Who’s Hungry?!? Hey fellow food lovers! My name is Doug, and I am Long Island’s Professional Fat Guy! Here on Long Island, there are tons of hobbies you can get involved in. My wife Jessica and I love to go out and try new restaurants. There are so many places to choose from with a vast variety of themes, scenes, and authentic cuisines. We are here to tell you about our favorite spot we visit each month.
This month we visited Island Empanada in Ronkonkoma. We have passed by before, but this was our first time coming in and we don’t know what was more impressive, the food or the story of how this establishment came to be. Walking in, it’s a small place but there’s dine in seating, giant murals and plenty of accolades and memorabilia on the walls. We came in when they opened, and the workers kindly greeted us as they set out the fresh made empanadas. There are over 25 empanadas to choose from and plated food as well. We placed an order of what we would like and knew we would have to wait a bit as they had just opened up. So, while we waited, we asked if the owner was in, and he just happened to be there.
He came out and I introduced ourselves. We sat at one of the tables and had a great conversation. His name is Roy and him and his wife Kathy are co-owners. I asked him “Why empanadas?” He told me when he opened up back in 2011 there wasn’t an empanada restaurant anywhere on Long Island. He told me how he used to go to empanada spots in Manhattan and try different styles, explaining to me the difference between Puerto Rican, Dominican, South American and Central American empanadas. He definitely knew his empanadas! The one thing he knew after visiting these places was, he could make it better! Using his mom’s homemade Sofrito recipe, he could make a perfect empanada. He said opening an empanada restaurant was going to be his retirement plan. Well, that got moved up when in 2009 he was laid off. Needing to provide for his family he searched for work. Finally, he found a way to take out a few loans and in 2011 he opened up this very location. He was so successful that he was able to pay back all his loans in the first year. From there it was all growth and success. He has 7 locations and 4 food trucks. Over the past 14 years they have sold over 6,000,000 empanadas! That’s an average of 1 every 5 minutes! What I really loved was hearing how he pays it back to the community. Being Sachem Alumni who played Varsity hockey (and still does) he funds not 1 but 2 hockey scholarships. He also sponsors carnivals, festivals, sports teams and so much more.
After that great conversation it was finally time to eat! We got 8 different empanadas to start. Four cheese, buffalo chicken, chicken bacon ranch, chicken and cheese, Philly cheese steak, chipotle beef, Latin shrimp and their best seller beef and cheese! We tore into all of them. Before we talk about fillings, we want to tell you how the shell of all of these were perfect! They were nice and crisp, not greasy and thin. Each empanada had its own unique flavor making them easy to identify regardless that each one comes individually labeled. The Latin shrimp was so tasty with fresh shrimp and crisp peppers and onions. Philly cheese was packed full of meat and flavor. The four cheese was oozing with deliciousness. We loved how the buffalo chicken, chicken bacon ranch and chicken and cheese were all made with real shredded chicken while each having their own completely different identity. We learned why the beef and cheese is their best seller. Just wow! We want to shake mom’s hand because that sofrito is out of this world! We finished with the chipotle beef that did not disappoint. The real flavor boost was the homemade hot sauces. One jalapeno base, the other habanero base. These had the perfect amount of spice while still packing great flavor. A hot sauce shouldn’t just burn your mouth, it should have an enjoyable taste.
While I was sitting there, they brought out a tray that the aroma immediately made me look up. I had to take a look. They brought out two huge Pernils. The skin crisp and glistening. I had to get the pork plate, and we did not regret that decision. The meat fell apart as we touched it with the fork. With the first bite I felt paradise in my mouth. I will go back just for that. It also came with rice that was fluffy and cooked perfectly with beans that tasted like home. We complimented it with sweet plantains that were soft, fresh and delicious.
No, we are not done. We had to end it with their dessert empanadas. Oreo empanada, yes that’s right, an Oreo empanada! Served hot packed with crushed Oreos covered in hot sauce. Followed by the hot apple pie empanada. Crisp flavorful apple filling while being covered in caramel drizzle. What a great way to end the meal.
We urge everyone to get down there and try these empanadas, there is something for everyone. You’ll also be supporting a business that knows the importance of community. Tell them Doug and Jess sent you!
Until next time, Bon Appetit!