and then coconut on the outside.”
As local customers pick their own favourites and express interest in additional items, Giacalone says she’ll look at other things to add to her menu.
In the meantime, she’ll be busy satisfying the cravings of Strathmore residents.
“It’s so far just been me, and we’re getting busier and busier,” she says.
Latin American Empanadas is located at 113 3 Ave, #1 in Strathmore. Orders can be made online, and the bakery can be reached by calling (587) 470-0186. More information, including a full menu and business hours, is available on their website.