Empanadas made their first appearance during the Moorish invasions in Medieval Iberia. In fact, in 1520, a cookbook in Catalan describing regional Catalan, French, Italian and Arabian food mentions empanadas by name!

Over time, Spanish colonists carried the dish to Latin America and the Philippines, and it wouldn’t take long for empanadas to become synonymous with that country’s culture. They’re also an essential and popular dish in Argentina, available across Buenos Aires and the rest of the country as both fast-food fare and restaurant staples.

El Meson is celebrating these meat pies with a week-long festival at their restaurant from Wed, Oct 2nd through Saturday, Oct 5th from 4:30pm to 8:30pm. Offering nine different empanadas served in platters of 3 for $15. The Empanadas are cut in half for six good size bites to share. You’ll be able to choose from chicken, vegetarian, bacon, birria beef, seafood and more. There are even gluten-free options made with corn shells. Owner Bill Castor suggests “compliment your platter by ordering a salad, bowl of soup and be sure to save room for dessert.” This month El Meson is featuring a Tres Leches Cake – a Mexican style sponge cake soaked in 3 types of milk.