Argentina By Way of Beverly Hills

I do believe I have died and gone to heaven. I truly believe I have left my body (and possibly mind) and traveled to another dimension - where Dulce de Leche is king and whatever it ask of me I must obey. Words-can't-quite-form and my feet can't feel the floor. I have entered an altered state and have no desire to return to planet earth. Wait, I see a sign, it's becoming clearer it reads.......Nonna's Empanadas. Oh, I haven't traveled far at all. I would never have guessed such pleasure was closer than I realized.

Out front w/Outdoor sitting

I was greeted with smiles and a warmth, not just from the hot summer day but from people genuinely loving what they do, what they make and wanting to share it all with you. I had passed by Nonna's a week ago, and made plans to come back and check it out (it's my job after all!). Today I happened to be in the area and thought 'this time is as good as any'. Parking was easy and the little shop that's only been open for a month was eager to accept me. Mario, the owner is a darling older gentleman, with a charm and a smirk that lets you know he was trouble in his day. "Hola Senorita, como estas?" he greets me, I respond in my limited Spanish,"muy bien senor, gracious. Y tu?", this immediately sends him rabbling more Spanish to me, I quickly stop him, letting him knowing my Spanish skill level is still quite beginners. He smiled and began explaining to me his offerings (in english).

Full Espresso Bar

Dulce de Leche butter cookies

Turn over style pastries made w/filo dough and filled w/Dulce de Leche

Sample plate of Dulce de Leche

Everything looked beautiful, the spread upfront is mostly delicate pastries of filo dough, Dulce de Leche and butter, an assortment of mini croissants, cookies and turnovers. Alex, the head chef was also upfront and when I asked what the nutella type substance was in between a cookie, his eyes perked and he excitedly told me it was Dulce de Leche, but that I must taste it to experience it, words alone can't describe it. He hurried to the back and return moments later with a small saucer of Dulce and a miniature spoon. Urging me to sample, he didn't have to ask me twice. As I brought the spoon to my lips and a heaping spoonful of Dulce touched my tongue I could feel my eyes roll back and my knees go weak. It was amazing, pure butter, cream and sugar but smooth like honey and light as air. It melted in my mouth and I was left with a sweet memory of it. It took every ounce of will power not to grab the plate and lick the remainder; I didn't want to scare Alex or Mario, we had only just met and I knew I definitely wanted to return.

As I sampled the caramely delight, Alex explained to me the process of making it. How someone literally stands and stirs for two hours the hot pot of butter, cream and sugar until the perfect consistency and temperature are reached.  All of their ingredients are sourced from Argentina, they themselves are Argentinean, oh yeah this is an Empanadas joint. Pastries are not the only good things to enjoy here, the Empanadas are by far the best I've ever had. I learned a while back that many South American countries have their versions of Empanadas but in my book Argentina know what they're talking about. I ordered a beef w/Jalapeños and a Chicken Empanada they were flaky, and packed with meat, onions, garlic and a savory blend of seasonings. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. And, to think I had just considered giving up bread for a bit and cutting my sugar intake. Oh well there's always Monday.

Another amazing cake like pastry

Crescent type pastry w/Dulce de Leche

Nonna's was everything and more, that I didn't know to expect. I am absolutely blown away by the service, the freshness and quality of everything I tried. Fortunately, I couldn't stay and ordered everything to go, Alex was kind enough to throw in a few extra sweets just to make sure I didn't miss trying anything and besides everything is better when it's shared. So that's what I did. Mum and I sat on our 3rd floor fire escape retreat, listening to Spanish music, sipping tea and feasting on our Argentinean pastries; watching the traffic go by and the Hollywood crowds; for a moment we escaped to a small province in Buenos Aires where the streets were alive with people dancing tango in the streets and enjoying their mid day siesta (just as we all should).

Hmm, ok time for another bite. :-)

Nonna's Empanadas
8570 W. 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
http://www.nonnasempanadas.com/
310.385.0445