Julia's Empanada offers Latin American empanadas to-go

August 24, 12:40 AMDC Cheap Eats ExaminerMichelle Johnson

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Window Display at Julia's Empanadas

Julia's Empanada, fresh hand-made empanadas made with fruit, meat, or vegetables. Empanadas are similar to Jamaican beef patties, but the bread is layered crispy and flaky, instead of soft and chewy. This is a healthy food option because they use fresh ingredients and seasonings. It is also quick and fast. Come to think of it, an empanada is a lot more similar to a turnover, and not a beef patty. When it comes to the taste of the bread it is a little sweet like a turnover. When you walk by Julia's Empanadas, it catches your attention with its decadent window displays, which makes it stand out from other shops and restaurants along the block. I thought that it was nice and it was good because it promoted the product well. In the window is a description of an Empanada, flowers, paintings, a tray with fake empanadas on it, and other information about Julia's Empanada. It is exciting and inviting and makes you wanted to try an Empanada out of curiosity.

The dough for the empanadas is made from scratch, so it varies depending on the kind of empanada, what kind of flavors is added to the dough. The vegetarian dough has squash puree added to it and the Jamaican dough has curry added to it, so the dough is seasoned to compliment the filling that will go inside. What kind of stuff are these empanadas filled with? Chicken, beef, turkey, curry, turmeric, spinach, mozzarella, guava, peach, raisins, are just a few things that they can have in them. The Vegetarian empanada changes on a weekly basis, so check with the clerk to see what is in it. The Turkey empanada with spring onions has cilantro, onion and jalapeno seasoned with turmeric. I thought that it tasted a little sweet when I first had it and then when I had it again I thought that it tasted a little spicy. The Jamaican style empanada has beef, onion, potato, curry, and other seasonings. I liked the Jamaican style better than the Turkey because it didn't have that sweet taste to it, but I found both of them to be seasoned unevenly with some parts being very bland and other parts being a bit seasoned.
Julia's Empanada has gotten great reviews, so I would go back and try some more empanadas; I think that I just got some bad ones.

The empanadas are not made to order and it is a dine out establishment. It is a penny pincher and they have some good offers. For fewer than 10 dollars you can get the Big Meal Deal which includes two empanadas, one fruit empanada, and a soda. For fewer than 6 dollars you can get the Good Meal Deal which includes an empanada, a fruit empanada, and a soda. For fewer than 6 dollars you can also get the Healthy Meal Deal an empanada, a soup, and a salad. Julia's Empanada is a healthy meal without a pricey bill.

For more info:
Julia’s Empanada
1221 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
Dupont Circle
Phone: (202) 861-8828

For directions by car, public transportation, or walking click on this link

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