Calzones, samosas, Jamaican beef patties—many cuisines have their version of the handheld, stuffed bread. For Uruguayan native Marcelo Azar, it is the empanada. Azar, who formerly owned a small chain of empanada houses in Montevideo, Uruguay, has opened MED Empanadas (1205 Pleasantville Rd, Briarcliff Manor 914-432-7063), the county’s only stand-alone empanada shop. Approximately 30 savory varieties of the fried dough turnovers are offered, including the Mendocino (ground beef, green olives, peppers); sautéed spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella; feta and black olives; and the Nice (Roquefort and walnuts). A short menu of sweet empanadas is also offered: dulce de leche, quince, apple, apricot, Nutella, and mulatta (caramel and milk chocolate). MED’s empanadas cost $3 to $4.50 each and, as a health-conscious bonus, you can ask for yours baked.
